I agree with the rider course. They teach the Motorcycle Safety Foundation course in the community colleges in SC, check out
http://www.scridered.org/ It is totally worth the $225 consider it part of the price of the bike. You will also be training on bikes the same size and weight, also you will know exactly what to practice when you get home. New riders are like hatchling turtles The first three months of a riders career are the most dangerous and anything that helps gives you an edge.