interested in riding a bike

i have always liked bikes and how fast they can be.  I am interested in learning how to ride a street bike.  As far as experience, I have only been on a bicycle and when I was 16 my dad bought me a Honda CT70..... balls weren't dropped at that age for a bike, so it had to go.  I have seen the new Hiyabusa's and just fell in love with them.  I know I should read up on street bikes.... books, magazines and taking a course.  Can anyone give me any additional advice and point out a good starting bike i could possibly buy?  I do have a few friends who own bikes who might be willing to  show me the ropes.  Here is my description  6'  250lbs and shedding,  strong frame build.  i am a quick learner and used to high speeds (own a BMW M3) loking at a 500cc to 600cc for a beginning.

thanks for reading,
Cory  

Read the many new rider threads here, they give great first bike advice, MSF etc.  

Hey man first you need to realize the speeding in a car is 330x diffrent than on 2 wheels you try pushing that bike like you do your m3 and your friends will read about you in the local paper .  Try looking at a kawasaki zzr600 nice bike handles well. I own one and love.  Be safe