I suggest a 2008-2009 Ninja 250.... Hands down the best learning bike. I started on one and have no regrets. The guys on "big bikes" could only out run me in the straights hahah. So get a 250, ride the shit out of it then the following year sell it and then upgrade to whatever you want. You HAVE GOT To learn the fundamentals of riding on a pretty basic bike so you dont kill yourself. Yeah, you'll get tired of it by the end of the season, but you will also have a lot more confidence and respect before getting on a "bigger" bike. ps... the 08-09 ninja 250's are holding their value. I piked mine up for 3k, rode it a year, sold it for 3k.