kawasaki 250 ninja...can be had new for ~3k new & holds resale value pretty good. look for used on ebay or craigslist.

http://www.kawasaki.com/Products/Detail.aspx?id=200

great starter bike if you want to get into sportbikes cause you get the feel of riding position etc but it's not TOO much bike to get you into trouble. it's not IF you crash or drop it, it's WHEN

take the msf course. it'll teach you alot & most insurance companies will give you a discount for it.

insurance rates are hard to say cause they vary GREATLY from carrier & depend on motor size.....anything over a 600cc will ass rape you....especially if you are a newbie