Oh my, a hot young blonde with a 650, just what we need around here, lol. As instructed, go see Hugh, he'll set you up right. Now ..... a little more info please ..... you say you love cars and bikes but what's your history with them? Actually, I don't much care about the car side of the story. The bikes though, let's hear about them ......
You say the XS11 forum referred you? Do you ride one (or just fixing it up)? Years riding? First bike? That 1100 is an awfully big bike for someone to start out on. If it isn't going yet, I suggest you shift your focus to the 650. Great all-around bike, not too big but not too small. Just about the most perfect do-everything bike around - and a "real" motorcycle to boot. You will experience the "essence" of motorcycling on one of these.