I also chose the slow cruiser route after several big bore kawas.Although I have modded it a bit it is still a slug compared to some of my old bikes.03 yamaha roadstar. I agree that a first time rider should find an inexpensive smaller bike to learn on and decide if motorcycles are what he wants.Some of us have been on them 20+ yrs and always have one laying around.The saftey course is an excellent idea ,I still take advanced courses every couple of years.