Getting ready to buy my first bike

[kmplawesq]

Hi everyone. I'm finally trading up from my Yamaha Zuma (which has been the greatest "toy" I've ever had) and moving to a real motorcycle. Although I've been riding the scooter for years I'm now scheduled to take my MSS course in 3 weeks. While waiting I've been looking at different bikes. I've been mostly considering a 250 and have pretty much centered on the GZ instead of the Rebel (too small) or the V-Star (on salesman's recommendation). I'm 58 years old, 5'10" and about 185 lbs (yes, I know about mid-life crises) - and although a bunch of younger friends have suggested that I will be sorry that I am buying such a small bike it seems that for my purposes (mostly commuting here in NYC and some short distance trips) this would be the right thing to do - especially as a beginner. I also don't mind taking somewhat of a monetary hit in a year or so if I decide to move up so that isn't an issue. Any words of wisdom, recommendations or issues that I should consider? Thanks in advance for any ideas.