2006 Suzuki GZ250. Bought at 3100 miles and I've already gotten it up to 3750. I've been wanting a motorcycle for ages, and I knew better to not start on something too powerful. It's so fun to ride! And comfortable, too, unless I'm on it for 3+ hours, which I do without even knowing because of how fun it is.
Although there is an itch to get something more powerful now. I won't be able to afford the insurance on that though lol. To get that feeling, I test rode a Harley Davidson Sportster 48, not what people think of a "fast" motorcycle but it might as well be a rocket ship compared to what I have. But I'm super happy with my GZ250 and will keep it through at least April 2024.
That's a great first bike, and a 250 hopefully won't get you in too much trouble. Wouldn't be good on a 60MPH plus highway but that's not where I like to ride anyway. Give me scenic back roads and no traffic.
It can more or less keep up with highway traffic, but I often enjoy the twisty back roads more :)