Hi and welcome,
Firstly i would agree with most of the points made already. Especially the one about something unfaired (as little bodywork as possible). As a new rider you will have a few moments maybe big or small but all these will leve there impression on your bike. Eventually ou will want to sell it to upgrade or change for whatever reason and the less damage to have to fix means the greater the resale value. Just something to think about.
The way i classify the 250 markett is (ignreing the 2 smokes for the moment) into single cylinder, twins and inline 4's. Generally speaking the inline 4's would be the quickest and give the most power however it might be arguable that they might be slighlty more difficult to ride depending on your preffered riding style. 4's tend to be revvy little buggers and you need to ride them like a 2 stroke to get the best out of them. The single cyinders tend to be much more suited to town riding with more of the power down low and run out of breath up the top of the rev range and dont have the power of the 4's . They however are very easy to ride and a great bike to learn on if you lack a little confidence at the beginning. The twin configuration would provide the middle ground being midway beteween the previous 2.
This is just a generalisation based on how typical engine configurations work there are always exceptions. All the bikes out there are pretty good it's just getting the right one for what you want to use it for. Commiting, Going for a weekend burn or crusing. Each model will sit slightley more one way than the others.
When you deside what you would like and find one that you would like to have a look at i would be more than happy to check it over with you before you purchase and give you my oppinion in regards to what it might need in the future in terms of maintenance.
Whenever i buy a new vehicle i always allow some $$$ so i can service it straight away. Gives you a good chance to have a good go through the bike and you know that you are starting from a point where by you know that the basics have been checked/ done. Oil, filter, plugs, airfilter, brakes, chain etc. i would recommend you make some allowance for this as it has always stood me in good stead. Even if you dont do everythign at the time at least you know what is going to need doing in the short tem and you can budget for it. Nearly every 2nd hand bike will benefit from something or will need something in the near future.
One piece of advise i will give you is that Kawasaki's of the 90's era tend to have the valve clearances go out more than another brand. If these dont get adjusted it can cause all sorts of problems Just my experience and something to consider/ check when looking at what you want to buy.
Happy hunting and welcome to the motorcycling community!
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