I just got a 650 as my first bike and I believe I made a great decision. I too thought about getting the 250, but realized it is better to spend the money now on a bike that I know will satisfy me in a few years. Everyone that gets a 250 eventually upgrades, and in terms of money, it is better to skip that step.

I'm 19 and my insurance is 900 a year for full coverage. That is with progressive.

 

The nice thing about the 650 is that it is considered a sport touring bike, so insurance is not nearly as high as if you went with a 600 supersport. I think that I pay just over $300 a year for full coverage. But I am 25 married, and my home, and other cars are insured with the same company. The 650 was my first street bike, before it I had dirt bikes since I was probably 5. I actually about bought a katana as well but the guy low sided on the way into work the day he was bringing it to me. It messed it all up, and he still wanted to sell it to me for the same price. Probably the best thing that could have happened, because I don't think that I would have been as happy with the katana as I am with the 650. Plus you can make the 650 into anything you want there are plenty of mods out there. I like the supersport bike, and I am actually looking at investing in one this summer, but I have changed my 650 to be more like a SS bike, and I plan on keeping it as a possible track bike, since I have put so much work into it. Here are a couple pics of my 650 just an ideal of what is possible with it.

 

just for info, you're worried about power on a 650?

How big are you? Chances are a 250 has plenty of power for you and that tops out at 105 mph ish. especially the new 08 250 would suit you great.

So if you're 16 and lets say, under 6ft and under 200lbs, I would suggest the 08 ninja250. But yeah if you want a 650, hey go for it, you have absolutelynothing to worry about when it comes to power of a 650 (unless you're 350+ lbs 6'6+), the only thing you should worry is if insurance companies will insure a 16 year old driving a 650.

 

Welcome to KF bud... in my opinion the 500 was a great bike to start on, and I've riden with a guy who has an older 250 and he kept up just fine. Insurance was $35 on the 500R in MI and I was 21... the 650R is $65/month and I'm 23. Both for collision/comprehensive with $1000 deductibles.

Have you seen the 08 250R? It's been redesigned and looks nice. I had the 500R and loved the power and handling, but the styling wasn't all that great... still an excellent bike though and I would definitely recommend it. I also own a 2007 Vulcan 900 CUstom and it's the cat's meow -- cruisers cost less on insurance, and migt last longer. It's $39/month for insurance.

How did you have a car when you were 10? Be safe, and respect the bike, road, and watch out for other drivers.