I started with a Honda Rebel 250. Payed 1400 bucks for it, rode the damn tires off the thing then sold it for 1400. It was $40 a year to insure and got 80mpg. Hands down has to be the best learning bike out there, light, easy to control and still can get up to highway speeds no problem. They are also easy to work on, which will give you a nice start to learning some basic motorcycle maintenence.