[robz71lm7]

I asked a few others (co-workers, local F-body board etc) but thought I'd ask here as well since I trust the judgement and value the opinions on this board. First of all I have never ridden a motorcycle, but have toyed with the idea for the past few years. I got my motorcycle permit last week and am taking an MSF course in a couple of weeks. As you can probably guess I want a sportbike. I have a 30 mile one way commute on 2-lane roads and the interstate (70 mph+). I'd mainly be getting it as a toy, but I'd like to be able to ride to work too so I can somewhat justify it in my head. I have thought about track days, but that is a ways away if ever.

I've had recommendations ranging from a 250 all the way to a 750 sport bike (Ninja 250r, R6, or GSXR 600 or 750). Thoughts?

[NJSPEEDER]

I always recommend getting something older and easy to work on for a first bike. It is an opportunity to learn and the odds are that if you are ever going to tip or wreck a bike it is about 85% likely to happen in the first year of riding.

Old Jap cruisers are great to learn on, Honda CB's or Kawasaki LTD's would be my bikes of choice for learning. Plentiful and a breeze to work on. Just avoid the 4 carb Kawa's, that was the only mistake of my first bike, they can be a PITA to synch properly.

-Tim