[JavaBrewer]

Matt,

Have you taken the MSF course and gotten your M1 licence yet? Given that you have no experience with motorcycles I highly recommend that you complete those first. Then you can ride a couple bikes before making a decision/purchase. Look at something used in the 600 class. Actually the best recommendation I can offer is to start with a dirt bike. They are light, fast, and hella fun to ride. Develop your 2 wheel + engine handling skills off road and away from cars. These skills will be very helpful when you move to the street. If a off-road only bike is too much of a burden then consider a dual purpose bike that you can ride to the dirt. They are also loads of fun and easy to learn on. If going for a street bike stay away from the stretched out bikes with lots of plastic. Sport bikes look very cool, and they are, but are terrible choices for learning to ride on. Actually once you sit on them it's apparent they are designed to only go fast/race on. Weekend rides and around town or on the freeway/commuting their seating positions suck and I see lots of them on the freeways with guys contorted in all kinds of postions trying to ease their backs/arms/hands.

Like Todd said, invest in really good gear, as it will probably end up saving your life someday. Good luck and keep us informed of what you decide.