School me on good starter bikes!

[Ginger]

Yeah my buddy just told me that they have oil leaking problems, especially once you start to put the miles on them.

That's a little bit... not true Everybody says that Harley mills have leaking problems because they developed a bad rap in the AMF days. But it really isn't the case anymore (the AMF days were 30 years ago, after all). G is right about their reliability not being particularly stellar, but it's not pathetic, either. I've gotten to ride Lightning's on several occasions and really enjoyed them.

As for the sumo - great bike. Love mine. 60+mpg all day long, on one wheel. A little bit uncomfortable for more than around town, so I wouldn't suggest one for an only bike, but definitely a fun toy.

If you want a sportbike, I'd like towards the CBR Fs like you have been.