My first motorcycle is a 2002 CBR 954 RR. I've had it for 3 months, and here are my thoughts on getting a superbike for your first bike.
Here's a little on background: I'm in my mid-30s now, and have wanted a superbike for years. I grew up on a farm operating machinery. Started driving on my own at about 11 or 12. (We lived in the sticks.) We had a 100cc dirt bike I rode some, but not a lot because it was terribly under-powered, and old, so it couldn't handle bumps very well. I also rode snowmobiles and ATVs for many years. And, I'm an avid cyclist -- I've logged many hours on two wheels under my own power. Back when I was 26, I took a YZF-R1 out for a ride, and decided that bike was too much for me at the time -- I value my legs, and know that the #1 thing that people lose in a motorcycle accident are their legs.
Now, I'm a pilot, flying wide-body airliners, and my training has matured my thinking greatly when it comes to operating machines. I pay close attention to specs, limitations, and seek out the best knowledge when it comes to learning new skills and techniques. I take this approach when it comes to motorcycles as well. I started by taking a course from the Motorcycle Safety Foundation -- that gave me a good base to start from when it comes to basic motorcycle handling, and motorcycle safety on public roads. Roads are WAY more dangerous than a track. (There are plenty of dangerously inattentive drivers on the road who do not see motorcycles, and most curves do not have any run-off area.)
I STUDY a lot, then go out and practice. What do I study? I started with watching the video "Twist of the Wrist II" by Kieth Code. I've watched it several times now, and learn something every time I watch it. I also got his book by the same name and have read through that, and will continue to glean it for key bits of knowledge. I also plan to book a course with the California Superbike School. 2-days is almost $2500 -- that's the price of good knowledge and training. If you're not willing/able to invest that kind of time and money in the training, are you willing to invest that kind of money in hospital bills and destroyed bikes?
Speaking of expenses, when I bought my bike, I also purchased the gear. Riding gear are not mere accessories - they are essential pieces of equipment to provide a minimal level of protection acceptable for riding a motorcycle on the road or track. Helmet, gloves, leather jacket and pants with back protection, shoulder protection, elbow and knee protection. Boots. It's ALL essential. And it ALL costs money. So, factor that into the equation no matter what bike you buy. I like my body, and I like it in one piece, even more than I like going fast. Look up "foot deglove" images on google, and you get the idea why wearing the proper gear, including boots is essential. (Remember that even with all the gear, you can still get your body terribly mangled -- that's why properly applied knowledge is your level 1 defense against getting injured.)
I am constantly scouring youtube for videos showing how/why accidents occur. I look for patterns in rider error, and patterns in car/truck driver habits that lead to traps on the road. When on the road, my eyes are searching ALL the time. We all have lapses in focus, so part of the discipline associated with riding is to recognize one of those lapses and snap back into full engagement with what's going on around you -- traffic, road surface, weather, debris, flashing lights, construction, etc.
Riding a motorcycle is WAY more complex than driving a car. The physics involved, and the way you need to use your body in conjunction with negotiating a turn is very different from a car. It takes excellent motor skills (e.g. hand-eye coordination, finely tuned throttle control, and precise steering input). You constantly use your hands for steering, shifting, breaking, and for throttle control. You use your feet for shifting, braking, and for moving your body around on the bike. You use your knees to grip the bike and maintain stable contact with the machine.
As you increase speed, the handling changes as well because of the gyroscopic effect of the wheels, and the inertia of the bike. Just like with an airplane, to take the same corner at a higher speed requires a higher lean angle. You need to understand your limits and your machine's limits. You need to understand suspension, and how a properly adjusted suspension will help you maintain contact with the road, and help you handle a corner at speed. You need to understand high-side and low-side crashes -- how they occur, and techniques to prevent them from occurring.
I've heard it said that Formula 1 racing is 80% car and 20% driver, whereas MotoGP is 20% bike and 80% rider. That tells you how important rider skill is when it comes to riding a superbike.
At the end of the day, my CBR can be ridden like a scooter... It balances quite nicely at 3mph. It's all about how the rider handles the machine. Knowledge and discipline are the keys to staying right-side up. The trick is being able to assess oneself to determine if you have enough knowledge and discipline to keep it all together. Otherwise, really you can be just as dead on a 250 -- it just won't happen as fast as on a 1-liter bike.
Ride Safe!