The truth of the matter is you dont want your first bike to be your last bike... a couple of points to consider:
Buying a 500 or 250 as a first bike isn't as bad as toolbags on internet forums make it out to be. You learn the basics, they are more forgiving, they are cheaper (you wont feel bad when you drop it...and you WILL drop it) and they have a better resale value since people like you are always wanting to get a starter bike. Keep it for 6 months to a year, then sell it and move on. The guys that know and love riding will tell you this is the ONLY way to start.
Dont spend all of your money on the bike. Save hundreds of dollars extra to spend on gear (jacket, gloves, helmet, maybe even boots).
Don't feel pressured. The cycle community as a whole is full of a lot of misinformation. People are pressured into doing things because they are considered cool. Do only what you feel comfortable doing, because in the end, thats whose life you're responsible for, and that's the life that will be at your right wrists disposal. Don't buy a bike based on other peoples suggestions. Do your research, like you are doing now, think it over, and don't rush.
I could probably go on forever, but i'll stop there. I bought my first bike one year ago, an '03 Suzuki SV650s (right around the $4000 mark) and had a blast. Just sold it to build my SR. Slower than the 600 Super Sports, more rider friendly, lower insurance, still has the sportbike look, MORE than enough power to get you into trouble, and you cant forget that gorgeous V-Twin sound...mmmmm. I would highly recommend one. A great comprimise between power and ridability.
In the end, you'll find the guys that care about you and the sport of motorcycling will be suggesting the lower cc bikes because they teach you how to ride. After all, bikes are made to be ridden, that stunting shit is for toolbags.
