^+1 on the SV650. The V-twin has a linear power curve so you don't have to rev to 10k+rpm to get power, much more usable in the city. On the newer models, ABS is actually standard
Having said that, learning curve is much better starting off a 250. I strongly suggest buying used...I bought my Ninja 250 brand new for almost 6k OTD (I bought their theft protection package...what a waste!) and I moved up to my SV650 after just 3 months.