i'd look into getting a 250, the ninja 250 (250EX) is a great starter becasue it is very lightweight and still is quite sporty
because it's light the handling will rival some of the more expensive heavier bikes, even the ones with newer suspension and design technology
when it comes down to it the 250 is bascially the same bike it was 15/20 years ago-- and boil that down and you get the idea-- if it aint broke, don't fix it. the ninja 250 is a great starter bike for those wanting to get into sport bikes.
if you want somthing a little more traditional i'd find a honda rebel-- these are the quitessential starters