Old bikes need work and/or money to keep them going. Personally, if you want to ride, I would recommend a much newer bike so you can spend most of your time riding. I started with an old one and learned a lot, but I did spend a lot of my time wrenching. If it's been sitting for a few years, add a set of tires into your budget. Learning to ride on an old bike with old tires is not doing you any favors.
Before you consider buying any bike, call around and try to get an insurance quote. A recent 250cc bike may end up being cheaper to own as the insurance difference in the first year could pay for the initial price difference.
Personally, as you sound tentative about maintenance, I would recommend a much newer bike. Insurance is cheaper as the bikes get smaller, but anything up to about 500cc is normally not digustingly priced. Over 500 for a new rider and the insurance price climbs very quickly. What kind of bike are you looking for (ie.sport bike, cruiser, standard, etc.) You said you had your mind basically made up, what were you planning on getting?
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