As others have said Take the MSF course! I took the couese back in 2005 with my oldest son. But I have just recently purchased a bike.
As far as a first bike ...... well ..... that will all depend on what you intend to do with it. I wanted something to commute to and from work on, plus take on 200+ mile trips. So I'm starting on a small cruser. A used 2005 Suzuki M50, which I feel I got a good deal on. Now is this the type of bike I want long term, no. But for the 1st year or 2, it's something to hone my riding skills and street smarts on. It has all the power (more than) I need for now. But by this time next year I know I'll be looking at something that's nearly twice as big (2008/2009 Kawasaki Concours 14). But by then, my skills and street smarts will have improved to the point that a bike twice as big as what I have now would be perfect for my riding skills.
So read all that you can on the subject. Go to several of the motorcycle forums and search for "first bike" or "beginner bike" and read, read, read!
