I got my licence thru a three full day course and I think something like that should be manditory. It had both class room and practical lessons on small bikes. Those instructors are still in my head while I drive. My favorite quote from one of them "drive like they are all out to f'n kill you". And a most of it is not the motorcycles and the people on them. It's the idiots in thier big old suv's and fancy cars talking on thier cell phones, not paying one bit of attention to anything around them let alone someone on a bike. It's up to you to pay attention to the idiots and predict what may happen.
Although I do agree somewhat with your tiered system, I think 300 or less cc's for the first 5000 miles is a bit much. It's not like we live in a climate where we can ride all year round. I'm lucky if I can squeeze in 3000 miles a year. Also don't forget off road miles for those who ride dirt bikes and atv's too.
After one spring/summer I went from my first learner bike which was a 400 cc Honda straight to my 1200 cc Harley Sportster Custom. And have been on that since 1999. We also had a Honda CBR 900RR which I loved to ride here and there. Those super sport bikes are so easy to drive and balanced. The issue with them is you don't feel how fast you can go and the next thing you know you are doing 100+ on the highway. Way easier than a cruiser to drive, not as heavy.
Lately I've been hopping on hubbys bike when I can, a 2000 Heritage Softail. That's like riding a Cadillac compared to my bike. BTW, my Sporty is way more like riding a real Harley than his, I don't have rubber mounted engine, fuel injection and all the other fancy bells and whistles.
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