Again, take the Motorcycle Safety Foundation’s beginners course. Always ride with full gear (Helmet, gloves, books, long pants). Learn TCLOKS and use it BEFORE each ride. Double check the tire pressure. Ride like they will get extra points if they hit you! And practice panic stops in a quiet parking lot.
I just upgraded to a Honda Goldwing (wow!) and started with a used Buell Blast (Half a Sportster engine, none of the charisma!).
BTW, I buy gear from http://newenough.com and love their service.
Amen to practicing the panic stops.
15 minutes spend practicing stopping as fast as you can without losing control of the bike can make all the difference between “whew, that was close” and “I might walk again”. Seems a good investment of my time. Yes, I did have a sheriff roll up one time and ask what I was doing. I told him, he just said
“smart, don’t get too crazy” and drove away.