By all means, avoid bikes made by Chinese and Indian companies. Italian bikes are much like their makers, flashy but occasionally temperamental for no discernible reason.
I'm beginning to think that the Ridley has some advantages for a beginning rider.
http://www.ridleymotorcycle.com/With no clutch or shifter, it allows the new rider to put more concentration into learning the riding part of motorcycling. They have enough power for highway riding but not so much that being clumsy with the throttle will automatically get you in deep trouble.
