My thoughts are that this would actually be a good first choice for a motorcycle providing that you know it's limitations. It is not fast or particularly quick. Most new rider accidents are caused, I suspect, from too much power too soon. You can really get into trouble really fast on a bike. Remember, In a car accident you might get hurt, in a motorcycle accident you ARE going to get hurt, at least a little. I recommend a motorcycle safety course be taken. It will help you avoid some bad habits and help you out with defensive riding. Plus you generally get a discount on insurance if you take one. The bike maintenance thing. If you get all of the shop manuals, and you should, as well as pete snidal's manual you will be fine. It is not that they need lots of major maintenance, just a regular amount of preventative maintenance. It is a good way to learn about owning and caring for any special mechanical item. These bikes were designed when it was expected that you would have to do a fair amount of your own upkeep on anything you owned so they are pretty straight forward in that regard. Simple but rugged, not like todays machines where you are just about expected to take it into the shop to have it worked on for an exorbitant amount of money or trade it in for the next newer and more profitable goody. Now I am rambling, sorry. Seriously consider RE.