"Every man is a fool for 5 minutes a day. Wisdom consists of keeping the ratio down." If you do not consider yourself 100% switched on in the traffic, stick with the cage. Fear can keep you alive, but you can not slip up even once.
I have a suzuki bandit 1200. I hoon around like a maniac if I am in a screaming hurry. I am 42 and still have my legs etc. I love my bike, but I do not recommend it to anyone. That is a decision they should make on their own.