Thanks to all for your thoughtful responses.

I've always wanted a bike so it's not a spur of the moment decision. I would definitely take some riding courses to improve my skill set. I was definitely not going with the biggest fastest sportbike made, but rather something torquey, light and fun.

I have found that I have become increasingly defensive and cautious about other drivers as I rack up my 30000+ miles per year. I find I am always watching vehicles as they approach intersections, double check people are stopping at just changed red lights, watching those drifting lane changers on the highway that move without directionals or regards for those around them. It sounds like these habits translate directly but with a higher sense of urgency.

I can't help but wonder if, with all the nuts on the road, the hazards overcome the enjoyment.

Cost is completely secondary in the process, it'd be nice to save some money (current driver gets 17-18mpg) and be a little more eco friendly, but it is not the deciding factor by a longshot.

SIPDE, baby. SIPDE.

My commute to work is 15 miles on a 3 lane freeway with no carpool lane. It can be a high stress ride both to work and home with all the peopl not watching their mirrors. I have gotten pretty good and anticipating drivers moves. This enables me to make decisions based on my comfort level at the time.
I ride be cause it is more economical to ride rather than drive. I do not ride in the rain or the very cold ( less that 40). I used to ride on a freeway with the car pool lane and it made a big difference in the time to get to and from work.
The only time I split lanes now it to get home and that is only when traffic is moving less than 25 mph.
The most fun are weekend runs and trackdays.

I commute 60 miles each way on my GS as much as I can. As a matter of fact I just bought some new Jesse Oddesy bags, new mirrors and a new windshield to make it a better highway bike. I agree that the interstate is safer. If you keep your eyes open, cages can only come at you from the front and back. Plus, there is the shoulder to go to if need be.

I also ride on the dirt, and I feel that your dirt skills will help you on the street.

One thing I like about my GS is that it has a great horn. I have used it more than once to let a cage know I was there. I 100% agree with all of the comments about watching the cars. If I am on anything more than a 2 lane road, I am never the first person through the stop light. Having some dumb a$$ running a red light hit me would suck, as I don't want my leg attached to a bumper, or my handlebars to go into my nutsack (I have gwon quite fond of my balls, and want to keep them).

If you want a bike, get one. They can be great fun, and the motorcycle community can be great.

Oh yeah, take a class. If you buy a new BMW, they even pay for it for you.

Bill

SIPDE??? I can usually figure out the abbrevations, but not this one....

I won't commute in an urban area. Too much unpredictable behavior.

I do commute from my rural (for the moment) home to my suburban office. I try to do it at slightly odd times. Haven't had a good scare in years, but I'm not naive, its just a matter of time.

Scan, Identify, Predict, decide , execute...

Scan the area, I
Identify the hazzards,
Predict actions of hazzards,
Decide what the best course of action is,
Execute your decided action

Got it.

For myself, I have a really hard time not buying one of these for that occaisional blast down the road.

Yammie R1, 150hp, fuel injected. The current version of the Genesis 5-valve engine, Oh, yeah!
http://images17.fotki.com/v309/photo...1_Raven-vi.jpg

http://images17.fotki.com/v296/photo..._3sized-vi.jpg

Here's what Obi-Wan rides:

http://www.vfrdiscussion.com/forum/u...847_36236.jpeg

after being bikeless for a few years, i'm about to rejoin the ranks. being visible and predicting everyone's behavior is the only way to survive. if you're a beginner, i'd avoid rush hour traffic/commuting. due to less congestion, i'd take the side roads if i could. the route is usually nicer and you won't have to worry about slamming on the brakes (and someone into you) which happens frequently on a highway.

having a noisy bike helps too ;)