I want to get a bike sometime in the next 2 years. Is a 600 good to start out with?

It depends on the type of bike and your experience (ie) like have you ridden a dirt bike and I mean one with a clutch. A bike like mine is ok to start with if you have ridden a dirt bike for a while, now if you have never ridden before, a bike like mine will not be a good choice instead a 250 would be better.

F4i's are definitely one of the best bang-for-your-buck smiles-per mile bikes out there. I spy a non stock pipe on it.

I've always gone with the motto of "the danger of a fast bike is proportional to the self control of the rider". Cockiness can be lethal. The first bike I ever rode was a Honda Hurricane (1000) and my roommates first bike was a CBR 954. Both are extremely fast but neither of us ever had a problem because we knew our limits. I know of several people who wiped out on their ~250cc bikes within a week after their purchase. I would HIGHLY recommend taking a motorcycle safety course before getting any bike.
*dismounts soapbox*

Very right, I like to recommend the 250's because the go fast urge is not as high IMO but yes Power, Speed and inexperience kill's and there are those that don't need to be on a bike to begin with. A motorcycle safety course is the best way to go and they usually provide a bike to take the class (novice only) and after the class you may can get a wavier and get your motorcycle endorsement (Depends on your state) and also helps with insurance.

Yup I love my F4i i've got over 46k miles on er now and you are correct it has an Jardine RT-1 pipe on it along with a PC III USB in it :)

I have ridden a dirtbike with a clutch a few times

Mighty fine!
Can't break a Honda no matter how hard you try.

Ya got that right! She's been through hell and keeps on kickin'!