What should be my first bike? Need lots of help.

[Lion_Lady]

Check out the Suzuki 650 or 650S. Middle range in power, not too twitchy in the throttle/brake response (one thing that often shocks newer riders). Since you've been riding Dad's cruiser, you'll need to make sure you spend plenty of time getting the feel of whatever bike you choose.

The SV has TONS of aftermarket stuff available for customization. Reliable. The 650S has a sportier riding position with clip on bars, the non-S model has a continuous bar. You can probabably pick up a gently used on for not a lot of cash... so if you decide you want something different you won't lose a chunk of money, as you would if you bought new and changed your mind.

[JVRR]

......................I have been spending a lot of time on freeways, and that is where I feel ready for an upgrade. Back on the twisties I cannot imagine wanting more power than my GS500, but on the freeway there are times I am yearning for more acceleration.......................

I use to run the freeways in 5th gear when riding with big twin friends to match their roll-on speeds and don't forget your GS500 will go over 100 mph in 4th gear before redline, nice passing gear. Shifting gears is part of the fun of riding a small bike with the big boys.

I found 400 mile freeway runs at 75-80 mph indicated to be fun on my GSs.

I mean more as far as acceleration goes. Definitely love the GS, but as long as I do a lot of freeway riding and keep riding a lot, it will not be my only bike. To be fair if I am doing the kind of freeway riding that would make me feel bored with the GS, it would probably be time for a cruiser.

The GS might be plenty in the curves, but I'll still buy that Speed Triple some day .

[JC Viper]

Ahh, the Speed Triple. The bike most rated as the best Hooligan bike out there

[Marvin]

I agree with Lion Lady about the Suzuki SV650 (S), its a great "do everything" bike, I personally like the Yamaha FZ6 better cause I own one, and the Kawasaki 650 Ninja is also a great alternative.
but,, I understand most new riders want a cruiser bike instead of a sport bike, I LOVE the Kawasaki Vulcan 500 cause its a cruiser bike that uses the exact same engine as the 500 Ninja, and nobody can't go wrong with the Honda 750 Shadow (great bike)