The upcoming Ninja 250 (2010?)

First of all I will tell you that I do not know everything about bikes but I have been riding for about 4 1/2 years now so I do have some advice for you.... My first bit of advice is that if this is your first bike, do not buy brand new. I can not stress this enough. The common idea behind that is that "it isn't IF you drop your bike, it's WHEN you drop your bike". I dropped my first bike on something as silly as gravel. It hurts, I was lucky to be okay and the bike only suffered minor scratches. But I really can't stress enough, I wouldn't buy your bike brand new. However, if you do make sure you have gap insurance. It really doesn't take much to total a bike. My first bike was a 2005 250 Kawasaki Ninja. I loved the bike but I can assure you that you will quickly get tired of it. When you get her to speed all is good, but getting to speed, not so good. They are small bikes. Not much hoof behind the horse though. Which references me back to my last point, if you get sick of it in a year and have a lien you could be very well stuck with it until you get the loan taken care of. My second bike I bought a year later. It is a 1999 Kawasaki ZX6E. I am not fond of the weight. She is an older bike so she is heavy. But everything else is perfect. She has awesome take off power, awesome handling, and can maintain speed and picks up speed quickly. I am trying to sell her because I want newer and lighter next year. Like I said, my bike now is heavy. Between 450 - 500lbs dry weight. I am 5' 6" and maybe a 120lbs soaking wet. I want something a little easier for me to maneuver and what not. I would seriously say to you that you should consider a bike in the 600 range for your first bike. Don't waste time on the 250. It's not worth it. I promise. And I would seriously recommend buying used. They are everywhere and you can get some really great prices on used bikes. Good luck on your purchase!!