Wise decision on the smaller cc bike. After riding the 4 major brands of bikes i still think the Honda is the best bike to learn on. They are so stable and forgiving, except on the seat. You will want to get a different seat than the stocker is you get a Honda.

Before you make a definative decision as to what manufactuter you will go with on your first, ask a lot of riders of different bikes for their likes and dislikes. Remember you will be on this first bike to learn not look cool. You will be able to look cool in a few months when you decide you are ready to move on to a different bike if you so choose.

Try looking at the Honda f3 or f4 in the years of 97-2000. You can find those cheap, reliable, fun, easy to maintain. I'm pretty sure those suzuki 600's get beat up pretty good, just ask gixxer600.

BTW....How you like Eckerd?