If you have not already, I would focus on taking the riders course and getting your license as opposed debating merits of this bike or that. After finishing, then you can find a bike. I know it's hard to do as I had a few months between when I signed up for the course and took it to get my license. In the meantime, I spent a fair amount of time looking at motorcycles. It's not uncommon for people to take the course and decide riding is not for them, which is a lot less expensive than a new bike these days.. I can tell you about riding, but there's things that sink in better when you're actually doing them, so your perceptions may change about what bike to buy. I know mine did. When I was looking at bikes, those small 250cc motorcycles seemed tiny, but felt about right for my skill level after finishing the course.
Fit is very important on a motorcycle as you're locked into one position more so than a car. The best way to gauge fit I've found is to go sit on the bikes you like to see how they work for you. Everyone's different and has their own preference.
Your goal as a new rider should be to learn the skills that can save you on the road given that you don't have much protection. Things like swerving, negotiating curves, panic stops, etc. can make the difference. You can do this on a 700 pound Softail Slim, but it raises the degree of difficulty as you have to be concerned about managing the power/weight of it in addition to learning skills. A lighter more nimble bike is a better tool to learn on. Plus is much easier to pick it up. Used isn't a bad idea either. The chances you'll drop it are fairly high, which will hurt less emotionally and financially on a used bike.
Generally speaking, for long miles n upright seating position is more comfortable. Good luck my friend and welcome.
