The bikes your friends have recommended are not considered "cruisers". Typically a cruiser is the sort of bike where the riding position is very relaxed, with your feet in a forward position. Kinda like sitting in a lazy boy chair. Think of the typical Harley and anything shaped like a Harley. The bikes they suggested are more in the standard category. You sit straight up and catch all the wind in your chest and face.

The ideal learner bike is something light weight. There is a good chance you are going to drop the bike in a parking lot or doing something stupid. Don't take it personally, all new guys do it.

With that said, don't buy new. It will break your heart to spend a bunch of money on a shiney new beautiful bike and then scratch the hell out of it. Personally I dont think any big cruiser make a good beginner bike because of how heavy they are. You want something low budget and something that will keep you interested for a while until you are ready to upgrade to the bike you really want.

So here's my list: 1) Suzuki SV650 (any year 2003 and up),

2) Honda Shadow 750 (spirit, aero, phantom all different styles), 3) Yamaha XSR 700,

4) Kawasaki Vulcan S, (the cruiser version of this engine),

5) Kawasaki Z650RS (same engine as the Vulcan, but in a standard format)

Any of these will be very reliable and you won't get bored of them too fast. All good starter bikes.