Been riding for about 4 or 5 years now, and I've loved every minute of it.
What: '97 Suzuki GSX-R 600 (looks just about like this)
Equipment: Matte black Shoei helmet, black Tourmaster GX vented gloves, black FirstGear Mesh-Tex Jacket
How often: Everyday, all day, 365/year...no car, so if I don't have a friend to take me around, out comes the bike. 10,000 miles last year, but probably about half that this time around.
As far as your first bike goes, I'd give another recommendation for the Ninja 500R. It's what I had for a year before my Gixxer, and I loved it. Fast enough when you need it, and forgiving enough not to kill you when you mess up. Engine size is pretty dependant on the type of bike you get, though. For a sportbike, anything over 600 when learning has the potential to be very dangerous, and even most 600's stand a chance of hurting you. Hell, I learned on a Ducati 900SS, and my current Gixxer feels just as quick (I do NOT recommend learning on a Duc, btw).
Definitely take plenty of time to get used to the feel of the bike and all. It takes practice (just like with driving) to get to the point where you can go through the standard motions and such without thinking, and that's what you'll end up having to do as soon as someone doesn't see you and merges into your lane, or turns out in front of you.
Good luck and safe riding to ya, and keep us all updated.
What: '97 Suzuki GSX-R 600 (looks just about like this)
Equipment: Matte black Shoei helmet, black Tourmaster GX vented gloves, black FirstGear Mesh-Tex Jacket
How often: Everyday, all day, 365/year...no car, so if I don't have a friend to take me around, out comes the bike. 10,000 miles last year, but probably about half that this time around.
As far as your first bike goes, I'd give another recommendation for the Ninja 500R. It's what I had for a year before my Gixxer, and I loved it. Fast enough when you need it, and forgiving enough not to kill you when you mess up. Engine size is pretty dependant on the type of bike you get, though. For a sportbike, anything over 600 when learning has the potential to be very dangerous, and even most 600's stand a chance of hurting you. Hell, I learned on a Ducati 900SS, and my current Gixxer feels just as quick (I do NOT recommend learning on a Duc, btw).
Definitely take plenty of time to get used to the feel of the bike and all. It takes practice (just like with driving) to get to the point where you can go through the standard motions and such without thinking, and that's what you'll end up having to do as soon as someone doesn't see you and merges into your lane, or turns out in front of you.
Good luck and safe riding to ya, and keep us all updated.