the first bike

im thinking about purchasing my first bike and i onestly dont know where to start!!! i mean i want a new bike but i dont wanna pay that much and endu p falling on the bike and messing it up. So... i was thinking about getinga used beginners bike like Kawasaki 250 and start off there...is that the best choice?? and are there other options to this??? Any females or anyone for that matter.. if there are any better suggestions let me know!!  

Im in your position too. But I have a solid plan. First im going to take the local MSF course, pass that with confidence, then get my gear. I have dirt bike experience, but on the street thats another thing. So Im glad they have training. Then im getting my permit, do the test, get insurance--oh and im 5 foot 2 and I was thinking about the Ninja 250 also. Its so pretty! But mainly I like the price and its smaller engine size. But for sure we got to go in and actually sit on a bike and see if it FEELS RIGHT. Good luck to you, I know I need it.  

MB0674 has the right idea. Taking the MSF course is a must-do. I just went though it and totally recommend it. It gives you the opportunity to feel the bike and experience the sport with someone else's bike. The bikes are generally 250s so you get an idea what they are like.

My recommendation is to go for a slightly more powerful bike. Ninja 250s are enticing. They offer great looks, good performance and are cheap and prevalent. They are prevalent for a reason and that is because people outgrow them very quickly. If you are not against buying twice and/or are uncertain if you will remain in the sport, then go with the 250, otherwise (like me) shoot for something between a 500 & 600. No bigger than that.

In that size, I recommend either the Suzuki GS500F (like mine) or a Ninja 500R. Both are highly touted as being excellent beginner bikes if sportier is your forte. As for cruisers, try a Shadow VLX 600 (my sister-in-law's first bike).

Ultimately, you should go with what "fits". I can tell you stuff that works for me but that might not be right for you. Try some bikes on and, like MB0674 says, go with what feels right.  

I've been riding for 4 years and started out on a Harley Davidson Sportster. If I knew then what I know now, I would have chosen to start with a Honda Rebel or Shadow (I'm 5' 2"). The Sportster is a wonderful bike, but it has a higher center of gravity and is more challenging to ride than a small Honda.

Will a new rider outgrow one of these smaller bikes? Absolutly! But it's worth it to start riding on a cheaper "starter" bike and enjoy the experience!

My suggestions:
1. Take a MSF course before selecting/buying a bike. Aside from a safe learning experience, you'll start to learn what to look for when selecting your own bike.
2. Avoid having a friend or spouse teach you how to ride - unless they're a MSF course instructor.
3. Select a bike that fits you; you should be able to hold the bike upright with both feet flat. Tip: Many bikes can be lowered - best done by a qualified, reliable mechanic.
4. Beware of starting with too much bike. A friend of mine recently passed her riding course and decided to start out on a Harley Davidson V-Rod - definitely not a beginner's bike! When one rolls on the throttle the motorcycle takes off like a scalded skunk. She now has 15 stitches and a broken bike.
5. Before purchasing a used bike have a trustworthy mechanic look it over.

Best wishes and welcome to the road!  

I too am getting ready to make that first step for my first bike.  I have been looking at the Honda Shadow VLX Deluxe.  It appears to be a decent size for a first bike, and it's not *too* expensive.  

If any other more experienced riders have any other suggestions in about the same price range, I'm more than interested in hearing about them.  Thanks!  
You don't stop laughing because you grow old, you grow old because you stop laughihg.  God bless!

taking the coarse is great thinking, it will give you basic training. one thing to think about is if you go with a rocket even if smaller, you will be tempted to go crazy on the road. think about those lower seat postion bike like the suzuki intruder great bikes. a friend of mine has one, and she rides now more than her husband. The 800 is about 450 lbs and good if you want to hit the highway on a trip. used is the way to go so if you don't like the bike you can sell it and move on.  

A friend of mine just purchased a black 2008 ninja 250R. He made the right decision in my opinion. The price is right, it's very light weight at only 333 lbs. Depending on your height and weight sit on every bike you are considering. The Ninja you are debating over has a seat height of 30.5 inches. Make sure you feel comfortable whatever bike you choose. Good luck.
From the Rocky Mountains  

I think it depends on a lot of factors. Your size, what experience you have, what you are planning to do with the bike makes a huge difference. I spent a long time trying to decide on my first bike, and I was going to get a 250 since it was my first bike, but after talking with many people who ride, and since I was planning to ride my bike to work about 20 miles each way. I eventually decided to buy a 650. It was a good thing because I would have instantly outgrown it. But if I was just riding around town or in my neighborhood, a 250 would be fine. Bigger than 650 or 750 and you are just looking for fast and heavy (which I have no problem with, and someday I may get a bigger bike just for fun, but I will NEVER NEED more than a 650.)
By the way, the Motorcycle Safety Course is essential if you are a new rider.
Thanks for listening.
 

mtnrider is correct,  the 250 Ninja is an easy bike to learn on and a very surprising performer especially handling wise and real cheap to operate.