Looking into Bikes

Hey guys. I'm new to the whole bike scene. I'm looking into getting myself on one soon. I'm kind of in a little predicament concerning transportation. I'm basically limited to an old 20+ year old POS car or a bike. I've always been fond of sportbikes and the idea appeals to me greatly. However, I would be using it for daily driving purposes and I seem to be quite concerned with safety on these things. I would have to say that beyond any doubt, my #1 concern is safety on these bikes and right now is hindering my decision. Does anyone have any imput about this? Maybe to help persuade me into one?

Also, I don't really know what a good starter bike would be. I know opinions on that would be a bit biased here since this is a Honda fprum, but this is basically the ONLY bike forum I know of. I NEED YOUR HELP GUYS! Anyone use them for DD?

Thanks

A few of us do the daily driver thing on our bikes. Things to consider are: rain, cold, hot, being sick and cagers. The first three are weather related. Sometimes riding in the pouring rain sux -- same for the freezing cold or when it's blistering hot. If you catch a cold or the flu or even if you're just really tired riding a bike can be dangerous. Anything less than 100% attention to what you're doing increases your chances of becoming road goo. And of course the main nemisis for bikes -- cages. People in cars are generally stoopid. About the only cool cage drivers you'll find probably ride a bike too.

I'm fortunate in that I have a semi-cage (Jeepy) for snow or the occasional sick day. I prefer the bike (even in the rain) and generally only take the cage a couple days a month. If your bike is gonna be your only transportation I'd give it a lot of thought.

You should get a beater car first if it's your only source of transportation. My friend in highschool only had a bike and he rode it through rain season.. I swear to god, everytime rain season comes around, he's sick 90% of them time.