I'd go for monster 600 at that price. The SSs aren't the most beginner friendly bikes (especially the turning circle), and they're carrying a bit of a premium on price at mo thanks to the DSC race series. You'll generally get a very tidy 600 for that sort of money. There's a yr2000 monster dark on autotrader at the moment for £1950. I'm sure he'd take £1700, and it'd make a great first bike.
If you want to stick with an SS then just find the cleanest, best maintained example. There are some nightmares out there, but there's lots of good experience in the club to help you out should you end up buying one!
Cheers,
ali
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