I work in a motorcycle shop (one of the best in Ottawa) and its funny how many people come in and ask if the ZX-10 is a good beginner bike...This bike does 150km/h in first gear and costs over $11000...these people have more money than brains....I get asked that question all the time and I'm a mechanic...I'd hate to be a sales guy and have questions like that asked to me all the time...

As for R6 being a beginner bike....no....look at the Kawasaki EX500 or even an enduro bike such as the Honda XR/XL series 250/350/600...The Honda's are bulletproof but kickstart..and if your not a big guy starting the 'ol 600 may be a chore...