first motorcycle, help me pick one Options

[Hanyo]

I know, i know; the very commonly asked "first bike question" but i need help finding a first bike.

I know about the 250/500 ninjas and the gs500f from Suzuki are all great beginners bikes. I'm really leaning towards a 2008+ 250 ninja because I like how short and light they feel.

But I have a few opinons from my other friends what to get. My friend tells me to get a older 600cc bike such as a 98 katana; My other friend is teling me to get a gs500f to start off with because i will get tired of the 250 real quickly.

My main use of this bike is to commute and I would eventually want to go on the highway with it.

Does anyone have a suggestion on a bike that is less then $3000 and is a good beginner bike (600cc)?

[6GenCelicaST]

My first bike/current bike is a 1977 HD Sportster XLH 1000. And I must say I've had more fun on that then my buddies r1. Its very docile and easy to ride. There cheap bike that you can find on craigslist for around 1500-2000 dollars. So price wise they're not that bad. And if you get one, make sure you throw some drag pipes on it. Makes me smile every time I start it up

EDIT: On a side note you could even go with a 883 hugger Sportster.

This post has been edited by 6GenCelicaST: Oct 18, 2009 - 11:58 PM