No, not every noob drops their bike...I rode for 16 years without doing so. But then again I started on a GS450L, then went to an EX500 before stepping up to a 600.

I will recommend the 600 for the simple fact that I believe the R1 has too much power for most beginners. I understand that you will get what you want no matter what anyone says, so if you get the R1, be careful. And take a MSF course...TCC has a good one in this area, but there is usually a long waiting list. Some insurance companies will even give you a good discount for taking it. Knocked 15% off of mine, so that was around $150/ year!

And as for the Kawi's win or lose, I still love them. You do see more Gixxers on the track, but Suzuki pays for the top ten spots, so one else does. So if you plan on racing, get a zook, the odds of you getting paid are better.

Don't worry about what all the magazines say, most people will never see the true potential from their bikes, especially on the street. My 600s will still do triple the posted speed limits, and can get me in trouble just as quick as any liter bike. The thing is, the 600 is way more usable for me, and I have a lot more fun on it than any 1000...and I have been riding street bikes for over 20 years.