Buying a new motorcycle!

I am new to motorcycles. I've been reading about them for a few months now and have had zero driving time. So I am a total newbie. I want to purchase a NEW bike. I am looking at a 2006 Suzuki SV650 and a 2007 Kawasaki Ninja 500R. They are similarly priced, but a salesman said he could give me the SV650 for factory price since he wants it off of the showroom floor, so around $5k. A Ninja 500R is $5k as well. Anybody want to tell me what is a better starter bike? Or should I honestly just look for used? I've heard people say that used bikes suck because they've been dropped. I realize this will happen to me, though I hope not. Also my friend whom drives an Aprilia RSV 1000(?) told me that most people start on a 600cc bike. I don't really want to use a 600cc immediately, but Suzuki advertises the SV650 as a starter bike(it's a standard bike, not sport). A guy at the dealership told me the engine is real "snappy". Will it be too hard to handle?  

I think the standard SV is a great starter bike. If it is priced the same as the EX500, it is also a much better buy.I don't find it's engine to be snappy. I find the bike very easy to handle. If you use your head and treat the SV with the respect any motorcycle deserves, you should do well. One other great advantage to the SV is that as you master your riding skills, the SV will not be a motorcycle that you will tend to outgrow. Hope this helps.....