Haven't been in these forums for long, but finally fouind a topic i know a thing or too about!
I'd say for your first bike, do what most people have suggested and definately go a second hand 600(absolute tops), or even a 250 for a few months(depending on how much you have riden before). Firstly because you probably will fall off, secondly you will gain valuable experience in knowing what you like and didnt like about the bike, i.e seating positioning, gear ratios, weight, size etc and will be able to use all that to go find a bike to suit you. Informations like that cannot be found on a half hour test ride, its built up over time.
Also, unless your an idiotic maniac with no value for life(or other people insurance premiums), i'd stay well clear of any 1000s. A bike like that will not only be way way too much to handle as a first bike(and yes i did read that you've rode before, but obviously not too much if you've never owned a bike) but it will also cost you a bucket load in insurance. Accidently drop a gear on an R1, ZX10R or similar and you'll be straight off the back of ur bike. That kind of power just isn't needed either.
Hope this helps, and remember, this is just my opinion and i realize everyone else will have a different one!
Jules
