Echo the recommendation for a dualsport single as a first bike. After I quoted insurance on the Ninja 250 (very high here in WA state for women riders) I explored other options and bought a then-eight-year-old F650ST at a premium as it had the factory lowering kit. Sold it after three years, raised back to standard height, for more than I paid.
I don't know if they're available in Canada, but the new Honda 250R just got a stellar review in this month's issue of MCN and it is available with ABS.
