older models are good to learn on. first time crotch rocket and beginner rider, im guessing beginner rider cause usually and experienced one will know what he/she wants, there is nothing wrong with an older bike. 250 may be good to learn on, but youll out grow it pretty quickly. once you get the hang of it youll be wanting something a little bigger. not much, personally id look into bikes between 250-600 cc. older yahama/suzuki/honda cbr's are good ones. stick to 95+ in year for cbr if you go that way. honda will be cheaper, i once picked up a 96 cbr 600 for $1500 that was in great shape. just shop around and dont trust anyone that says "its been babied". any used bike you may as well go in knowing its been abused a bit. so expect it.