Yeh I passed recently and by the sounds of it had similar concerns, always respected bikes but never thought of getting one as thought it was too dangrous.
Many people have told me drive as though everyone else on the road is out to kill you and I think it's good sense! It's not meant to frighten you but if you see a car at a give way, ride as if it was going to pull out on you ie be aware of what's around you and / or make sure you can stop in time if you can't get out of the way.
I had a really fast car before my bike but I ride my bike in a completely different style, far more reserved putting the power down only when I KNOW not THINK it is safe to do so.
Go for it mate and you'll love it. I really didn't think it was for me when I was donig the slow control stuff in the car park on the CBT but as soon as I got out on the road I loved it - even doing 20MPH on a 125
