Hey... long time indeed! Glad to see you're still kickin!
Check my sig, as you might not recognize my new username
I've been thinking about getting a motorcycle license and getting the new Ninja 250. I hate Kawasakis (they're like the Ford of motorcycles), but they're the only ones who make a 250 sportbike in the US. I'm by no means a hardcore biker of any sort, but that Ninja 250 gets 75mpg... and while I'm not insecure about myself, I draw the line at riding a Vespa
A friend of a friend just recently got one and loves it. Says it'll do 105mph, which is pretty good for a 250.
I'd agree with the start-with-the-250 advice, but I'd suggest buying a used one dirt-cheap, as you'll likely outgrow it pretty quick and want something faster.