Wow! Thanks for all the pointers and tips shared. It's so much to process as I shift my mind away from the MT07 towards a beginner bike like the Z650 or ER6n.

Would be leaning towards the ER6N as I heard good things about it and to be honest, being an older bike, I wouldn't feel too bad about small mistakes and learning along the way. And it being significantly cheaper is a plus point.

@Kaellis thanks for sharing your experience on the service cost. Definitely within my ballpark expectations for a bigger bike.

That said, I've been hearing quite a bit about the Dominar as well. But I'm not too sure about the spare parts compared to the ER6N though. How would the maintenance and running cost for the Dominar 400 and ER6N differ? Which would be easier to find workshop and spareparts for? 

Any thoughts, sifu sifu sekalian?

But after getting stuck for 3 hours on Federal heading back to Klang yesterday and 1.5 hours coming up to work this morning, I've decided enough is enough.. I need to learn to ride to preserve my sanity.

Alright, I'm going for my Undang lecture and all this Sat. Hopefully it all goes well.

Once that is done, I'm going to start my lessons as soon as possible and also take on a 3rd party riding lesson just to get myself a bit more acquainted riding a bike. And of course, to get myself a starter bike (Dominar) to practice on.

In the initial month, I'm thinking of just riding around my housing area getting used to controls and trying slow speed maneuvers. Need to build that confidence before going on the road coz traffic on Federal highway is no joke and hearing horror stories about the bike lane there isn't confidence inspiring either. I'll make sure to stick the "L" Sticker loud and proud and keep fingers crossed people will be more understanding on the road.

I've also been hearing people saying I should get a half-face helmet instead of a full-face as a newbie just to give me a bit more vision riding the bike. Thoughts on this, kawans?

UPDATE: My JPJ exams moved to 11th April 7.30am tomorrow. Though I've been riding for a bit and have gone through the exam drills pretty ok, still feeling butterflies in my stomach.

Keeping fingers crossed I'll be able to peel the 'L' stickers off my bike. Wish me luck and say a prayer for a bro tomorrow, kawans! Hahah

Oh, and any last minute pointers would be much appreciated!