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I'm thinking a lot about buying something sporty...
Now we're talking. On paper I would have said twin every time, but after owning a RSV (gen 2) Factory for a couple of years I'm not so sure. Even though it's only 120 odd rear wheel HP, without any aids it's still a handful. That Rotax lump is a peach, but not perfect at legal speeds in my experience. What I didn't like about the RSV was the heavy clutch (even with Oberon slave), stall-prone lumpy-ness and thigh scalding temps when travelling sub 50mph. But when you're pushing on, boy was it rewarding.
What I like about my GSXR 750 ('99) is that it's essentially very proficient (boring?) low down in the revs when filtering or going 30mph through villages, but when you see a national speed limit sign it goes like a stabbed rat.
If you want to scratch that sportsbike itch then by all means get the most uncompromising Italian exotica. I know you've said Triumphs aren't your thing, and fair enough. A three cylinder might be a good in-between compared to the two bikes mentioned above though? But either way, best of luck finding out what you like and don't like, quite a nice problem to have eh!
Ninja edit: of the bikes you've listed my vote would be the CBR954RR. Yes it's my fav 'blade but could also be a good mix of said boring and trouser tenting excitement.
jambon-
Interesting feedback there too! All roads seem to lead to 954 and for reasons that are quite appealing to me as a first time sporty boy (civilised/ boring/ reliable)...
I'm going to have to try and find one at a dealer or some generous individual in one of my local moto FB groups and get a spin on one.
Also, finally got fresh tyres on the XTZ today. Only got a short spin home to bed them in but feels like a great improvement!
Nahguavkire
I'm thinking a lot about buying something sporty... it'll be my first sports bike and to be honest I haven't even ridden anything terribly sporty yet...
I've drawn up a little shortlist of things I like the look of that seem like moderately sensible options:
Yamaha YZF750R
Suzuki GSX-R750L
Aprilia RSV Mille
Honda CBR954RR Fireblade
BMW R1200S (probably an outlier but there's something cool about them)
I suppose I'm really looking at two categories, early 90s 750cc or early 00s 1000cc but I'm just wondering what would be the better choice or should I actually be looking at an early 90s 400cc or early 00s 600cc for a first sports bike?
My XTZ has a 79bhp TRX850 motor and I'm perfectly comfortable with it so I feel like something around the 100-120bhp mark would be a good step?
Thoughts from the sports bike people?