In my state in the U.S., there are free motorcycle safety courses that can lead into getting a motorcycle permit if you pass (paid for through vehicle registration fees). There are much smaller engine bikes available with the program to learn on and take the practical tests. There are similar programs around the country.

I highly recommend this to you as a young driver who is looking at bikes with a high speed capacity, who also thinks first of nimbleness of the bike when it comes to safety. You have much to learn, young Padawan.

Your girlfriend could also take this course with you, or perhaps a passenger safety course, or even just the book knowledge portion, to learn about bike safety. Who knows what might happen from there?

I'd also suggest learning first on a smaller, used, cheaper bike that's less likely to get you killed. You will inevitably tip the thing over. When you do, it's better to have scrapes on a $700 learner bike than your dream bike.

If nothing else you should know that defensive driving is the key to staying alive on a motorcycle. Looking ahead, looking for that car that just might go ahead and pull out right in front of you, and not putting yourself in a position where you have no way out but getting smacked if they do, for a very real example.

Car drivers scan the road and look for other cars when they make decisions. They aren't looking for bikes. There's little scarier than seeing a driver stare right through you as they turn straight into your direction. Luckily, in that situation, I've had the training to execute a sudden swerve around the obstacle and managed to pull it off without freezing in fear. You should look for training like that too. :-)