This is my second season and I've clocked around 15,000kms (8ish from the first season) and I can explain to you why the 400s, 500s, and 650s are considered great starter bikes. Believe it not, aside from the CBR125, the acceleration (0-100) and 1/4 timings between the 3 class of bikes are not significantly huge. The reason why they are great starter bikes is because it is EXTREMELY difficult to get knocked off the bike from two huge n00b mistakes:
1. Popping the clutch (aka, wheelie, I have never managed to come close to popping one on my GS).
2. Early downshift (aka, engine brake to high side? or is it low side?).
#2 is probably the most dangerous one. I've felt my rear wheel fishtail once or twice from being retarded and shifting down at 9k RPM. Do this on a real sport bike or something larger and massive bad **** will likely happen.
You'll get over the speed thing in a few weeks. One of the first things youll notice is how fast 80km/h really is <_< lol Have fun!
