How do I choose the right first motorcycle (or scooter) for me?

I need something that has excellent gas mileage, is small and light enough for me to handle and is easy to learn on. Also I would like something that's eco-friendly as possible, fast enough for highway driving, looks really cool, and that I can carry stuff on (backpack, etc). The most important thing though is that it be inexpensive. I live in Texas, only weigh about 130. I know almost nothing about motorcycles, so I really need help with this! Thanks.

Before you buy a bike, you need to learn to ride. Learn on someone else's machine. Take the Motorcycle Safety Foundation's rider safety course. They provide the bikes, the cost is modest, and the skills you will learn WILL save your life ... or at least the skin on your legs. They will also be happy to recommend "first bikes" for you after you have learned a little more about how you will react to the experience. Try:
www.msf-usa.org
And look for a class near you. Maybe I'll see you riding soon!
Cheers

a dirtbike is good to learn on but if you need transportation quick a 250 is good my first ride was on a 600 and they are way too powerful and heavy (definatly too heavy for most females)to be tryin to learn on you can only focus on one thing at a time either going or turning trying to do both at once had me riding the bike across the neighbors yard and I never really got on the throttle the bike was idleing and i could cost at like 10, 15 mph bumped it up from 3000rpm idle to like 4500 and got to like 25, 30.
It was fun scary and humbling all at once. Scary cause it wasnt my bike

First you need to go to various bike dealers and sit on a few. After finding the ones you can flat foot, take the brochures home, set them side-by-side and go over both good and bad points. This should be your first step. Next, attend a motorcycle a safety course. I ride with several ladies who weigh the same as you.
They are on all sizes, 600 to 1200cc's. Your confidence will build over time ,and you might want a larger bike. If you have more questions feel free to e-mail me. maxibear2993@yahoo.com

The best starter bike is the Suzuki SV650. Feels small, handles great, and parts are fairly cheap. Its got power but since it is a v- twin, it's not overwhelming. It is slightly slower than the 600 of these days, but its plenty fast enough to get you around. And it looks pretty sporty. The perfect beginners bike.

go to your local motorcycles shop ask to be able too sit on bikes the seat need to be low so your feet are flat on ground you should be able too lean bike over side to side and be able too pull it back up straight check. for ariding school at your county parks are jr collegeand some bike shops have aclass .a honda rebel is a good bike to start on

I would also reccomend that you def. get a used bike.. NOT a new one, cause you will lay it down. A mid 90's Honda Shadow vlx (600) is a very light and low and comfortable bike.

go for the Yamaha V-Star 600. good power, low seat height, excellent brakes and handling characteristics. tons of options should you want them

Welcome to the riding community! The Honda Rebel or Nighthawk 250 will fit every one of your criteria perfectly, except if by 'highway driving' you mean those wild Texas interstates. Both these bikes share the same engine, super-reliable and super-economical (like 80+ mpg), and are really built to last. They top out (maximum speed) at 75-80 mph and cruise (sustained speed) around 65-70 mph. If you take the MSF rider's course, a VERY GOOD IDEA, they'll likely use one of these bikes to train you on.
The Rebel is sized for smaller people, has a smaller gas tank (fewer miles between fill-ups), a lower seat (easier to handle), slightly better brakes than the Nighthawk, and is one of the lowest-priced bikes on the market.
The Nighthawk is slightly bigger, can carry slightly more, is more comfy for longer trips, and has a longer range between fill-ups.
There are very helpful online groups devoted to each of these bikes. Try these URL's:

http://autos.groups.yahoo.com/group/CB25...

http://autos.groups.yahoo.com/group/Rebe...

Ride Happy!

My suggestion would something in the Honda Rebel 250 - 450 area. it is light, low to the ground, and a very easy bike to learn on. Very good on gas and is very pleasant to look at. It is also very easy to work on and maintain