Hey Twisted
I'm also petite (5'0") and my first bike was a used Kawi 250. It was an '00 and there was no way to lower it so I tippy toed for quite awhile while learning to ride. Although I had taken the MSF before getting my bike and riding it I found it hard to turn. Not sure if the newer ones are easier or if you still have to really throw it into the turns? It did the job though, like they say sometimes the harder it is...the more you learn and easier next time around.
After upgrading and now having a '05 GSX 600 I realize although the 250 was "slower" and harder to manuever it was a great learning bike, whatever way you go...I'd recommend buying used, espec. to learn on; you will most likely drop it at some point, lose your balance...etc. Hope this helps
Shel