It seems like you’re doing things backwards. Looking for bikes on Craigslist, I found that a good part of the ones listed are there because there’s either a new baby or one on the way.
My wife rides a Rebel, and I’m on a GZ250. They’re great around town and get fantastic gas mileage (I average now about 72 MPG on the Suzuki, but have had it as high as 85, and my wife gets 94 MPG on the Rebel). I think they’re both great bikes to start with (though now I find myself sometimes wishing I had something larger).
I’m smaller than you, at 5’6″, 160#, and high speeds (60+MPH) and anything up hill is a killer. On level ground, the bikes are working hard at 60, and if you try to go uphill at all, your speed will drop. But riding around town (45 MPH and under), to/from work is fun.
Consider your insurance too. I have State Farm, and they charge you by the size of the engine. My bikes run me $10 each per month, which I more than make up for in gas savings (my pickup gets 20 MPG on a good day).
Take the MSF course! My wife and I rode for a couple of months before taking the class, which helped us prepare for the class. But the class was well worth it. You’ll get a lot more to think about, and hopefully increase your confidence when riding.
Good Luck!
