You're likely to do your DAS on a CB500. You're equally likely to look for a funky bike when you pass. You're even more likely to recoil in horror  when you try to get insurance...
 
So, you may find yourself considering a nice, cheap, dull, bland CB500 to earn a few years NCB.
 
An excellent choice. As you graduate from newbie status, you'll come to appreciate the virtues of what must be the finest basic motorcycle around.No frills, but miles more fun than you ever thought it could be. Over time, you'll realise that maybe riding a Fireblade straight from DAS was a REALLY bad idea. You'll get more than enough scary moments as you start learning about real riding, beyond the DAS.
 
In short, the CB500 commutes, tours, and even races. Best of all, it does all of these for next to nothing, particularly if you're prepared to do simple maintenance yourself. As a commuter, the CB is spot on. More than enough power to keep most cars in the rear view mirrors, and a fuel economy of around 60mpg.

Touring is best achieved with some weather protection. If you opt for the unfaired CB, then invest in a windshield. Over long distance, the bike is perhaps a little buzzy, and not entirely relaxing, but it's certainly involving... As far as racing goes, the CB has a wicked powerband between 7000 and 9000 revs, which, once used by capable hands, will see you keeping up with considerably more powerful machines.

Sadly, the day has to come where you'll take a ride on a more modern machine...you'll discover real handling, widely spread and smooth power, low down torque, and actual refinement. This day will come, and you will start to long for more, but in the meantime, enjoy the simple virtues of a cracking learner bike.

Learn to ride a CB500 smoothly and quickly and you'll really appreciate the refinement of those funky machines you longed for in the beginning.