i started on a f3 then moved to a 900rr then to my 929 all within 1 years time. it is possible to learn on a 600 and still turn out fine. would i have wanted my 929 as a 1st bike... probably not. im happy i learned about riding ona f3 . the 954 is a no joke bike man. good luck in your decesion

 

i say its up to you. haha i have a cbr 1k and it is my first bike. doing good so far the good thing about going big is you dont need to upgrade. im going to keep this bike for another 10 year i think. i wish i could practice stunts so i want to buy a junk 600cc for that reason.

 

a lot of good points here about 954 as a "breaking in bike". personally, i would say that you are get a good deal on the 02' for 4g.
i believe that you will manage the bike on a straigh-away but on turns you will have issues with throttle control and will end up on the ground.
after two months on 954 you will be fine, unless you decide to go crazy with the bike.
braking and handling is the same on the 600 as on the liters. throttle response is a different stroy. good luck and be safe.

 

I im the guy who could say sure just be careful and take it really slow, however i will agree with my peers and not advise it. I have been riding for over 10 years and my first bike was a Gsxr 750, i can honestly say i have never been down, never gotten a ticket, and like to think i am a very calm and safe person. So ya know since i got a big first bike i guess anyone could (although my 750 was not near the machine the 954 is). Looking back at my experience's though i would still agree with everyone else its not a very good idea. Even now and i have had my bike a year or so its just downright scary how powerful and how easily one little twist of the wrist can get you hurt or i hate to say even killed. I went thru a lot learning on a bigger machine and i can honestly say it wasnt that enjoyable, it takes a lot of the enjoyment away from riding when you have to pay so much attention to the machine and what your doing so you dont get hurt or crash, and the learning curve takes that much longer imo. Get a sv 650 or something like that and enjoy the learning and the riding. Best of luck on your decision.

 

The 954 is my first bike. I love it. I just make sure I ride within my abilities. I also have taken the MSF Safety course. I have a wife and two children,and I want to be around to see them grow. So.... **** it. Get it if you are responsible and mature enough to be cautious and safe at all times. I love the fiddy fo. I also have a gsxr 750, and it is in no way near as strong or as fun to ride. TAKE YOUR TIME. Ask questions. Look to your experienced friends for advice.

 

The 954 is no joke. How much self control do you have? I have had mine a year and I'm still amazed at how little forgiveness the throttle has. It's not the top speed power that will kill you its the slip of the wrist on a take off, or in a curve, or on wet pavement. If you have any ability at all you can probably stay in one piece. If you have no experience at all get something else first.

 

I started on a 600rr last year and I tell all my friends how stupid that was and not to do it. 954 is even worse.

 

i dunno if he takes it easy and learns the bike slowly he could be a good 954 rider but how many people out there get comfortable to quick and kill themselfs from it....whatever you choose take it slow and get to know your bike....

 

I rode 20k Plus on cruisers and when i got my 954 i was scared bad. Inow have about 8k miles on sport bikes between my 954 and 1000 and when the wheel pops up it doesn't scare me, and I no longer have chicken strips. But when i think of it. With all of the dirt and cruiser miles behind me the 954 scared the **** out of me at first and I don't think someone who baby's it will ever get the ***** to learn how to ride properly.

 

i am just saying baby it at first,,,,any normall person will be easy at first but will eventually push ther bikes to the limits,,,i am just saying to not to get comfortable to quick....