Mt09 learner bike? Ahhh, gonna disagree there.I started on a big cubic inch chopper and with under a year of riding moved on to a HD road glide. The HD was very manageable to learn on. Had an older R6 In the garage In that same time, It was light but very awkward feeling.
I moved on to my current 1190 adventure and dropped it twice in the first month.
Slow speed, sand and seat height all factors.
I spent a decent amount of time on a new MT09 last year That’s a good learner bike. imo
As for the demise of HD people have been calling it for years. I think they have a while yet. But I do think they will need to change the way they do things.
the majority of the next generation is going to want Motorcycles as cheap transportation. Small, electric, and cheap.
If they want to maintain their luxury branding then they need to downsize drastically.