I commuted to work via motorcycle for nearly three years and enjoyed the experience.

In the beginning my work commute was approximately four miles in dense city traffic.

Using a motorcycle to commute to work saved me 9$/day in parking, though I saved a good deal of money, riding to work had its own challenges. As a hotel manager, I had to keep grooming supplies and a full change of clothes/shoes at my work as riding to work in a suit would not have been possible. Rain? It happens. I would keep a good rain jacket and thin ski-pants in my backpack in case of rain.

After three years, I was promoted to a new hotel and my commute lengthened to 45 miles each way; the new commute was more challenging. Having to ride in +90F heat for 40-60 minutes resulted in sweat and matted hair. At my new job, in addition to a change of clothes, I had to keep moist towelettes and hair paste in my locker and show up at least a half of an hour early. If I had to work a late shift 3p-11p, the commute to work was riddled with traffic and congestion resulting in hot, slow moving traffic. The ride home after work was a dream; being one of a few vehicles on the highway on a cool night, after a long day at work was an experience all in it's own.

The ride:

I drove a '01 Kawasaki ZX-9R. This was a big bike and boatloads of power and a rather comfortable ride. Insurance was somewhat expensive, as these big bikes tend to have a higher theft rate and young drivers tend to wreck somewhat often. Gas mileage was poor due to my liberal use of the throttle (I averaged 25-30 mpg when I drove 'sporty').

If you are a smaller female, I would recommend something in the late-model Kawasaki Ninja 250 area. These bikes have great balance, sufficient power for a smaller rider and get great gas mileage. Parts for these bikes are cheap and they tend to last a long time.

Keep in mind that how you ride determines how your bike will wear. Regular maintenance and conservative riding will keep your tires from wearing prematurely. You can purchase a tire that has a great glue-like grip, though, these tires will wear quickly and need to be replaced more often. Conversely, you can purchase a harder tire with less grip that will last significantly longer.

Equipment:

Buy a good helmet with good venting and a snell certification. You head will spend a good deal of time in your helmet, make sure that the fit is right.

Buy a nice, well-fitting set of leather gloves with good venting.

Be sure to dress for the ride: Jeans, a riding jacket, gloves and shoes that lace up over the ankle. Sunglasses are a must, polarization is a plus.

Upkeep:

Break pads, chain lube, regular tire pressure checks, air filters, oil filters and light bulbs. Many of these things can be done easily by the rider; learning to do your own maintenance will keep your costs down.

Overall, riding is very fun, though, it has its challenges. I suggest by taking a MSF certified training course, some states require it to get your motorcycle endorsement on your license.

http://nm.msf-usa.org/msf/ridercourses.aspx?state=FL

Let me know if you have any questions.