First Bike

I'm getting ready to purchase my first motorcycle and I'm really kinda torn about which one to get. I'm 37 and I'd like to get something that I would ride for a lnog time and not outgrow rapidly. Does anyone have any suggestions?  

It's very hard to advise someone who doesn't have the experience to even know what kind of riding they like, yet. Someone who will occasionally put 1,200 miles on the bike in a week, just riding locally, will need to be much more picky than someone who is looking for a 100 mile a week bike. Someone who will be traveling 3,000 miles in a week, from time to time, has completely different standards than someone who will always be close enough to home, to get back on a single tank of gas.

Most 500cc to 750cc cruisers are reliable enough and comfortable enough to ride for however long it takes to run out the tank of gas. That usually means 150 miles or a little more in one day.

The lighter the bike is, the easier it will be to muscle around when you make mistakes.

Generally, shorter wheelbase bikes are more maneuvarable, while longer wheelbase bikes are more stable on the open road. This means, cruisers are more suited to country rides on good pavement, while sport bikes excell in tight traffic and standard bikes compromise between the two.

regards,
Joe  

Since you don't mention  it, I'm guessing 5'10 to 6' and 160 to 220 lb. It'l make a difference on the bike, and I'm going to make suggestions based on that size.

Look at the Kawi 750 (no longer made). It had a long run(lots of aftermarket parts, and is fast when cranked (real fast). Since it makes it's power at higher RPMs, its pretty safe for a newbie. You actually have to look for trouble. Shaft drive as a bonus.
The Kawi 800 is a fine bike(had it for 1st bike... little big) but, unless you are over 240 and in good physical shape, I'd advise against..

The Boulevard S40(aka Savage 650) is a great bike to learn on. It'll do everything but slab on long hauls. I've had one over 80 mph and it was still going. Don't know that I'd want to do that speed for long... but it will do it.  

Really appreciate the info.  Your right  I'm 5'11" and actually I weigh about 170. Most of my riding will be about 80 miles a day to commute to and from work. It is about half back country roads and half highway.

I'll get back to yall in the next couple of days. Going to go take my course and do some serious bike shopping.

   Aress