500 or bigger?

[fatboyrally]

Hey everyone, I am brand new and have made introductions on the Welcome Forum. I am wondering what your opinions are on getting a 500 to 650 bikes for a beginner. Ideally I would like something thats not going to get me into too much trouble, because of too much power. At the same time though, I want to keep it for at least 5 years, so I don't want to be wishing I got something larger than a 500. I am 6'3 230lbs. I have ridden a KX500 2 stroke desert bike for over 5 years consistently, up until last year because of financial reasons. I know what to expect from lots of torque, because that bikes is pretty much all torque, and I have learned my lesson on more than one occasion. Now I understand that it is much different because you have way more rear end grip, so I don't see myself popping the bike up over me, I am fairly conservative anyway when it comes to the starting line. I have been reading a lot on the GS500F, and other than the cold starts, everyone seems to really enjoy that bike. Since I am on a limited budget, nothing more than 5500.00 I was wondering about suggestions for this category. I would also be buying used most likely, but new is ok too, given the right advice. It will be a couple of months before I make a purchase, so I can go through the safety course and save up some cash. So, with the time I am given I would like to make a good sound choice, based on price and fun over the long run, or as I get more used to power. Like I said, I have respect for lots of power, but at the same time don't want to wish I got something bigger or smaller down the line.
Sweet, I hope some of you knowledgeable guys and gals out there can help me make a good decision.

Russ

[Schneiderman]

If you've been riding a 500cc 2 stroke for 5 years, you can handle any of the bikes you mentioned easily. It is a different feel and riding on the road is different from riding off it, but you have enough knowledge of riding that you will take to the street rather naturally. The GS500, SV650, Ninja 500 and 650, Versys... they'd all be good choices for you, and it will come down to your preference. You can easily buy a brand new GS500 or Ninja 500 on your budget.