Some time ago Steve Lightspeed made a deal with his staff - double sales, and he'll buy us each a motorcycle. (Thanks Steve!)
Steve and Tanker went out and bought some fast bikes. Me, who had years of riding bike under my belt, opted out for a smaller bike - In fact, a 500cc Ninja. I didn't feel the need for anything bigger myself, and was more interested in saving some money at the time (we were in the process of buying a house).
So I rode my little bike, and I had problems keeping up with Steve and Tanker. Back then we rode often. However, it was fast enough. Once my wife and I moved into our house, I upgraded to an Honda CBRxx1100 (which now destroys both Steve and Tanker's bikes!).
Tanker eventually sold his bike, and Steve refuses to ride with me because he's pissed off that my bike is faster than his. I still ride my Honda often and love every moment of it. It's a BIG bike however.
Buy what your comfortable with. If this is your first bike and you'll have the money to buy another later, get the 500cc. It's dangerous enough on it's own if your new to motorcycles. And if you new to bikes - take a fucking rider safety course.
Here's my bike last month outside the Lightspeed studio:
