Gretsch - I faced exactly the same decision. I passed the BRC late this summer and was looking for my first bike. The advice was " don't get a 250 you'll outgrow it in a few weeks" vs "start on a 250, develop your skills, then move up when you are ready". I found both pieces of advice to be true. I got a used 250, put 400 miles on it in 3 weeks, and sold it to get a 2007 Speedmaster. Personally I wasn't ready for the SM just after passing the course. Maybe I would have "grown into it" and saved a few hundred dollars from the first bike transaction. But maybe not. My point is, I don't care. My view is I spent a few hundred dollars (because I traded for a little less than I paid for the 250)to "rent" a training bike and significantly improve my skills - particularly the slow speed stuff that is more difficult on a bigger bike. I'm sure this approach isn't right for everyone, but I have no regrets. From everything I've read (as a newbie)the only real way to reduce the risks inherent in riding a bike is AGATT and improve your skills. Starting on the smaller bike was the most effective way for me personally to do the latter. Good luck with your decision.
