Motorcycle Safety & Driveability: 1100 cc first time bike., first time buyers, time bike

Question
Hi,
I'm wondering your opinion on my boyfriend purchasing a 1100cc bike for his first motorcycle?  I know very little about bikes, but I've heard it's recommended that a beginner get a smaller engine, perhaps 650cc?  He tells me that the weight of the bigger bike will cancel out the power, and that he won't lose control of the throttle.  He says that he is a reliable driver and it's "irresponsible first time buyers behaving like idiots" that make it so it's advisable to get a smaller engine first.  He has been riding "on and off" for a year, and is currently undergoing his training so he can ride a 500cc upwards.  He is not a huge guy, quite lean and light, does this make a difference?
I'm sorry if I sound like a dunce, I am so clueless, but the people I have spoken to who do know a little about bikes believe it to be a bad idea.  I'm extremely concerned and would like an expert's opinion as to this decision...
Thanks so much!

Answer
Thank you very much for the e-mail.  A hard one to answer.

Couple of things:

Where do you Live ?

What training has he recieved ?

What is the make and model of the 1100 cc motorcycle ?

Get back to me with those questions, but in the meantime, my opinion is NO !  Nom matter how experienced the rider going straight onto a large capacity machine is not recommended without first getting some training.  I know the throttle works both ways, but cc's equals power,  hope that makes sence

Regards

Nigel