I am thinking about a 2001 Ninja EX250?
 

I don't know anything about motorcycles, and I haven't ever ridden any except a Honda twist-n-go moped, or the cousin's 4-wheeler, so I know that how to work the foot manual.But I don't know anything about motorcycles, this one looks to run and drive good, but it has 8000 miles, and the plastic is horrible (from a minor wreck, he says, with only cosmetic damage) I still think it looks sharp.But is the ninja 250 a good reliable bike to start on. Any other recommendations? And what is Enduro? I heard it is a street legal dirtbike. That I would be interested in, because I know I would be tempted to take the cut cornfield as I do in my car. But I am worried if the Enduro will have being too big for me of engine to control and balance. If it makes a deifference I am 5' 7" and 160 lb.

I think you should start off on something a little smaller- Maybe a lil Honda

I think you are on the right track looking at the 250cc ninja. It is a very nimble bike, gets good mileage, and has a very sporty look.As for enduros look at the KLX250. Your problem with one of them will be the seat height. I'm 5'8" and ride a '08 KLR 650. I had to get a low mount seat from Corbin to bring me down to a reasonable height. However the KLX250 is also a very nimble bike and very controllable in dirt. The down side with it is if you do plan on riding off road, plan on going down. This bike is tough and will take a beating. I like riding on road, or dirt, but I think that you will be very happy with the 250 Ninja, especially since the '08 looks very similar to the 650R ninja.