At the risk of spoiling a potential sale, no it wouldnt be a great first bike except for a very MATURE rider.

The vtwin powerband is very linear like a V8, where typical sportbikes have very peaky "honda like" powerbands.

It has 2 new tires on it that I'm still getting used to. They are much softer than the old ones, and thus much slower turning and more stable feeling. As far as forgiving, that depends on how big of a mistake you make. It is definitely more beginner "friendly" than a 2009 600.