Which brings me to another recommendation. When starting out, spend more on the gear than the bike. Get a good helmet, leathers, gauntlet gloves, boots, etc. Don't by cheap gear.
I always recommend getting something you don't mind crashing. Look for under 100HP, light, and cheap. Many great recommendations in this thread already. I'd add supermotos are stupid fun, great for taller people, and not overly powerful.
Sentenced to life plus 40 years. http://wfla.com/2017/05/11/former-sons-of-guns-star-will-hayden-sentenced-to-life-plus-40-years-in-prison-for-raping-preteen-girls/