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)?

[tomazws]

I donno about you, but after about 30 minutes stuck in that push-up position on the highway, my back FU*KING HURTS..... I had to sit up straight with one hand on the fuel tank and my right hand still on the throttle... back problems killing me on these sport bikes! xD

Maybe he's better off with a sport touring..... just a thought.