[jhynesrockmtn]

There are many bikes that would be a good fit. I don't know about going the whole smaller beginner bike route. I did that and it worked out ok but I ended up buying and selling something I outgrew quickly. If I were to do that again I'd buy a classic, yet modern enough to be safe, that I wanted to keep. Air cooled BMW new enough to have disc brakes, etc. would be interesting. I had a 76 Honda CB400 supersport, very cool little bike I should have kept.

I ride an older Honda VFR750 which I love. Enough power for me, great commuter, handles well enough to take to the track and have fun, cheap, super reliable, etc. If you are going to commute I like the lockable hard bag idea. That's something I don't have and I'm constantly worried about my stuff getting stolen or I have to lug a large backpack or my soft bag around. I have a rack system for mine and adding a lockable hard bag should be pretty easy. My bike weighs in the 475 lb range. It might be tough to find something substantially lighter with fairings, etc. that you can live with every day.

Price in gear, it gets expensive quick. I've learned ton from other riders on this board. Have fun and be safe, take the MSF class, ride for a while, take another, read books, practice, etc.