[rjrivero]

A bike is a bike. Throttle control is all in the wrist. You are old enough to know your limits, and your apprehensions are understood.

Leave the bike stock until you are comfortable on it, and have some road experience. You will drop it, so don't sweat it. There isn't anything on this bike that you can't pick up on ebay. Thanks to this Forum, there are guys and gals modding the hell out of them, and stock parts can be had rather easily.

I think the V-Rod is a bit expensive for a starter bike, but not un-doable. Yes it has alot of power, but it is harnessed by the throttle. The fact that the torque doesn't build until the higer part of the powerband makes it a bit easier to ride than a big torquey V-Twin. Is it fast? Yeah, and if you were a 16 year old kid, then you may have some self control issues and get yourself in trouble.

I think you'll be fine learning to ride on a V-Rod.