I just heard a family friend say he feels like he is "outgrowing" his Suzuki GSX 8S. He has been riding for 2 full seasons and is coming into his 3rd. He started on a Victory Vegas 1600, rode it for a season, and decided to switch to the 8S because the Vegas was so damn heavy and bulky. The GSX 8S is not really a "starter bike" and the Vegas definitely isn't, but the 8S is light and nimble, torquey and has a very respitop speed that is well above any posted speed limits. He said he started feeling like he was outgrowing his 8S at the end of last season and thinks he definitely has now, and is looking into a cbr1000. I think this is actually a crazy take and there is no way he has outgrown his bike, and a cbr1000 is way more power than anybody needs for city rides, canyon, and freeway. It's just overkills.
He's far from the only one either. It's a tale as old as time atp. People just wanting newer, shinier, bigger, and faster, but with motorcycles that mindset is very dangerous. My best friend started on an fz07 and after about a half a season, before even being consistent at smooth starts, comfortable in turns, or even getting his endorsement (he still has his temp permit) he upgraded to a Kawasaki z900.
It's not always like this. I have a brother who started on a vfr800 (which is far from a starter bike) but has been riding it for 4+ years and loves it. I also have a brother who started on a Suzuki bandit 1200, and after realizing how overkill it was, swapped it for a xsr700.
That said, I think it's way too common for people to jump the gun on newer and faster bikes, and it makes me worry for their safety.
I personally started on a 1996 (I think?) Honda cb250, rode that for about a season and a half, learning the fundamentals well, then got a 2022 Suzuki sv650 that I have had for 13 months now, and I love it.
What are y'all's thoughts on this?