Contemplating Bikes as I Wait for My Training Date

I have spent a bunch of time researching motorcycles, safety, basic maintenance, break-in and the standard jargon used to describe bikes and accessories. Naturally, at first, I wanted the biggest, baddest bike money could buy - but I quickly learned that approach is just plain stupid.

I've learned that it's important to begin riding on a smaller bike for a couple of reasons:

• You are bound to drop it at least once. Better be able to pick it up.
• For inexperienced riders, 500cc and above engines can get out of control quickly.
• Smaller bikes allow the rider to build confidence and experience before moving up.

Per quality recommendations, I have opted to start out on a 250cc cruiser/standard. In this class, favorites are the Honda Nighthawk and Rebel, the Suzuki GZ250, and the Yamaha Virago 250.

I am leaning towards the Yamaha Virago 250 as my first bike. I'll take a used one, but will most likely buy new. The bike is under $4,000 new and weighs a manageable 301 lbs. I especially like the V-twin engine both for performance and looks as the perception is one of a more medium sized motorcycle. I'd really like black - but the two-tone black and maroon is pretty sharp.

On the con side, the Virago does not hold as much gas as the Honda Nighthawk at 2.5 vs. 4.3 gallons respectively. As long as it gets me to work and back, who's complaining?

We'll see what develops but I remain excited about getting into motorcycling. It's definitely not an "overnight" process but due to the potential danger involved, I suppose that's a good thing.