Thanks a million everyone!! I am so excited about the thought of owning my own bike...but I'm very cautious at heart, so I definitely plan to be "bundled up" in all the safety gear! It will be fun shopping for some LEATHER! hehe I am looking for a safety course now. I think they offer one at my local community college, so I'll have to get signed up for that soon. I have some other friends with bikes that are going to help me out and teach me the ropes, so that will be good. I anticipate staying on my dead-end street for a LONG time until I get all handling under control. And the thing about used bikes is the route I "want" go go, but there are none in this size/price range in my area. A lot of street bikes and large harley's but I can get a new Rebel for less than all the used bikes I can find. I probably would have a fit if I scratched up a new one doing something stupid though

Anyway...I am schedule to test for my permit on Tuesday and from there, I'll be ready to head down to the bike place to start looking in person at them. I have a friend going with me next weekend so it could be as early as then that I am the proud owner of a motorcycle!