What's a good sport bike 4 a beginner rider?

Right now I'm driving a 5 peed civic but thanks to mr. bush and his gas prices i have been looking into buying a sport bike. Ive never ridden 1 before i have been researching them a little and talking to guys at the local car shows. Right now people have been telling me to go with nothing more then a 600cc bike since I'm a beginner and I'm more likely to drop it or crash it. I think a 600cc bike will be More then enough for me so ive been looking at the Suzuki gsxr 600 and the Suzuki Katana. Both bikes look good but I'm just wondering if 1 is better then the other or if there is a better bike out there. Any answers or suggestions would be great. Thanks alot.