Either way, if you can find a good used japanese bike to ride around on while you learn the ropes it might be a good idea.I'll second that suggestion
I don't know how many 'new riders' I've told the same thing, only to have them ignore the advice, buy a brand new shiney thing, and then drop it a couple of weeks later (and usually, not just once).
Given your size, something in the 500-750cc range would be a good bike to learn on. You can find them everywhere for very reasonable prices (read: under $2000). You won't feel too bad laying down a used bike you don't have a lot of money into, but it will sting pretty bad doing the same on a new bike.
After you get comfortable riding, you can sell the old bike (and usually recover most if not all of what you have into it) and get that new or slightly used bike you have had your eye on
Cheers,
Brad
