First off, if you've never really owned a motorcycle, its not about the cc's. Obviously don't go and get a 1000 and think you're going to be able to handle it when you twist the throttle. Riding a street bike is about street smarts. You gotta know how to not freak out on a motorcycle if something fucked up happens. You gotta be just as wary about what everyone else is doing as you are about you're doing. There isn't alot of room to fuck up on a motorcycle and alot of motorcycle deaths aren't even in due to being the rider's fault.
Get a bike that suits your style (asian ='s crotch rocket). If you just want to cruise around, get something comfortable and that looks good. You're not going to get much for under 5k unless you find a good used bike.
