First things first : get your permit. Just doing the MSF rider training should give you a good idea of if this is really for you or not.
Then, go to dealers and sit on bikes until you find one or a few you're comfortable on. Finally, read online about each (specs/pricing/accessories) before you make a purchase. Haggle.
Don't listen to the Internet or what it says and "so and so is a starter bike, so and so is an advanced bike", just get whatever you want and feel comfortable on, you can kill yourself on any bike anyhow. 600cc, 1000cc, 250cc, super sport or naked or sport-touring, at 60 mph, you're dead meat anyhow. Wear proper safety gear (or don't, your choice, some dress for the ride, others dress for the fall) and always remember one thing : there's 2 types of motorcycle drivers, those who have fallen and those who will.