i don´t know if you plan on buying a brand new bike or paying cash for something on craigslist. I found my first bike on craigst list. A bit older but still fast as hell! 1990 fzr 100. In my opinion you should look for something like this because you WILL lay it down. I have buddies with cbrs and they are also great bikes so either way you go you will be satisfied. Only advice is to start with something a little older and a little cheaper or you will be very sad when it goes down. Cheers! -Blake