The speed limit is too slow. Would you like to bump it up to 100 like the Canadians?
If you're going to buy a 250 buy a used one. You'll find many for sale that are nearly new, and that's because people buy them as starter bikes but quickly want to move up in size. You'll want to move up quickly too. Save yourself some money - buy a used, older (80's-90's) bike for starters and commuting. It's cheaper, insurance is less, and it still gets you where you need to go. There are lots of great bikes out there like this. Many of them already have luggage on them too so you're saving hundreds on saddle bags. In my opinion I would start with a 400cc-500cc. Honda Nighthawks are nice. May not be your style but plenty of power and speed and a much nicer ride than a 250. A 250 on a four hour ride will take just about every bit of engine that little bike has got and you really don't want that kind of strain on a small motor. It'll handle it, but for how long? Then when you're out of school and working (Hopefully) you can upgrade.
Goggles enclose the protected area (they have a rubber/soft plastic seal that touches the face), while glasses just cover the eyes. Safety glasses usually have large lenses, like sunglasses, and are made of clear plastic. Safety goggles offer more complete protection against chemical splashes and projectiles. As for finding more attractive onesI guess do a web search for designer or decorative safety goggles/glasses, or just color them with pens/paint on your own. Laser glasses with colored lenses are available, but cost more than ordinary safety glasses.
