Due to it’s riding position, a sportbike is harder to balance and maneuver at low speed, so that makes learning more difficult for a new rider. Beyond that, it depends on what kind of riding you intend to do.
If you ride on open roads and freeways, with high speed and sweeping turns, a sportbike is in it’s elements. I love the look of sportbikes, and love the exciting feeling of the in-line four revving up.
If you end up riding on steep and twisty roads, where slower speed balance and maneuverability is more critical, a sportbike does not work as well due to its ergonomics. The tighter the road, the more so. You’ll feel much more in control on a standard bike with the upright riding position.
To me, riding a sprotbike is more of a challenge, which is a part of the fun of riding it. But I’m glad that I learned to ride on a standard – GS500.