You've always loved motorcycles. But things like family, mortgage and the job got in the way and the business of life just kind of took over. However, things have changed lately, and you've got a little more free time and disposable cash these days. You want to get into the wind.

But where to start? There's a huge variety of motorcycles out there, catering to every conceivable taste and skill level. Some manufacturers, like Honda, for example, have up to 50 different models on the market and trying to figure out which one is best for you can be a little daunting.

Here are a few models to consider -- just to get you started:

BMW: The F650 series is available as either a dual-purpose "adventure tourer" or citified urban runabout. Power is supplied by a 652-cc, single-cylinder with a five-speed transmission and either chain or belt final drive. The F650 may be one of the most versatile bikes in this category, with excellent handling and braking. It can also be had with ABS. Seat height, very important here, is 779 millimetres, so this is one of the taller bikes in this market. Base price: $10,290.

Buell: The Blast is powered by a 492-cc, single-cylinder that is essentially half of a Harley-Davidson Sportster engine. It has a five-speed transmission and belt final drive. Surprisingly nimble and tough as old boots, the Blast is designed for low maintenance, with a modest seat height of 647 mm. You can also order one with a taller saddle -- 698 mm -- and, should the need strike you, a performance upgrade kit. Base price: $6,399.

Honda: The world's largest motorcycle manufacturer has a vast array of starter bikes, and one of the most popular is the Rebel. With its 234-cc, parallel-twin motor, five-speed transmission, chain drive and mini-cruiser styling, the Rebel has been around for at least a decade and is one of the easiest bikes to ride. Low seat height, too: 675 mm. You might want to also have a look at Honda's VLX, which is similar in design, but with a 583-cc, V-twin engine and a four-speed transmission, has a little more in the way of get up and go. It too has an extremely low seat height: 650 mm. Base price: $4,799.

Kawasaki: Again, lots of choices. The ZZ-R250 has a 248-cc, parallel-twin that is liquid cooled and mated to a six-speed transmission with neutral-finder and chain final drive. If you have aspirations to eventually graduate into the sport-bike class, this is a pretty good place to get your feet wet. Seat height is 744 mm and the R250 has a little body work and a small fairing to keep the wind at bay. High fun quotient here. Base price: $6,299.

Suzuki: Despite its name, the Savage is a docile, easy-to-handle cruiser that is powered by a dependable, air-cooled, 652-cc, single-cylinder engine. It has five speeds and a belt final drive. The Savage requires almost nothing in the way of maintenance and is also fairly abundant on the used-bike market. Seat height: a very manageable 701 mm. Base price: $6,199.

Yamaha: Once one of the most ubiquitous models on the market, the Virago line-up has been reduced to one version: the 250. Its 249-cc, V-twin engine may be one of the smallest ones of its kind, and the Virago has a seat height identical to the Suzuki Savage. It has a chain final drive and five-speed transmission. Like many bikes in this segment, the Virago has rear drum brakes and weighs about 135 kilograms. Base price: $4,849.

And before you go charging out the door, a few more things to keep in mind:

First of all, don't bite off more than you can chew. If it's been a while since you last rode -- or if you're a complete novice -- it would be unwise to buy anything that's too powerful.

Start small and work your way up -- say 650 cc and under. That way you can gain confidence and experience, and, conversely, discover if your dream of getting into the wind was just that and, all things considered, you'd rather get from A to B in an automobile, without spending a small fortune in the process.

All bike-makers have beginner models that are specifically designed for greenhorns, with manageable power levels, reliable performance and easy-to-handle ergonomics.

If possible, buy used. There are plenty of preowned beginner's bikes on the market, ridden by people just like you who have moved on to the next level. Often, these are low mileage, having been replaced after just a season or two by something a little more adventurous.

Think seriously about taking a riding course of some kind. The people that run these courses are experienced, knowledgeable riders that have gone through every conceivable kind of motorcycling scenario, and will draw your attention to things you'd never consider. This advice actually applies to riders of all levels.

Have fun and keep the shiny side up.