hello I´m from Canada and have a 08 thruxton was on the road as soon as the snow started to clear this year and even though it is not my first bike it is of my opinion that it is a great bike for beginners it is very well balanced and i am still running stock suspension with about 10000k on it this year, just take your time and learn the bike, take courses and don´t do anything foolish it is a great stylish bike that will garner you much attention and can really perform if you know your bike cheers