I am extremely new to bikes and would love to get one after doing PLENTY of research. Right now, the only experience I have with motorcycles is reading about them online and sitting on very few of them. In fact, I couldn't even tell you which ones I have sat on...

I am looking at getting a cruiser bike to fit me. I read the entire 11 page sticky about what to get as far as engine size... and I am more confused now than before, but I will learn what to get soon enough.
I have already ordered both Proficient Motorcycle books and Motorcycles for Dummies (hehe) from Amazon.com to get some reading done while I am researching motorcycles.
I promise to than a MotoSafetyCourse.
I will buy safety gear before or DURING the purchase of the motorcycle. Not after. My dad and several uncles have had pretty nasty spills when they were young. Some of them learned from their spill, and some went on to have multiple spills.
My body type? Well, I'm fatter than anyone I read in the newbie sticky. I am a towering 5'8" (5'9" if I sit up straight) and weigh 240 pounds. I'd weight less, but i like Mac-n-Cheese and Sloppy Joes too much.
I'd like to buy used, but most of the used bikes I'm seeing are around 1500 bucks and the bank won't finance a lot of older bikes. I could buy new, but it seems to be a waste of money and I know I will drop it.
So, really, I don't know much and am looking forward to learn a lot. Be harsh, be gentle... I don't care. Just be HONEST. Thanks for reading!