I would recommend you start off by reading these two articles and the comments that go with them:
https://www.bestbeginnermotorcycles.com/why-600cc-motorcycle-not-good-beginner-bike-updated
https://www.bestbeginnermotorcycles.com/beginner-motorcycle-guide
Basically if you don’t have any riding experience then stick with a 250cc or a 500cc bike, most 600’s (even a v-twin like the sv650) have too much weight and power to handle for a new rider. Now that the new 2008 ninja 250 is out, people can’t say that all small bikes are ugly, because that thing looks amazing!
It’s going to be a challenge to resist the peer pressure to get a larger bike like a 600 or 750cc inline-four, especially if the main reason you are riding is because ‘all my friends and some family members ride’. I would strongly suggest you go for a 250 or 500 though, and no matter which bike you get, make sure you get all of the gear (full face helmet, gloves, jacket, pants that aren’t jeans, and motorcycle boots).
Ben
~Best Beginner Motorcycles Admin
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