I'm 6'4" and 34yrs old. My 1st bike was an R6...looked like I was riding a pocket bike and it got slow really quickly when I went riding w/ other people on 1000's. I then traded to an R1...man, what a difference in powerband. Owned that for a little while, but it's like owning a Civic...everyone and their brother has one, everyone wants to race you, etc. I currently own an 01 TL1000R...looks like a GSXR, sounds like a Ducati. The BIGGEST thing I can recommend is a state certified endorsement class. I'm not sure how it is in NYC, but when I took mine in Seattle, it was a great setup. We rode little CB125's (basically a scooter) but it taught you the principles of looking into the corner instead of the ground, leaning to turn, etc.

Honestly, I'd never get anything below a 600 just for the looks alone...seems like anything less than a 600 and you get a skinny little 150 rear tire that just will never look as cool as a true sportbike w/ at least a 180/190 rear. Nowadays w/ software and being your size, a 600 stock will be fast, then when you get bored of it, you can do an exhaust, intake, Power Commander (ECU upgrade), etc. After that, you got the experience you need to be comfortable before you jump up to something bigger engine wise. If you're into sportbikes, I'd look into an $2-3k bike w/ like 15-20k miles...then when you wreck it, because you will, I promise. Take a class, don't by your dream bike as your first one, and don't cheap out on gear....get a nice helmet, gloves, leather jacket and maybe even pants if your hardcore and don't mind changing everywhere you go.

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I own both 2009 GSXR 600 and 2008 Honda Rebel 250. I recommend you get both, 250 for commuting and GSXR for joy ride. Take MSF course before thinking of jumping on any bike. If you are 5'6", the GSXR is the best fit for you, you could touch both feet with boots on comfortably. R6 and Ninja ZX6R seats are a bit higher, CBR is about the same with GSXR but the doesn't look and perform as well as the GSXR. Deals are crazy right now as the riding season is almost over. In the 600cc superbike category, Suzuki GSXR is the best of all. CBR is boring, Ninja and Ninja Monster ZX6R is TOO GREEN ( i dont like green), Yamaha R6 is good but a bit tall for you 33.2 is the seat height. But only those are in your price range. Forget BMW and Ducati Superbike, too expensive for first bike. If you pay it off you can opt for Liability Insurance Coverage only and add medical and life insurance as well. Lien requires full coverage. Everyone knows riding is your choice of taking risk, so its your decision to ride or not to ride. TAKE MSF COURSE, NOW.

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Don't know if this is legal in NYC but
lane splitting deserves a mention.
Recent deaths on East Bay roads highlight dangers of lane-splitting - Inside Bay Area

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Harmony happens whenever different parts get to form a whole by means of congruity, concord, symetry, consistency, conformity, correspondence, agreement, accord, unity, consonance…….

CA is the only state that specifically allows it; the state by state codes are enough to make one's hair hurt, as to "legality",
but most states prohibit it...I know NY does, as I've had to talk my way out of it, a few times, when I lived there. Some cops
look away, some jump on it. However, I see it done in metor NYC area all the time, esp. by the messengers.

I would not rec'd it for the OP and his nepophyte "skills", however...
GL,mD

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Thank you guys for all the input... especially the selection of bikes. Additionally, as far as lane splitting is concerned, in NYC, lane splitting is similar to tints, HID lights, and speeding (10-20mph over the limit) in cars. Although technically illegal, it really depends on the cop. More often than not, the law is not strictly enforced. Also, I sincerely understand the experience involved in doing this and of course it is not recommended. As with driving a car, it takes experience before you are capable of driving well; i.e.: driving on the highway or driving in the city for that matter.

Just my opinion but the way people drive these days,
i wouldn't recommend it for anyone at any skill level.

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"What you hear in a great jazz band is the sound of democracy. “The jazz band works best when participation is shaped by intelligent communication.”
Harmony happens whenever different parts get to form a whole by means of congruity, concord, symetry, consistency, conformity, correspondence, agreement, accord, unity, consonance…….

there's a huge difference.. you're SOL when you get tossed off a bike. There is no protection around you and chances are even with leathers you will get hurt pretty bad or kill yourself. You have a much better chance surviving in an accident in a car.

and barry.agreed... lane splitting itself is not dangerous. It's the dumbasses around you not looking or reacting negatively that is. But of course, lane splitting IS how you get around traffic and that's one of the OP's main reasons for getting one. If you're not I guarantee the clutch hand will be sore...

Did someone suggest a Vespa?.......

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"What you hear in a great jazz band is the sound of democracy. “The jazz band works best when participation is shaped by intelligent communication.”
Harmony happens whenever different parts get to form a whole by means of congruity, concord, symetry, consistency, conformity, correspondence, agreement, accord, unity, consonance…….

Thinking about what bike to start with before thinking about what training to get is kind of putting the cart before the horse. I would strongly strongly suggest to start with a good riding class. MSF (Motorcycle Safety Foundation) training are really good and they offer classes in every state. Here is the web site Motorcycle Safety Foundation They have basic and advanced classes. For the basic class they will provide the bike. Believe me you will learn a lot about riding a motorcycle and you will also learn about your own riding skills. After the class you will feel more comfortable at choosing what bike will suit you best. It is crucial that you get the right riding education before hitting the road on your own. It is a matter of life and death, as simple as that. When you are ready to ride on your own always assume that you are invisible to others because most of the time you are. Also always always wear good riding gear and of course a good helmet. Actually I just came back this afternoon from spending the week-end at the bike fest in Myrtle Beach SC. I could not believe how many "riders" were riding in sandals, tee shirts and without an helmet, yes without an helmet because on South Carolina wearing an helmet when riding a motorcycle is not mandatory.