….needs to be considered.
You say that you are planning on doing mostly highway riding, so perhaps the a bike with a fairing would be better. I was surprised at the wind pressure on my first ride on my SV650 yesterday. Simply, a fairing reduces wind pressure. Also, according to a few survey’s I’ve read (sorry, don’t remember which), a full fairing makes you more visible.
You already have two good choices in the GS500F and the SV650. Madjak suggested the Ninja 250R and 500R, which are good bikes from what I’ve read. Another choice if you want bigger bike is the Ninja 650R.
My suggestion is to figure out what you NEED in a bike, what you WANT in a bike and what WOULD BE NICE to have. Then take that and look at the bikes, sit on a few and see what feels best. Be willing to sacrifice the ‘would be nice’ for a bike that fits better.
The main reason I bought the SV was that it was a better deal ($$$) than the Ninja I was looking at. On my first ride I found the SV to be jerky and temperamental below about 2k RPM. But the torque that made it a little rough low, pulled me from 40 to 70 in a heartbeat, without a shift; which makes it great for passing on the HWY.
The good thing is that in the $3000 range there are a TON of used bikes that are beginner friendly.
Have fun, good luck, ride safe and I hope I haven’t added to the confusion…….
Nate