Motorcycles

EDIT:

Thanks for all the advice! I got a lot of long detailed comments back. I’m reading each one and doing some research, but I wanted to make sure I thanked everyone for the replies!

Original Post:

Hello, Fediverse!

Recently, my company moved to remote work, full time. Since I’m not making a long commute each day, I’m really interested in getting a small bike I can ride for errands. I’d love to get some advice from this community about it.

Needs

First, I’m a woman at average or maybe even slightly below average height. I want to make sure it’s something I can actually ride without feeling like a little girl in mommy’s shoes.

Second, I don’t just want to ride. I want to work on it and learn how engines work. I’m a very mechanical person and I love this kind of thing. It’s fun for me. I’m happy to buy a bike that might not be running immediately because it gives me an opportunity to learn and tinker.

Last, I don’t need to go fast and I don’t want to take it in a big highway, but I do live near a state highway with a limit of 55mph. I’d like to be able to safely ride there:

Aesthetics

I’m not a huge fan of the Harley Davidson type low rider style but I wouldn’t rule it out entirely if it made sense against my other needs. I’m also open to scooters/mopeds if I can safely ride at 55mph.

I tend to like 80s style cars and bikes. Especially the bikes that aren’t quite sport but have some nods to it. Example: Kawasaki KZ, Honda CB, Suzuki GS, Yamaha XS (Japanese name followed by two consonants collection) ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

Looks aren’t as important to me as the other needs to be honest.

Current Motorcycle Knowledge

Next to nothing. I know the basics of how an engine works. I know how to change my own oil. I have done big repairs on my own cars in the past, but with guides.

I plan on taking a riding class. I know I’ll need safety equipment, such as a helmet. I do have a gear-head in my life so I have someone that I can ask questions to, but I’m mostly starting at zero.

Aside from bike suggestions, I’d love to hear something you wish you knew before you got your first bike!

TLDR:

What would you recommend for someone who wants to learn about engines but isn’t particularly tall? Anything you wish you knew before getting your first bike?