Personally, if you're new at this, try something in the 250-500cc range, unless you are a big guy. Do NOT buy something figuring that you'll grow into it. Buy something small and sell it when you are ready to upgrade. It is FAR safer.
Ducati's suggestion of a Kawasaki ex500 is a pretty good one, though their 250 Ninja is a great choice if you're smaller. Suzuki's Virago 250 is really nice for a small cruiser, and their mid-line Virago is also good, again depending on size. The ls650 is a good choice for a larger cruiser as it's single cylinder isn't that strong.
Another nice thing about the starter bikes is that they tend to hold their value well. Most of them sell briskly on the used market, so it is reltively easy to move up when you decide to.
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