Wife has Ninja 650r as her first and she's thinking of going to an F4i. I hope she either gets that or a Suzuki 650s at least. Something that has a little more to it so she can get used to using a bike that actually has a bit of power and also has it available if she needs to get out of or around traffic quick. If I had the money and it was within the rules I would get a 250 for my kid when he turns 13 or 14 to learn to ride and race on.
I think non-riders should have to take the course as well. I think it would go a long way towards putting more bikes on the road and making "cage" drivers more aware. I wouldn't mind seeing it as a part of MSF-like course for regular automobiles. There are just too many stupid drivers out there. It's way too easy to get and keep a driver's license.
I have an MX-1 jacket (blue) and it's great. I have a pair of their track pants on order as well, but they are on backorder in my size. Once I get those and my boots and gloves in I'll be out for a track day.
Not that unusual. The same thing happens over in England for certain plates. Maybe not to that extent but there are stories all the time of people paying ridiculous amounts.
I have that bike photoshopped somewhere the same colors without decals and it looks great. Not dogging the graphics or anything and each person has their likes and dislikes. Each time I've looked at the bike I've liked the graphics less and less. I prefer a clean looking sportbike anyway.
The bikes would be fine. If we park close enough to some Harleys those guys will be so distracted by all the shiny chrome they won't even notice our bikes.