I respectfully disagree. I bought a 2007 FZ6 in May. Its the first street bike I ever rode. I ride it pretty much every day, have already put 2000 miles on it, and have had no problems whatsoever. I did take the Motorcycle Safety class and it was extremely valuable. Basically though as long as you've had some training and you're a mature rider you'll be OK. I'm 6'2 and about 220 and the bike fits me perfectly. Being able to flat foot it easily makes a big difference I'm sure. A 250 would have been a huge mistake for me. I love my FZ6.
Awesome that FZ6 is working out well for you and at 6'2" and 220 you would definitely look a bit comical on a Ninja250, however, you have to realize that your case is not the norm. For most people, FZ6 is MUCH too much bike to start on.
Please don't try to convince someone who's never been on a motorcycle before, that FZ6 is a great bike to start on (unless you really know the person).
Here is how I see it:
I started on a 50cc bike when I was 13 and then quickly went to a 350cc (slow peace of crap though). After a long time off the bike I came back to riding and started on a Ninja 250 and I'm very glad I did.
I'm one of those people who lack maturity, you see :rof:
I'm on FZ1 now and I STILL lack maturity (at 38), but at least I progressed to my bike slowly. I *think* I would have gotten myself into quite a bit of trouble if I had started on FZ6 (and some people start on FZ1 ).
Is it necessary to drop first bike? No. Is it possible to start on FZ6 (or something bigger) and not kill yourself? Absolutely. Does this mean that FZ6 (or something bigger) is a good first bike for everyone? Heck no!
There's also a difference between dreaming about a certain bike and deciding which bike you should start on. Totally acceptable to dream about FZ6 before taking MSF or ever riding. Deciding that FZ6 is the right first bike, in the same situation, is unwise.