I too, wish I could say go with your heart and get the 848. That would be awesome. However, I will say, I don't know anyone who didn't drop their first bike. Unless you are made of money, get something cheaper to fix. If you are serious about biking for the long term and not posing on the corner to pick up chicks (well, okay, we all do that but as long as that's not primary) I would say get the 250, learn to ride it and understand it...at the end of the year, do a track day with it. Then move to the Duc. You'll be a better rider for it and you'll appreciate the Ducati more as well. But you only live life once...do what makes you happy and not what someone tells you. Cheers and welcome!