What's a good first motorcycle?

I'm looking for my first cheap, reliable motorcycle to get me into the city each day and back. I don't know much about them but I don't want anything too powerful so a 250 of some sort and preferably a japanese made bike such as yamaha and honda etc. I really like the retro/classic style bikes but I don't want it too old.
Please help me out as I don't know where to even begin looking really.

Yamaha makes a 250 sold as a star motorcycle. Honda and I think maybe Suzuki also make 250 cruiser bikes.

If you want a sport bike you can get a Kawasaki Ninja 250/300 or Honda CBR250R.

You can always look at scooters too. Very cheap to purchase and run. Plus there are plenty of models to choose from from BMW, Yamaha, Honda, Suzuki and Kawasaki.

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