My first bike was a 250r, and then I recently bought a 2005 500r. I found that both bikes were wonderful. I took the 250 through a long tip in Florida, and it performed well beyond my expectations. Although the 250 hovered around 9500 rpms at 70/75 mph, it didn't complain one bit. It was after that trip that I decided to sell it and buy the 500, mainly because I'm planning on a trip to Nova Scotia, and wanted a larger bike for the long trip. The rpms on the 250 do very well and don't complain, but they are somewhat restrictive: especially during the (very painful) breakin, during which you can't really go above 35/40... I find that the 500 has MUCH more power, is larger, and (to me) a little better handling. Both the bikes have plenty enough power to outrun all those little sportscars/ricers you see (both can outrun pretty much any ricer, and the boxter; after that the 250 has problems). They both have very comfortable seats/riding positions, although I opted for rearsets/clipons on my 500. Overall I think you'd be happy with either bike; if it's your first, you might like the forgiving nature of the 250 more, and you really won't notice its lack in power until you ride another bike. I love my 500 to death, but probably more so because I had the 250 first, and learned to ride. [If you don't have the power, the best way to keep up is to corner better than everyone else!] You'll be happy either way, in the end it's just what feels right for you! (and the wallet!)