If you want a small bike that has classic styling, is unique, and reliable, and a really good bike that is still cheap on insurance. Try to find yourself a Honda GB500. Like the one below. Hard to find, but worth it.

http://auto.howstuffworks.com/1989-h...ist-trophy.htm

or a NT650 Hawk, or a second gen VFR. I'm against buying new for a first timer. Also, I dislike recommending EX250s and such other bikes that are braked and sprung for women and teenagers.