if you do want to learn to ride just take one of the safety courses. They usually teach you on 100cc-200cc bikes, and everyone tells me they are pretty damn good (and cheap!) at least here in NJ. As for a first bike I would check out craigslist for a older 70s-80s Yama/Kawi standard as they are user friendly and CHEAP! Plus if you drop it (which almost everyone does) you will not cry at replacing anything. Rebels are nice as well, but a bit heavy. I personally prefer motards (dirt bikes w. street tires) as they are light, cheap to fix, and very very durable.