I am increasingly moving in this direction–I don’t need too much power or weight, but I do want to learn well. The Kawasaki 500 Vulcan Cruiser is starting to look like my bike of choice. As far as speed is concerned, the 250 is fine. But I am guessing that once I learn and start using the bike everyday, I will want one which I can take everywhere–on highways and freeways and around town. Sure, I can sell on 250 on Craigslist after I have outgrown it, but I am mulling over skipping this step and getting a bike which will last me several years. I am not particularly a speed demon, but I do understand how a 250 might be better to start with in order to learn the skills needed. On the other hand, the Vulcan seems about the right weight, etc., and is perhaps more flexible and will last me longer. We’ll have to see, I guess. I will say that I am more comfortable on the cruiser style bikes, at least for now. Fortunately, I have some time before I need to decide.