Is 350cc to large for a beginner?

I have never rode a motorcycle before. I found a 1978 Honda Xl 350 for 1500. I feel it is over priced.

Do you think 350 is to large for me? Also this is an Enduro, I would mainly be using this for street. Is this safe, or a good idea? Should I just stick with a street bike, which is made for the street?

The Honda 350 was at one time the most popular motorcycle in the US. Back in 70s and 80s you used to see them EVERYWHERE. They came in various styles--street, 'scrambler', enduro--but they were all essentially the same motorcycle, just different stuff on them that changed the look more than the function.

I wanted to buy a used 350 once, back in the 70s. The ads were full of them! I rode one and it vibrated like a paint mixer. I mentioned this to the owner and he said 'Yeah, they all do that!' I didn't believe him, but I rode a couple more 350s and by golly, he was right! I ended up buying a 350/4, the smallest 4-cyl. Bike Honda made up to that point, and that was one of the smoothest, sweetest, most reliable bikes I ever owned!

I would say a 350 is just right for a first bike. It's light, easy to manage, etc. But 36 years old is really OLD for a motorcycle! A bike like that could have one problem after another. And parts are not that easy to find, so you end up spending about 1/2 of your time waiting for parts, 1/4 of the time working on the bike, and 1/4 riding. It can really be heartbreaking to fix some expensive, complicated thing and then have something else break 3 days later.

A more modern 250 or 300, like Honda CBR 250/300 or Kawasaki Ninja 250/300, would be a better choice in just about every way. Lighter, more powerful, more comfortable, less fixing required and parts are available just down the street or, at worst, overnight.

How big are you. If ye be a short dump then the bike is too big for you to handle the weight of it.
If ye be a big mutha ducker then the bike should be about right.
. Getting a MC is like getting a pair of shoes. Only one size fits real good… Sure you could get smaller but you outgrow it quickly.
. If ye be a skinny mutha, then the 350 might be too much weight for your arms, legs, and shoulders. It is a trial by error thing. Rent one and try it out. It is all in "wrist control"

The seat height might be a little tall for you - sit on it.
Parts are rare and no shop will work on bikes over 10 years old - you'll be doing most of the repairs yourself.
One thing you better consider, it doesn't have an electric starter.
The engine has to be kick started - you have to be big and have strong legs to start that engine.

My first bike was a 1976 yamaha xs500

it was probably too big for me (and it was overpriced, and it only lasted one season) but i had a blast with it. It finally blew a head gasket after i put about about 10 000 km on it so i sold it *not running* for about half of what i paid ($450) . And i regret it. I wish i had kept it in storage. Fast forward a few years later and i can afford to have it restored.

anyway. Yeah i'm not a large person. 5'4" ~160lbs. I think you'll be okay. Old bikes are great. I rode my latest '84 honda through the north eastern usa this summer (about 5000 kms in 10 days). You sometimes have to get "creative" with repairs and you also need to know when to "let go" but i've had 30 year old bikes that i've bought for ~$500 last 20000+ kms needing only minor work (and ebay. Ebay. EBAY. )

It's a heavy, poor handling bike and $1,500 is too much for it. You could do better.
Look for a mid 80s XL250R for around the same price. A vastly superior bike.

You need to understand that a 36-year-old motorcycle is probably not going to be reliable daily transportation. It will need maintenance and parts will be almost impossible to find.

While a 350cc bike is a good size for a beginner, I'd suggest you find something a bit more modern as a first bike. Maybe something like a Honda Rebel or a Kawasaki Ninja 250.

Size is about right for beginners, style as Trail model is good for tall people. Age and price are the stickers- that old is as others noted a shop work lesson in the making--but it is simple enough for most people that can read a Haynes manual to work on. Price is $500.00 to $1000.00 more than would be found locally- last fall a early 1980s Suzi 550 went for about $350.00 at a fall sale- was fired up, ridden to the auction wagon, had last years tags on it. The Harleys went for $3250.00 and $3750.00- one was registered as a 1949 and had lots of odd parts. I still ride about that old cycle- the Goldwing is a 1978 with some newer bits and pieces.

NO TAN!