Exactly what Nunyo said....

The ergo's of the YZF-600 are alot more comfortable which means your body will feel better after long rides...which means you'll ride longer...which means you'll get more comfortable with learning quicker..

I say it's a great first bike choice.... and the deal is decent as well....

The street cred thing might bother you if you have a big ego, but if you don't like I don't, you'll be fine... I learned on a Kawi 250ex and it was more or less a fast moped....