octane

Most racers will tell you if you want to learn how to go fast, learn how to ride a slow bike fast. Starting on a smaller, less powerful bike - in general - will develop your riding skills better and faster. Not to mention the fact that they're more forgiving, regardless of whether or not people want to admit it. Grab too much throttle coming out of a corner on a 50 or 60 hp bike and you're not going to upset anything - do the same on a new gixxer 600 or R6 and you're probably going to end up on your ass.

And insurance on a sub-600cc bike is nothing. That has been one of the big factors in me keeping mine so long.

CBR600F4

I'm liking this guy already........................................... ...