Buying a Bike

Hi,

I have wanted a motorcycle for long time and I now have enough financial stability to afford one. I also figure since I'm out Edwards AFB, CA for the next four years I might as well take advantage of the large periods of riding weather. I was wondering if I could get some advice on what bike you would all recommend to get as my first bike. Also, any websites, magazines, etc to increase my knowledgebase would be great. Please don't hammer me for using wrong terms and lack of knowledge; I am completely new to motorcycles, haha.

I am looking for what I believe is a sport bike, (crotch rocket?). I don't know what the official motorcycle term for it is, but I would like something that I can start to practice the flatland tricks; i.e. all the wheelies, endos, basically no ramps. I had my days of injuries on the ramps with BMXing. I have heard it is better to get a used bike first and I assume since I would practicing tricks on it that would a wise choice. On top of that having a motorcycle would also decrease the amount of gas I spend driving to work every day, which would be fantastic!!

Thanks for help and information it is greatly appreciated.  

so you've never ridden before but want to start stunting?
My advice would be to get something like a Ninja 250 or 500 to ride for about a year. learn the basics on it, then upgrade to something like a 600cc sportbike. you can get a beat up used 600 for under $2K, then you can take it to a parking lot and practice stunts...
you sort of need to have the basics down before you start doing wheelies and stoppies though.  

Um, yeah. If you are completely new to motorcycles, please don't attempt any wheelies/stunts on your first bike. That's just not a good idea. Getting a used bike is a good way to go, because chances are you will drop your bike. Better to drop a used bike than a brand-spankin' new one.  

^^^the lady knows whats up^^^.