hello, looking to get my first bike

Definitely take the MSF course. It is a great place to start, and you will know by the end if you are serious about getting a bike.

Also, whenever you butt test the bikes is up to you, but I found that I was a lot more comfortable sitting on them (and making informed decisions about what I thought was comfortable) after I took the MSF class.

Finally, from one girl to another- get the bike that you like, not the one you think some guy is going to like seeing you on. If you go for the sport bikes, and that is what you want to ride, then do it. While, yes, relationships involve a lot of compromise, you still have to find someone who wants to be with you for who you are.

Sorry, I'll put away the soapbox now...

Well, like Owlie says there are more important factors than if he likes bikes are not. But, for what it's worth, from reading bike forums for the past year I can tell you most guys would be delighted to have a partner who rides.

"but seriously how many guys would like a girl riding a bike"

My husband doesn't ride and takes great delight in kicking me out to go riding in the evenings. I think that he gets a kick out of being the only guy at work with a woman who is ... hmm... what's the word?... ballsy? can I use that to describe a woman? ;)... yes well... with a woman who is ballsy enough to ride a bike. The story goes that they are all drooling with jealousy. They were more excited about what kind of bike I was going to get than I was. :)

Girls on bikes are rad. That's not just what I say, but actually what I think. It's the same as girls that are into motorsports in general, or who like cars, or those who like watching a sport (whatever that happens to be) with you. It's kind of unbeatable really. Like Munch says, even better than a girl who rides a bike is one who REALLY rides a bike: has wicked control and clearly doing it because she loves it (as opposed to simply greasing the wheels of a relationship, for instance).

Relationships are not easy, whatever your hobbies. Just because the guys that my husband work with think that it is hot that I'm into motorcycles, it doesn't actually mean I would have any interest in them if I was single.

But I have come to the conclusion after watching some of my single friends angst over the years about not being able to get a date that part of the problem is that they don't get out. The other part of the problem is that they are looking for "Mr. Perfect", not "Mr. I'm-willing-to-let-him-see-me-in-my-flannel-PJs-and-bunny-slippers" or "Mr. I-wouldn't-mind-talking-to-him-everyday-for-the-rest-of-my-life". For the first part, they need to get out and meet people while doing things they love. Riding motorcycles and joining a riding club or just talking bikes with random guys at the grocery store will accomplish that. For the second part, you just have to realize that even if you do find a Mr. Perfect, at some point you are going to realize that he isn't and will have to be able to accept it. It is much easier to start figuring out that & accepting Mr. Perfect from the first date than after you've tied the knot. Divorce may be an option, but the costs far exceed whatever the attorney may charge.

This is all the conjecture of a generally-happily married woman, so take it with a grain of salt.

*looking down at feet* How did that darn soapbox end up down there again?

Owlie

hey I just think if you want a cheap beginner bike, go with a used 500r. That's what I've got as my first and I'm super happy to have it. spent only $1200 for my first bike! 500r line is reliable and has lasted a good long time. I'm 20 years old as well, 5'5 (on good days) and 130 lbs and its pretty comfortable. My best friend got a brand spankin new yamaha R6 and boy i was jealous. That thing is pretty! She also pimped it out: lowered, taillight thingy blinks somehow and cordinates with the super cool turn signals, and she put blue lights underneath. however, with all the money she put on that, she sure will be pissed when she drops it and breaks one of the pretty blinky lights.

if you're worried about not looking feminine enough get a jacket that you can adjust so that the waist is tighter to show of your curves ;)