I have a Great Planes "Cub 20" with an OS .26 four stroke (no longer made, it's a .30 now) and it flys very well with that engine. I agree that it's not the best plane for a beginner. Sure, it flies a lot like a trainer but it's tricky to take off with and it won't shrug off botched landings like a true trainer will. Also, Cubs demand the use of the rudder during flight. Yes, I can fly with ailerons and elevator only but it sure looks ugly.

The G.P. Cub 20 has a 61.5 inch wingspan and weighs about 3.5 pounds.

Your first plane needs to be cheap, rugged, easy to fly, and not something that won't make you cry if you crash it. Build something that takes a lot of time and TLC to build and you end up with a plane that you won't dare fly.