The "if they can handle it" sounds more like selling someone on their ego, not their safety. New riders don't have a reference point to know what they can handle, and experience on something reasonable is the safest way to figure that out. I was talking with a friend of mine who is in bike sales and he recommended getting something cheap to learn on...like a $500-$1000 used bike. Nothing worse than wrecking a pricey new bike because your skills are sub-par h: .

Than being said...picked up the Kawasaki today. What a great buy . Bike has a great ownership history and has been well taken cared for. Took it for a spin before it got dark and feels great. I can't wait to get some hours in on this thing .