[FLYONWALL]

I'm a first time rider also. Though I used to race dirt bikes
back in my day. I know the two are very different.

I don't buy into weight being a factor of needing a larger
CC bike. I weigh about the same as you do and nearly as
tall. I do believe in the comfort level so I can go along with
that. I think that if you ride with a good head and don't
get in over your head you will be fine on most anything.

But, a properly set up smaller than 600 bike can be as fun
if not more fun than a much larger more powerful CC bike.
If I had to do the buying all over again I would try and meet
a few people that would let me ride the bikes I was looking
at.

I am guessing your wanting to get NEW? If not then look into
a V4, I push them because they are a real HOOT. I could change
a bunch of buyers if they just rode my little bike. Granted they
are HARD to find and you are likely not to see another in your
riding area. But you can find 750s-800s that have WAY enough
grunt.