I have one too, It is a wonderful bike!!! I had an isolated issue that caused me to have to split the cases to fix, but I have not seen the issue anywhere else! It is the bike I choose to run around town and one day canyon rides. I have owned a lot of bikes and the SM610 is one of my all time favorites!!! I liked it so much i went out and bought a TE630 for the dirt!! Just a hoot!!!
As a first bike huh? it has lots going for it. Lower seat, nice ergos, good power band i would just think a 250 would be a better first bike but hey at least your not going for an R1!!!
The price seems great!!! Enjoy and take as many motorcycle classes as you can. I don't know where you are located, but riding a bike in LA takes all your attention and reaction time must be in the milliseconds

!!! I say go for it and enjoy!!!