i think the most important this is to make sure you get proper lessions /training. even if you only get a few, the experience and advice of an instructor who has been riding for many years and has taught many many people is extremely valuable.
nothing annoys me more then seeing guys ride around and not doing proper checks and stuff. i don't care if you ride like a crazy person, but there's a big difference between crazy and plain stupid
last point. always ride within your limits. it's real easy to get drawn out of your limits and if you aren't ready for it, it's just asking for trouble. so make sure you don't get stuck in the trap of pushing yourself too far when your not ready.
and most of all, have fun
after all, that's what bikes are all about