Never ridden any bike before, and got an SV a couple weeks ago. Didn'ttake any courses or anything.
Other than the minor, bs, incident in the dealer parking lot
, I have had no issues. That incident did about $30 worth of minor damage.
I am 21, so not much older, but then again, you do live in CA
Oh, btw, I rode an 02' R6 today, and it's fukin crazy. Feels sooooo fast, yet I know stock for stock that aren't "that" far off.
I prefer my SV over that R6 100%. Too damn small, where as the SV feels perfect (I am 6'1" 168lbs). That's like 12 stones for you easterners.
I say go for it, just be careful, as with any bike.