Grab a used 250. I got mine for 700 dollars. It was a 98 or 99. I rode it for 2 weeks got stuck in the rain everytime I rode it. Thought it maybe a sign, then I ran a carfax on it because I was bored at work, and found out it was totalled and rebuilt. The bike was sold 2 days later needless to say.

When I did ride it, I noticed that it was very controllable and not overwhelming. Its also very light weight.