Best Beginner's cruiser?

What about a 883 sportster. You can get one on craigslist for around 3000. Not much power but you can bore it out to a 1200 for around 1500. I started out on Jap bikes and they are known for dependability but once I got a Harley I wondered what the hell have I been doing. An 883 really doesn't feel much different than a 250 Honda Rebel. Get a Sportster.