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!