As the saying goes, it's not if one is going to crash but a matter of when one is going to crash - thus, new or old it doesn't matter.

I think what's more important is the bikes individual characteristics, specifically throttle response and how forgiving it is - that alone could be a deal breaker on a new, inexperienced rider. An old litre bike compared to a newer let's say parallel twin is another obvious case of old isn't necessarily better than new.

Additionally and quite importantly, the characteristic of the rider. An uneducated (in riding technique, vehicle behaviour, etc.) or just a reckless rider is more of a risk to themselves and potentially others regardless of what they ride.