[Ulala]

Alright, I know some of you here have auto knowledge, I'm hoping that encompasses motorcycles, sport bikes in particular. For multiple reasons, I've decided to take a class and get my motorcycle license and hopefully purchase my first bike this summer, but I know very little when it comes to engine size, good makes, reasonable prices, etc..

With that, could someone help me with some suggestions for a good starter street bike that I could use for getting around town with (not so much cross country or freeway travel), engine size I'd need (or "need" ), the maximum number of miles I should allow for on it, and an idea of how much to pay for it?

Actually, any advice is quite welcome. 

Thanks, all.

[Roanoke]

The bike you can get will depend on local laws. In the UK you can ride up to a 250CC on a learners licence for example.
I don't really like bikes but my buddy got one around a year ago. Y'know how most bikers like to do their own mechanical work ? There's a good reason for that. Those things need constant fettling. Full engine rebuild after 8000 miles/1year ? You bet.

Pretty good if you want to learn about engines ofcourse.

[Ulala]

Hmm, maybe I'll take auto shop classes too. 

On the other hand, I have a few auto mechanic friends that might be able to help me out as well. Good to know about certain laws on engine sizes for certain licenses. I'll check that out.

[edit]

I found this, and there appear to be no engine size restrictions for Oregon.

Under Oregon DMV guidelines, anyone who drives a motorcycle must have a Class M motorcycle license or motorcycle instruction permit. A motorcycle endorsement authorizes the operation of any size motorcycle.

[/edit]

[achtung]

What kind of bike are you going for?

Cruising?  Sport?  Off-road?

[Ulala]

Sport bike, like for the street, around town, not dirt bike.