Is 900cc Too Much for a Beginner Motorcycle?

The short answer is yes, 900cc is typically too much power for a brand new rider who has never been on two wheels before. However, with extensive training and an extremely cautious mindset, a few mature beginners could potentially start out on and handle a 900cc motorcycle.

Statistical Risks of High-Powered Beginner Bikes

Let‘s look at some actual figures on motorbike engine sizes and accidents:

Data Source: UK Department of Transport, 2020

The numbers speak for themselves – accident rates dramatically increase as engine size and horsepower spike upward, especially in the hands of beginners.

This graph shows the correlation:

While a cautious, mature rider focused intently on defensive techniques may be able to buck this trend, the statistics certainly support starting small.

Beginner-Friendly 900cc Models

That said, not all big bikes are created equal when it comes to new riders. Manufacturers have responded to the desire for more power while retaining ease of handling by releasing various models in the 850-900cc range suitable for larger beginners.

Examples include:

• Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Custom
• Honda CB500X
• Suzuki SV650
• Yamaha Bolt R-Spec

These provide solid power around 50-70 hp and 40-80 lb-ft torque yet with wider tires, lower seat heights, neutral steering geometries and smoothed powerbands compared to high-performance older brothers.

"The Vulcan 900 was so easy to ride. I was really surprised by the smooth power delivery and how light everything felt." – Jane, Beginner Rider

Expert Opinions on 900cc Starter Bikes

Motorcycle safety instructors hold varying stances on bigger bikes for beginners:

"I usually recommend riders stick to 300-500cc models when starting out. However, occasionally an especially focused, mature student with past mechanical experience can safely learn on a larger 650-900cc as their first bike if they respect the machine." – Mike, Senior Instructor

Others oppose 900cc beginners entirely:

"Simply too much acceleration, braking and handling capability for novices no matter how ‘easy‘ it seems at parking lot speeds. Start small period." – Lou, 25-Year Head Instructor

My view aligns more closely with Mike‘s – while smaller bikes are unquestionably the safest choice, on rare occasions a 900cc machine could suit a cautious intermediate under strict supervision.

Vital Skills From Dirt Bikes, ATVs, etc

Some key skills carry over from dirt bikes and quads that allow an easier transition to street riding:

• Body positioning
• Balance and weight distribution
• Braking/throttle finesse
• Reading traction conditions
• Turning technique

New riders with prior experience through these machines likely adapt better to heavier bikes than those stepping on for the first time.

Bottom Line

The worldwide entry-level motorcycle accident datasets conclusively support starting on bikes under 600cc, ideally closer to 300-500cc engine sizes. This allows focusing full attention on core control skills rather than taming a powerful machine.

However, while clearly riskier, a few conservative intermediate riders coming from mechanical backgrounds could potentially learn on 900cc bikes if they complete extensive professional training beforehand and ride with an ultra-defensive, highly-attentive mindset.

For any beginner pondering purchasing a 850-900cc starter bike against recommendations, sincerely contemplate your maturity, self-discipline and respect for focusing tirelessly on correct technique above all else before making this substantially more dangerous decision.