Unfortunately, most people here in the old USA firmly believe that "bigger is better", and good beginner bikes are truly hard to find.
You don't mention your height (i.e. inseam) or general physical condition, but beginners are going to feel much more confident if you can get both feet on the ground, and you can muscle the bike around in your driveway and at parking lots.
I HAVE to mention the MSF's beginner course, you should take that before buying a bike, and you SHOULD get some good riding gear.
This topic often comes up on the VFR email list, and like most topics there, very good information is presented. I'm showing a pair of threads. Unfortunately, searching the archives is a terrible procedure, but this should give you something to think about.
I believe that the Kawasaki EX500/Ninja 500 often receives the best recommendations, along with Suzuki SV650.
I would recommend a small/mid-sized "naked" bike to start.
A coworker recently got a mid 80's Yamaha Radian.

https://lists.cs.wisc.edu/archive/vfr/2001-April/msg01476.shtml
https://lists.cs.wisc.edu/archive/vfr/2008-May/msg00072.shtml

note: picture is not what I would consider a starter bike
it's mine packed up and headed home after a weekend in SE Ohio

Ed
2002 Aero SW
1999 SE(4)
1998 VFR800

posted by 205.196.151...

• Looking for a "starter bike", Finch, Thu, 17 Jul 2008 21:41:45
  • Thanks for all the input. What about, Finch, Sat, 19 Jul 2008 22:31:43
    • well, it is from the "Motor Company", so don't expect, Aero'ed, Sun, 20 Jul 2008 10:19:43
      • How would a 250cc Rebel, Finch, Sun, 20 Jul 2008 16:53:14
        • without much dv/dt, Aero'ed, Mon, 21 Jul 2008 09:42:59
          • Re: without much dv/dt, Finch, Mon, 21 Jul 2008 11:36:33
            • SV650, Aero'ed, Tue, 22 Jul 2008 10:31:20
              • I like!, Finch, Wed, 23 Jul 2008 10:58:51
            • The Rebel is too small..., Peter_UMA, Mon, 21 Jul 2008 12:46:10
              • That's what I figured, Finch, Mon, 21 Jul 2008 13:10:30
  • Re: Looking for a "starter bike", jeff in MD, Sat, 19 Jul 2008 11:06:05
  • I'm looking for a Moto Guzzi V7 Sport......., MI-Roger , Fri, 18 Jul 2008 18:05:46
  • 1st bike or last bike - F650GS, Mike Lynch , Fri, 18 Jul 2008 13:28:35
    • Saw one today, Finch, Sun, 20 Jul 2008 16:18:20
    • nice bikes, the F650s..., Savary , Fri, 18 Jul 2008 13:56:10
    • Re: 1st bike or last bike - F650GS, Allen in N.O., Fri, 18 Jul 2008 13:47:54
  • Re: Looking for a "starter bike", hard to find, Aero'ed, Fri, 18 Jul 2008 10:02:26 <-- Viewing This Message
  • Re: Looking for a "starter bike", SeeVTSaab, Fri, 18 Jul 2008 07:17:48
  • Re: Looking for a "starter bike", n8, Thu, 17 Jul 2008 23:29:08

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