Great recommendation. They can be found pretty reasonable too. A buddy of mine has a 2008 in mint condition with 3000 miles and will take $3500 for it. I wish I wanted it.SV650 is my pick for a first street bike.
DRZ400SM or similar Supermoto/endudo. They are forgiving, still a huge bundle of fun and they rarely take damage when they get laid over. After being a Supermoto guy, I can't imagine recommending anything else as a starter bike. My girlfriend loves her WR250.