My first bike...

[taylorRichie]

Very cool! I'm sure the rest is very functional... And if your daughters are going for rides I'd keep it too.

As for the CT70, it's not in spectacular shape, I bought it to restore it 5 years ago... Road it around for a couple years, and it's been parked since.

Maybe I should break it out again and get it cleaned up. OE replacement parts are spendy.

[Jolly Roger VX'er]

First, think about what you want from your motorcycle, i.e. cruising, sport, comfort, distance, etc. Don't just go and buy a bike you think looks cool. Once you get all those in your head, THEN go looking for a bike. Find a few that would really meet your needs. Once you do that, then you should buy the bike that best suits your visual tastes.

I bought a 2007 Suzuki V-Strom 650 Dual sport (has since been sold), and it was the perfect bike for my needs and I really liked the styling.

Good luck.. be safe... learn to ride.

sound advice. Although it isn't my first bike (had a HD Sportster years ago), I have money down on a bike I ordered last week and should be in early this week. 2008 Suzuki DL1000 V-Strom. Kind of like a VX turned into a motorcycle...lol. Went with Black this time .

[BD-VX99]

If you want a small bike that has classic styling, is unique, and reliable, and a really good bike that is still cheap on insurance. Try to find yourself a Honda GB500. Like the one below. Hard to find, but worth it.

http://auto.howstuffworks.com/1989-h...ist-trophy.htm

or a NT650 Hawk, or a second gen VFR. I'm against buying new for a first timer. Also, I dislike recommending EX250s and such other bikes that are braked and sprung for women and teenagers.