Del, I have mixed feelings about motorcycles. I have ridden on and off (no pun) for forty years. I've laid my bike down three times. My worst injury fortunately was a black eye and some sore muscles. I still love riding a motorcycle. But I've been repairing and maintaining the equipment in our Intensive Care Unit for thirty-two years, so I've seen many cycle related injuries come thru. Some were no fault or the riders. Riding the interstate at 65 at night and a deer leaps in front of you.............. Anyway, I won't say don't get a cycle. But do take the riding course. And always wear your helmet not matter how hot it gets. My first accident was at 5 mph and a two inch gash on the top of my helmet was the result. My own safer riding rules ,learned from my own experiences: Don't ever think you're really are good at riding (even if you are). If I'm riding with others, I don't ride two abreast because half of my escape routes is gone. Always leave a lot of space bewteen your bike and any vehicle stopped in front of you. Have the loudest horn you can get. Look in your rearview mirror frequently and look ahead as far as you can. Don't assume anybody sees you, especially those passing oncoming cars and those approaching from side streets or roads. If you're riding a new road, learn all it's ins and outs before getting on the throttle too heavy. (Another crash lesson) As to which bike to get. After taking the course, test ride them and see which you like. You'll find that each one handles just a little differently (maybe a lot). And maybe just the look of one will be the deciding factor. But I would not get one that I didn't like how it rides and handles for me . Enjoy the ride, even if it's in the "old pickup truck". Gary
