Got my test at the end of August. Doing a direct access for 5 days. Looking to get a Kwak er-6f or Suzuki gsx650f as starter bike. Any comments on these, have read up on them and still cant decide although 0% finance available on the kwak at the moment.
They are both really good starter bikes. Plenty of power but more forgiving then the ZXR or the GSXR. Also more upright position which is better for new riders as it gives you more control and stability over the bike at lower speeds and there isn't as much pressure on your wrists, which makes it ideal for slightly longer distances.
What I would say is to get your first bike second hand as you will only end up dropping it anyway and you'll be after a GSXR or ZXR eventually after a year or so, so in the interest of resale you'd just loose out lots of money if you were to get your fist bike new, keep it for a year and then try sell it. Awesome fun......if only petrol didn't cost £1.25 a liter I'd be on the bike constantly, but even so I must have done about 2000miles since the start of summer holidays.
Make sure you budget for some proper safety gear as well
Here is a more recent pic of mine
Mig