Hey, i just saw this thread. If you're shorter but don't want to ride a 250, then the GS500 might be a good compromise. I just got one about 2 months ago.

Please note that ONLY 2004 and later models (meaning '04 and '05) are designated GS500F (meaning they have full fairings on them). My bike is an '89, but its had '04 body pieces and fairings fitted.

Its my first bike, but i'm a big fan of it so far. I had a friend who got a '95 FZR-600 right about the time I got my bike... he's since sold is bike and is going to get a GS500F (for the look, i think). Its a rock solid learner's bike. The stock forks and springs come a tad soft, but if you're tiny then you won't notice unless you do hard braking at fast speeds. IM me if you have any other questions about the GS500. My screen name is TarzanBoy007

In the meantime, here's a pic or two of my bike