What's a good beginner motorcycle for a girl?

I've been obsessed with motorcycles for awhile and plan on getting a motorcycle license in January. Of course that means I want to get a bike of my own too, I'm just not sure what would be best for me to start with? I don't have much experience, I've rode more than driven so I'm just not sure what exactly id be comfortable with. I'm short, about 5'3, so I'm just really worried about holding myself up when stopping. I really want a cruiser and I've read literally everywhere that the Honda shadow spirit 750 is a good one to start with, should I go with that for now? My friend has a Kawasaki Vulcan 750 and i love it, I've only ridden on it though so I'm not sure how driving it would feel. Basically I just need some bike suggestions and what you guys think would be best to start out with for now.

For a beginner, don't buy new.

I'd recommend getting a Honda Shadow 600 VLX. It's no longer produced, but you can find them used.

http://www.cycletrader.com/Honda-Shadow-600-Motorcycles----CycleTrader.com/search-results?make=Honda%7C2316874&model=Shadow+600&vrsn=hybrid

Quote: "I'm short, about 5'3, so I'm just really worried about holding myself up when stopping."

Looking at a Honda 750 Shadow Spirit, a Vulcan 750… Both do over 100 mph, both weigh over 520 pounds. If you don't need to do 100 mph, and you don't the excess weight. Why why are you looking at big cruisers? Others want big? Your friend rides one?

Do you need to ride at over 75 mph? If not, a 250 cruiser will do -- Honda Rebel 250, Suzuki GZ250, Yamaha V-Star 250. All at about 330 pounds, a Hell a lot easier to ride. If you need more speed, a Suzuki LS650 Savage/S40 can do over 85 mph and still only weighs 380 pounds.

Schwinn

http://en.wikipedia.org/...levard_S40 Low and light. Belt drive. What's not to like?

Most girls start on the Ninja 250

Look for a light weight bike you don't want a 950lbs of bike falling on you at a stoplight.(I seen it happen)
something in the 450 to 500lbs should be better and easyer to get around on.
You need at least a 300cc to keep up on the free way but bigger is better.
TAKE A SAFE RIDDER TRAINING COURCE.

Start small on dirt. Every hour spent mastering a bike in the dirt will be invaluable training for street riding. It will teach about braking, weighting, shifting and steering. My early training in the dirt has saved my life numerous times in my 40+ years of street riding.

Female student couple years back was 5'3" and 123 pounds as noted on her permit. Old CM400 Honda was straddled and both feet on ground with thick heeled boots. She got to learn to pick it up from ground after dropping at red lights a couple times, got so she was able to do it fairly quick about the time she stopped dropping it. Little 395cc twin could do 100 mph on highway, keep up with traffic fairly easy. The CM400 now has a 250 pound student rider and hauls him around easy enough. Lady student would have her license if she didn't get her third drunk driving charge in her car. Check Suzi GS500 twin or the Kaw Ninja 500 or Vulcan