don't let the haters dissuade. i'm 5'8 130 lbs and had a 600rr and it was too much bike for me. i learned on a 250 ninja and found it to be a very enjoyable and fun bike to ride. a 250 suits me and my riding needs perfectly.

like others said the 08's are gone, i've talked to many dealerships and the 09's are the exact same bike as the 08's but there will be a 500 price increase to 3999 b/c of demand, they also dropped the green color from the 09 line up. tax/title/dealers charges it'll be 47xx...which is ridiculous if you ask me...5k and you can get a used 600

that 500 increase killed it for some people.