[jola]

I just got my permit and I'm in the market for a starter bike. I only want to spend max $800 for a bike. I'll probably wind up waiting until the end of the summer to get one, since I don't know when I'll be able to get my license. Anyways, that puts me in the realm of 70's and 80's Japanese standard type bikes, which I don't mind at all. I'm thinking of Honda CBs, Kawasaki KZs, and Triumph Bonnevilles (I know, not Japanese, just giving an example). Fortunately for me, I like the styling of these bikes.

Here are my questions:

Would a front drum brake be ok? I won't be riding much. It will be for leisure.
Would an old school (weaker) 500cc be too big?

Feel free to give advice and whatnot. I plan on taking one of the DMV weekend courses to get my license, if I can get into one. They are jam packed.