What kind of bike should I get?

The Shadow comes in a couple of versions, ranging from 600 to 1000 cc (36ci to 62ci)

Honda has a great reputation, but the major manufacturers all have good to great reps, so it comes down to what you need and what you like.

Kawasaki has the Vulcan 500 to 900 series ($5k to 9k)

Suzuki has the Boulevard 40s and 50s (cubic inches, $4k to 9k)

Yamaha has the Star line, but only the VStar has any in the same range you're looking at as far as I can tell.

H-D has the sportster line, the 883 is the smallest ($6.5k)

Victory has nothing in your range.

There are also a few Chinese and Taiwanese bikes (Kymco and similar) that you might find at a mixed dealership, usually Japanese bike shops carry a variety and might include a few of these.

Check out the mfg's web sites: honda.com, yamaha.com, suzkuki.com, harleydavidson.com and so forth. See what you like and go check out the dealerships. Sit on them, take a test ride, all that. The Japanese bikes are going to be stylistically different, while Harley has a whole culture that goes with it that some people want to be part of.

Find what you like and stay safe

The 250/500 would be a great starter bike as mentioned above. However, I don't have any riding experience and just bought my first beek 6 days ago. Just got delivered the other day!! Anyways, I bought the GSXR-600. I loved the style of it. They come in 3 sizes. 600/750/1000. The 750/1000 would be a big mistake for a first bike. The 600 has alot of power as well. If you want a nice bike check that one out. It's powerful yet is a semi-decent beginner bike. Although, if you are concerned about power then the 500 would be the way to go.

The Shadow VLX would probably be a good starter, it weighs in just over 450, the Shadow Spirit is just over 550 and a VTX C is almost 680 so there are some weight comparisons to consider. I think you are being smart to go with a lighter bike in the beginning.

The Honda Shadow the Yamaha V-star are both good bikes I have ridden both of them and I liked them both. The shadow might be a little bigger and longer.

Shadow is nice. My first was a good used 450 which was good for me. What ever you decide on get a used one because you will lay it down a few times.

you win the prize for the first person I see posting this question today

picking your motorcycle for you is like me picking your girlfriend... it's a personal decision

shadow is a nice bike if you're looking for an inexpensive cruiser.

some of the smaller Harley's are nice too but make sure you get one big enough to comfortably do highway speeds

a shadow would be a great learner, and you can get them up to 100 mph without much trouble...