To those that just found this forum a couple of years later.
Besides a small scooter type bike, I rode my first 250cc during my motorcycle class and my first bike that I bought was the VStar 650, loved the bike, you´ll feel the vibration over 85mph, that´s as fast as I recommend driving on it. My second bike this shadow 750cc. Basically similar size motorcycle in almost every aspect except the cc. The VStar is more comfortable for newbies as the feet position is very comfortable and can ride for hours without the fatigue you see some riders that don´t know how to position the feet on the pegs after a few hours. Recommend both if size is the concern, no much difference, is preference now.