Oh deffinitely, decent tuition is the key! But by having something to actually practice on is very helpful. You can then learn in-between lessons and it's all hours in the saddle so to speak isn't it.
Also, DAS isn't an option for young chaps like myself.
Back to bike choices now, and I'm 95% positive that i'll be riding an F650.
I saw one today in a shop, white, 46,000 miles (ouch i know!), sat on it, and that was the desicion maker.
It fitted me perfectly, knees still slightly bent when my feet are on the floor which is very important for my confidence building. And it just felt wonderful.
Nice wide bars, upright seating position, low comfy seat with a high tank which added to the feeling of "in the bike not on the bike".
Much easier to move than expected too!
Won't be buying that particular bike though as the shop looked a bit...dodgy, and of course, the mileage is hefty.