let me see if i can help you. a lot of people make the mistake of buying a brand new bike that they out grow within a year then start looking for one thats bigger. i´ld suggest purchasing a good used one first that won´t overwhelm you ( ie: too big ) and that you can grow into. if you buy used you´ll have less anxiety when you drop it ( and you will ). that will let you concentrate more on developing your riding skills and less about your bike. don´t get a raked out custom. they are hard to ride at parkinglot speeds ( ie: droping bike ). something in the 800cc to 1100cc range would be a good place to start. kawasaki drifter, honda ace, yamaha v-star are all good bikes that aren´t too powerfull but by no means slouches. also i´ld get something that a CRASH-BAR can be mounted to ( ie: for when you drop your bike ).