I guess I am like many of my "age". I started out on my first bike with a '67 BS 90 Sport. Then graduated to a '69 HS 175 before grapping a '70 Kaw. 500. The learning experince was really needed to become a safer driver. I did have a Honda CBR F4 for awhile. To me, that bike was wickedly quick and fast. No way IMHO is that a beginners bike, unless you have a death wish.