A good BEGINNERS
 

Motorcycle?? I'm 5'7" and 170 lbs. male. I would like something light not too heavy. I don't really care for speed or power, just something road legal. I would like to be able to touch the ground so nothing with a high seat. I haven't driven one before but with the gas prices, i'm thinking of getting one. Probably used more for recreational and driving back and forth form work. A japanese brand would prefer. but would consider american brand. Any style, i'm open for suggestions. thanks for the help in advance.

I'd recommend a Suzuki GS 500. It's priced relatively low, and it performs above average for it's class. Then, maybe after a year or two, you can step up to the gsx-r class. Do some research online and I'm sure you'll be convinced about the gsx-r.

I've been a motorcyclist for about 20 years and 1,000,000 miles. I would recommend a Yamaha for your first bike since you like Japanese bikes. They are easy to maintain and inexpensive to repair unlike Honda which can have some pricey parts and you usually can't find replacements in the aftermarket world easily. This goes double for electrical items! My ultimate recommended motorcycle is BMW, especially the boxer series and you can find bargains if you look, but they will cost you more and parts are pricey too, but they are worth it and you will get your money back out of it. A Harley Davidson will be fun, but these are VERY heavy and if your not into this type of bike, it will not please you. Your best bet in a very reasonable price range for a good used specimen would be a Yamaha in the 500cc to 1000cc range. Easy to find and really good on fuel too.

harley davidson sportster 1200cc2000 or newer with pipes & stage 1 kitshould due nicely

start off with a Dual Sport, like a Suzuki DR-Z 400SM, or a yamaha XT225, or a KLX 250S. there easy to learn on, if you drop it and crack a fairling..its not gonna hurt things.

try out some bikes, goto a dealership and sit on some models...you looking for cruiser? sport? enduro?

250cc might be too small so i' reccommend a sv650 or a 800cc cruiser bike.

i bought a used 600cc sport tourer to learn and pratice on...its cheap enough that i dont care about dropping it...