While I agree with the posts about driving experience and the coordination necessary to ride a bike, I wish I would have learned to ride when I was younger and more fearless. I learned to ride last year, at age 33, and I'm still working on riding a little less like an old lady.
Dirt biking is a great idea. When I took my MSF course (twice, long story) I was so jealous of the people who had dirtbiked as kids and had the basics down. I was struggling to remember what the clutch was for and not looking down.
Wear the gear. Fortunately, you're looking at a BMW, and in our community the gear is cool. I ride in helmet, Kevlar jacket, boots, gloves, and either jeans or my kevlar pants. I also wear a geeky bright yellow vest. It's saved me a couple of times in parking lots.
DrAmazon
2003 BMW F650CS