New to riding and need some advice....

Hi everyone.  I am new to riding (have been around bikes for awhile, just haven't actually ridden one) and need some suggestions on my bike selection.  A little about me first....I am 24, 5'6", 125lbs., and I am in the military.  Here is what I am looking for:

Must be a cruiser
Must be more than 250cc
Must be less than $6,000

Aside from that I am pretty much open to anything.  I have been looking at the Honda Shadow 750, Vulcan 750, Boulevard M50 and C50, Harley 883, and the V-Star 650.  Obviously, because of my size, I will likely have trouble with heavier bikes for my first bike so heavy bikes such as a V-Star 1100 are not going to work for me.

Thanks for any and all advice given.  

I think for people to give you advice, they're going to need a little more info.

What do you see you riding for: touring, local cruising, daytrips, 2 up, etc.

All of those would point you to different bikes.

If you think it's going to change, let us know, some bikes make the transition better (eg. Vulcan 750, does local, doesn't do showey cruising, has accessories that will turn it into a light touring rig, really doesn't do 2 up.

Hope this helps.  

Well, it would mainly be local cruising.  I probably wont allow anyone to ride 2 up with me until I am comfortable with the bike which will probably be when I upgrade to a bigger bike.

I would occasionally be traveling back home with it (maybe 3 times a year) which is a 300+ mile drive.  

Hay Cheeky
  Since you are military no one needs to tell you to take the MSF course, but you may want to take it before you buy to give you a better idea of what you are looking for.  Your group of bikes is the same that I was looking at.  I decided on the V-Star Classic.  Look used, most riders put another $1K plus into add-ons in the first year so you get them gratis on a used bike.  By your name I'm, going to go out on a limb, you may want to check out www.coastguardriders.net

Ride safe, Semper Paratus  

Thanks for the input Chief...I will be taking the MSF course in May.  I found a V-Star classic the other day on craigslist but my BM3 suggested a smaller bike (weight wise) for my size.  I think I may have settled on an 03 Honda Shadow 750.  Going to check it out Friday with my BM3 along side.  

I will be sure to add that site to my favorites...would be a great way for me to find some more coasties to ride with in my area.  

I have an 06 Shadow and it is the perfect bike for what you are looking for.  I am 5'8" and about 165lbs.  Bike is light and easy to ride.  Even has enough power for me to ride 2 up with the wife.  

I'm vertically challenged also and own a sixand a half vstar. It's an 03 and only set me back $2500,had 20 grand on the clock and has been bullitproof ,so far. My vote goes for the Yamaha. What will probably be the deciding factor is what's available when you get ready to plonk down the cash . Pretty much all of your choices are good machines if they have been slightly taken care of. Get someone conversant with machinery to check out whatever you decide. Happy Trails.  

I have the Honda 750.  It just fit me better than the others.  The Boulevards felt too heavy, the Harley was too top heavy and wouldn't do long distances well with the small fuel tank, the V Star was a bit underpowered for long distance travel and the Vulcan sat too high.  My Honda has a low center of gravity and doesn't blow around much on the highway.  It's easy to accessorize if you want to commute or travel long distances.  
Most bikes have forums where you can get advice, find out about mods and accessories and talk about your bike.  The most important thing is that you purchase a bike that feels right to you and meets your needs.
DS  

I like that I am getting opinions from others of a shorter build.  Really has solidified my choice in my first bike.  I will likely be purchasing the Shadow 750 tomorrow.  Thanks for all the input and tips.  Here is the bike I am looking at getting, btw, http://norfolk.craigslist.org/mcy/1119346049.html.  Never heard of a Shadow 750 Deluxe...Im guessing he meant to put Honda Shadow 750 Aero.  

Nice looking bike, good luck and ride safe!!!!!!!!!