Hey jamal, i was in your shoes at the begining of the summer, never had riden a bike before in my life, until i rode my buddies 125 dirt bike down his street, and wow, i needed a bike! I went out and got a 250 Ninja pretty cheap for some private seller. the biek was pretty much brand new and it was perfect to learn on. I learned really quick how to ride a street bike. I also took a Motorcycle Saftey Course, which was really helpful in increasing my confidence. After about a month of riding the 250, i was looking on the internet, and found a 2002 zx-6r for sale for $6200, with only 450 miles on it, and it already had a yoshi can, and double bubble windscreen. So i traded my 250 in on the 600. I only got to ride the 600 2 weeks before i had to store it for the winter, but i can't wait for march to roll around, so my insurance kicks back in. I still have a ton of learning to do, but with respect, i think i could have started out on the 600. I have happy i started smaller and cheaper though, if you don't like it, you are not out that much. Also, it is usually in the first 6 months of learning that you will lay your bike down,it happened to me, and i am still mentally recovering, it was only like 2 miles an hour, but still hurt my confidence and pride, and i was more pissed about the bike than anything. Point is.... it happens, and there is nothing you can do, so do it on a crappy bike before you get your perfect new bike. As for money, bike, helmet, gloves, jacket, mods to your bike( I know you say you won't, but you will, trust me, it is like a drug, you can't stop), and other litte things, you for sure can be under $8000. HOWEVER, INSURANCE WILL KILL YOU!!!!! Be careful, you will have to carry full coverage if you get a loan, and my insurance was around $2000 a year, yes two thousand dollars a year with full coverage. I am 22 and live in ohio, so it might be different for you. But just be careful with insurance. It have been expensive, but i have loved every second on my bikes, and can't wait for spring and the rest of my life to be on 2 wheels, and one every now and then! Good Luck riding!!!!!!
2002 zx-6r
green, of course