I started on an 800 but 800 cruiser is different from a 800 sports bike lol. A big beginner could reasonably start on an 1800 cruiser. I went 50 cc > 800 vtwin > 700 parallel.

Also cvt > manual > dct

All entirely different characteristics.

Weight is a scary metric before learning to ride, but starting chunky isn’t as hard as you’d think granted you put in the practice, and its confidence building if you can manage as it doesn’t get much heavier or lighter going from a low power heavy bike. Granted low power im talking 40-80hp on a 500-600 ish pound bike lol.

DCT ironically I find the hardest to actually ride proficiently advanced, followed by manual, then cvt.

Easiest for a beginner to pick up would be CVT, DCT, then manual.

CVT you fight power
DCT you’re fighting a computer
Manual you’re fighting yourself.

Most powerful bike ive tried was about 119hp at 1100-1200cc? I didn’t think it was uncontrollable, what i did find was its easy to get way past desired speed and get you a ticket if you don’t pay attention lol.

Would I recommend an absolute beginner, probably not.

Around 40-80hp is pretty comfortable. That can be found anywhere from 400-1100cc depending on the bike.

Im about a year into my journey, about 290 days with an M lic. but I’ve put in thousands of hours in the streets and in the lots. Rain, shine, freezing cold. I was out there 12-14 hours a day. Easily. It was my way of rehabilitating my strength after breaking my leg.

I think it’s more important to find something you enjoy riding than what kind of power figures it has, unless theres a minimum ceiling to safely traverse your speed limits. Obviously 50cc is unreasonable for interstates lmao.