I have been riding for about 5 years, and I would say go with something slightly bigger. I am about 240 and 6 feet. I went with a magna for my first bike (the 500) and sold it quickly. I bought a Honda Shadow 1100 and it was perfect. Enough power to go where and when I wanted but not so much that I couldn't handle it. I sold that after a year also though, and bought a Kawasaki Vulcan 1600. LOVE THAT ONE. Had to get the vulcan because my wifes legs were too long for the shadow to be comfortable for her. I am definitley glad I didnt start on the Vulcan though, pretty sure I would have laid it down.