I think the 250 would do fine with you. I have an 09, but I’m tiny, and I’m trying to figure out how to set the sag lower on mine. The preload is already at 1. I’m about 125 with all my gear, so it’s a bit hard. If you do get a 250, you’ll have to set the pre-load. The stock is at 2. I read somewhere (through google) that 3 is about right for 170 lbs. It goes to 5, so you might be at the 5. There is no pre-load for the front. I’m looking into setting the compression, I’m just doing research, I have to go look at the bike next, lol. I think in my case, I might have to buy a new spring. It’s not bad for short rides of less than an hour, but after that I’m worn out. The seat isn’t bad, although, if I were riding the distances you will be, I would look at an after market seat, something gel, maybe? Anyways, good luck, hope this helps some. I’m on the other end of the spectrum, but it still sucks. Hubby offered to switch the 600 (since it’s fully adjustable) with me, but I love my lil’ ninja so much, I don’t know if I can part with her!
The RPM’s is where it’s at with the ninja’s. It’s a higher revving bike, Safety First said 6000 RPM, that pretty much the min that you want to be riding at. I try to keep it between 7 and 9. 6 still seems a big sluggish to me (if going up a hill, would not recommend it!).
I think that the 250 is a life long bike. Unless you want to go over triple digits, then it’s a great bike that is fun and corners great! I think it’s mostly an ego thing for the bigger bikes, I stay away from R1’s and the like. I love the YZF600r though. The 250 keeps up with the big boys just fine (imo), and I get better mileage than they do.
The 500- depends on what you get. My husband isn’t big on getting a 500. He thinks the lil’ ninja would stomp most 500’s. We both started out on a 250, he’s up to a 600 (he’s got years of experience on me though), and we’re not going any higher.
Putting a double bubble windscreen on the bike so that wind will go over me instead of pinging the crap out of me, and making me lay down at highway speeds. Zero Gravity (or Gravity Zero?) makes all sorts of screens, you can even put the sport-tourer screen on there since you’re pretty tall. Might make your ride a bit more comfortable.
I would wait until after the MSF though, you’ll have a better idea of what you like and such. You may find out you like cruisers. Who knows. Get whatever is most comfortable for you and fits your personality. Who cares about everyone else.