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I've decided to take some advice from another poster and go sit on some bikes even though I won't be doing any buying/riding for several months. Right now, I think I'm looking for a cruiser - at least I like the way some of them look on internet photos. I think I'm going to at least sit on a Honda Aero and a Suzuki C50 (they seem to fit what I'm looking for). Any others that I should take a look at? Anything I should be aware of while I'm sitting on these in the store?

I'll probably also try to take a look at some gear, just to figure out what there is. Is there anything I should be conscious of while looking at these items?(helmet, jacket, gloves, etc)

Anything else I should be aware of while I'm in the store?

Thanks!

In the same class is the Yamaha V-Star 650 and the Kawasaki Vulcan 800. All are good bikes. I ended up with a slightly used Vulcan 800 Classic and really like it. It has a low center of gravity and fits a taller rider. Don't skimp on safety gear. Find a comfortable leather or mesh jacket, a decent helmet with face shield, and riding gloves and pants. You'll be glad you did. Good luck!

Yes, check out the V-Star. I'm still looking, myself, but have pretty much decided on the Suzuki M50.
The V-Star feels really nice, and the center of gravity is really low. If you're planning on riding solo, and not going above 75, then even the V-Star 650 would be perfectly fine. I've heard people say that, even though it does it without any troubles, it sounds like it's revving too high if you go too far above 75.
I'm planning on eventually going 2-Up with the wife, so I was looking at the M50 for myself. I prefer the bobbed fenders. I was having trouble deciding between the V-Star custom and the Suzuki M50, but after some discussions with people, the Suzuki won out. I'm 6', 185 lbs., if that gives you any reference.
The Honda Aero, as you mentioned, is really nice, and also look at the Honda Shadow VLX. It's a 600, but they fell really nice, too.
I still need to purchase a helmet and shoes (have a jacket and gloves), and from what I've heard, the helmet you want to be tight enough to move your forehead when you move it around when it's on, but not so tight that you're ripping your ears off when you're putting it on/taking it off.
The shoes are what I'm really having trouble with. I've seen some nice "icon" pair for about $90 in my area I may end up buying. The main thing with them is, make sure your ankle is covered, they have really good tracktion on the bottom, and they're comfortable. Some prefer no laces, so they don't get caught on anything, others just tuck them in. That "icon" pair I'm looking at are laces, but they have a strap that goes over the top of them. They also have a "reinforced shifter toe". They're not steel-toe, but "reinforced". I've also heard that a nice pair of steel toe boots from Wal-Mart would do the trick.
Hope that helps some!

Have you sat on a cruiser yet?

When I first got into bikes I loved the looks of cruissers and had made up my mind to buy one but I sat a on a bunch and didn't like the seating position at all on any of then.

I decided on a standard instead, The main thing to consider is the seating position and how comfortable you are. Everything else can be decided later.

Go sit on everything you can find. That's what I am still doing. If you have your Permit or license, some dealers will let you test drive (at least around here). 2 of the 3 dealers I visited prior to my MSF told me to come back after I passed and I could test drive some models.

I always figured I would be a cruiser guy as well but, I've found that I prefer the standard position. The trouble I have is that my inseam is short and, the standards tend to have a higher seat height.

If I had the money, I'd probably buy the Suzuki V-Strom 650 with the lower seat but, I'm probably going to buy the Suzuki GZ250. It's got the cruiser look with more of a standard sitting position, gets great gas mileage and will be a good commuter bike for me. I only drive 30 miles to work and, the highest posted speed is 55 with most of it being 45.

Good Luck!

dont just sit on them for a few minutes either. if you can(they shouldnt care) sit on them for a while to really get the feel. actually try to sit in a riding position also, sitting up right wont give you really a feel for what it will be like when riding it.

lean it around a bit get a feel for its weight, work the controlls to get a feel for them also. ask someone to adjust the clutch and brake lever for you just to feel what the different settings are like even. just basically play with the bike as much as they allow you. any good dealer shouldnt mind as long as you dont look like you are there to abuse or drop the bikes.

I don't have my permit yet(that's mostly the reason why I won't be getting anywhere with this in the near future - I have something that needs to be taken care of before I can get a permit ), so maybe I won't be allowed to sit on them(?)

I haven't sat on a cruiser yet, so like some of you, I might change my mind after doing so. If I do, I'll probably go try some standards too.

I'll need to (sometime after I feel comfortable enough) go up to at least 70 mph because I would like to use it for commuting and I need to go onto the highway for that. I'm slightly shorter and lighter than brbolin at 5' 10" and 165 lbs.

The nearest dealer with a bunch of brands is kind of far, so I'll probably try to make a day of it and try out as many things as I can for as long as I can.

I don't imagine they'll have a problem with you sitting on them but, don't expect to take any out for a test drive without at least a permit and more likely your license.

Yeah, they don't mind if you don't have a permit. Just go in, talk to a sales person, and see if you can sit on whichever ones you want. Like was mentioned before, sit on it, lean it side to side, and sit on it for a while...just to get a really good feel of it.
I just got my permit a few weeks ago, but I had already been and sitting on them.
Most places around here (southern IN) won't let you ride a bike around unless you have a license AND a helmet. Just an FYI...