An old Shoshone Indian chief is purported to have said something to the effect that Each of us follows a path, and the path we are on is the one we must follow; but your path is not everyone elses path.
Once someone identifies their path, and if that path includes a motorcycle, it is still their path. If it does not, and they attempt to cross to another, via the motorcycle (or something else, for that matter), the resulting destination will not be as good for them, had they remained upon the path they were supposed to follow.
I learned to ride on a an old FL Harley. For me, it was not a big deal, for I posessed a natural ability. For most, if they believe that a motorcycle is part of their path, then starting out small, learning techniques and skills common to riding both small and large bikes, will serve them well. Most of us crawl before we walk. The little Honda the author rode in the class is perfect for someone looking to discover if motorcycles are included in their path; much better suited than a Sportster. which could end up being a very expensive and possibly, disappointing experiemnt.
Being coherced into learning to ride on something bigger, more powerful and faster, makes about as much sense as taking one's basic Private Pilot instruction in an SR-71 Blackbird. Not only will the experience break your bankbook, it'll scare the pants off you and most likely sour your attitude towards the whole experience.
I don't believe that there's any so-called "perfect" motorcycle. Each is designed for one sort of riding or another; designed to perform in that arena, and to perform there very well. Outside of that arena however, things are not going to be as expected. Yes, you can ride a 200-HP Japanese TT bike across the country, (humpin' a football), just as you can ride a 777-lb, 60-HP, FLH Harley bagger on backwoods trails, (bouncin' a bagger), but neither experience will leave you as fulfilled, as riding the bike in the conditions it was designed for.
My path includes the road less traveled; an environment well suited for my old FLH. This is my path; the path I must follow. It is not everyone elses path. After over 25-years of riding, with no accidents and only one breakdown on my well-maintained old Harley, I don't care whose taillight I see fading into the distance in front of me. Chances are, I'd have little to talk about with that disappearing taillight anyhow.
So, whatever you ride; ride safe, ride free.