thanks for your replies guys!

i'll take your advise into consideration when i finally buy my baby.. :) only thing is that i'm afraid if i buy anything less than a 250cc, i'll outgrow it and will have to spend more money on a new bike!
from the research i've done, many people seem happy both learning on and keeping a 250cc..
anyway i've posted some pics of the bike that made me fall in love with motorcycles and riding, in the dual-sports bike thread :)

i've got a pretty busy day tomorrow, and i'm not sure of where those places are that you mentioned, but otherwise i'd definitely join in!

hope someone in beijing will be kind enough to give me some advise on here.. :)

thanks again!