A first bike should be something used, in good condition, between roughly 200cc and 500cc. Such a bike will be quick enough to be fun but not so fast as to be scary. it'll cruise at 55-60mph. Light enough for one person to push around if needed and to pick up if dropped. Seems to me, motorcycling is an "aquired taste"....they look neat and it looks like fun seeing motorcyclist run down the road with wind in their hair, etc. But a first time rider may find it's not necessarily for him (oe her)...that 60mph wind blast in your face is not really pleasant, making the bike corner safely at speed can be intimadating, they can feel tippy at low speeds, etc. Best to start with somehing cheap and manageable. I've had several beginners bikes that I've enjoyed and/or still am enjoying...a 1981 Yamaha SR185, 1982 Yamaha XS400 and 1980 Yamaha SR500.