I lost track of this thread. My wife may have unsubscribed me??? I went for my MC safety training class. Fun! I did not really know how to ride a MC before this class. I had ridden around buddies' bikes as a youth but never past 2nd gear. Should have my cert in the mail next week and an M1 license by next weekend ...
The shopping is heating up. Anything 400+ cc seems too heavy. The classic enduros are $$$ and also too heavy. Also, I feel I want to start slow. A 250 will have plenty of power to get in trouble with.
What do you think? This is right up my alley in budget.

I could get this going, I am sure ...
http://sfbay.craigslist.org/sby/mcy/5221476726.html
On non-project rides, I really do like the XT250 for being air cooled and not too pricey even newer models.
How about the TW200 with the fat tires? Is that thing a joke or an option for some fun?
Thanks!
G