Well, I see you are now interested in the 2003 models and no longer the 2002 models. Well, if you were not a new rider, I would say that is a good choice unless you were solely looking for something a bit more comfortable like some of the 2002's have to offer. But, you are a new rider, so I can't say whether it is a good choice or a bad choice to go with the new '03 models. There are more pros and cons in that case.
I would go on and say how you would be far better off starting with a SV650 or a Bandit 600 since you are a beginner and looking for a bike that will grow with you a bit, but I won't since you don't seem interested in a sport-street bike as a possibility.
It is next to impossible to give you an answer as to which bike you should go with. If there was one bike model that everyone liked, then all the other manufacturers would be out of business. I can provide you with some quick details, though, to possibly aid in your deciding process.
The Suzuki: Went from most cutting-edge to least cutting-edge in a matter of a year. A nice bike that has withstood the test of time. Available now, their 40th anniversary color scheme is pretty trick...if you're into yellow and purple. No LED taillight and a single headlight unit brings an 'aged' look.
The Kawasaki: The fastest 600 (or 636, for that matter) class bike of '03. Just the opposite of the Suzuki, the 6R was the least cutting-edge last year and is one of the most (if not the most) cutting-edge this year. Has the most radical look of all the 600's. The bike has very good handling characteristics; the best brakes a sport bike has had to date; and the addition of inverted forks which provides a more ridged ride, but keeps that front wheel planted on the pavement. Solid color schemes can be boring. All LCD instrument panel is pretty cool, though.
The Honda: Kawasaki and Honda are neck and neck this year for cutting-edge supremacy. Although the Kawasaki is faster, the Honda may still have the upper hand in that regard. Like the Kawasaki being the fastest 600, the Honda is the best handling 600. The Honda MSRP is $600 more than the aforementioned bikes. Although I don't see this a wise move on the behalf of Honda, they do have sufficient justification to get away with it. The Honda is going to be marginally more comfortable the the Gixxer and Kawi. Yes, the upswept exhaust is really nice and the black/red color scheme is oh so sexy. Honda's fuel-injection is a head above the rest. And, last but far from least, Honda build quality.
I hope this helped you out with your decision!
