Here's my input:
If you have a competent person that can teach you how to ride, then:
Buy a cheap beater 500cc like the ninja or GS500. Cheap meaning under $1000 or right around that. I bought my son a 91 GS500 for $900, and its a great bike. Or if you like cruisers get a little 600 shadow or something. Take it to a large empty parking lot and start riding there. Make sure to do corners, large figure eights, and straights where you can up and down shift. Once comfortable with that, go again and do tighter figure eights practice braking (not panic braking yet, but more aggressive). Once youve done this a couple times, go with someone on another bike on the road in the country several times.
I bought two blueant bluetooth motorcycle headsets that my son and I use when riding so that we can talk to each other, and I can give him tips/hints on how to ride such as lane positioning what to watch for etc. I can also watch him ride and he can watch me ride this way. They are GREAT.
If you dont have someone to teach you how to ride:
February 1st sign up at basic rider to take the course http://www.motorcycle.ohio.gov/license.htm
Take the course first and see if you like it. If you dont sign up on february 1st, most of the spots will be taken up until about August or so. The course is great and fun. For $25 you cant go wrong.
Dont buy a new or expensive bike. Get time on a beater first and sell it back for same price you bought it for.
Lewis