New to Sport bikes, not riding

Howdy all,

I'm looking to buy a new sort bike and wanted to know if some of the experianced sport bike riders had any input on what would be the right fit for me. I'm 34 yrs old just got out of the Air Force, 6 foot about 230lbs. I've ridden 6 years or so on Hogs and dressers. I don't know if it's mid-life or what but I want to move to Sport bikes. To me the way a bike handles is by far more important than speed. Any ideas?  

With your experience you will probably be Ok with just about anything as far as what bikes might, or might no be to much to handle. The only exception being, I would stay away from 1000cc superbikes like the ZX-10R, GSXR1000 etc.

There are a ton of bikes out there that might suit you. Maybe if you tell us what would be the focus of your riding I could give you some good suggestions. If it just around town and the occasional twisty ride mixed with some commuting, I’ve got different suggestions than if you plan to do a lot of track days.  

Since handling is your top priority, a 600cc is your best bet.  BUT, you're also relatively big, so a Suzuki GSXR 750 may be more to you're liking; close to the handling of a 600 with close to the power of a liter bike.  It's generally considered by many as the best all-around sport bike on the market.  

I live in North Alabama just a few hours from Twisty heaven "The Great Smokies". SO I plan to ride those with some buddies and with gas on the rise commuting with it too. Track days maybe down the road, break in the new bike and get used to it before I feed my need for speed. I looked at a Ducati Super sport 1000ds. The dealer of course said it would make a great starter sport bike but I tend to trust riders not dealers when it comes down to laying out cash like this. The Brotherhood will very rarely stear you wrong. So what do you think? I don't want a bike that I can throw around like a rag doll but at the same time I don't want a tank that is good at gonig REALLY fast but leaves you wanting more when the time comes to twist it up. Thanks for your time and info.  

then like speed said, look into buying a 04/05 gixxer 750 (i say 04/05 because they look the best to me from all the years) itll give you more power than a 600, but still have decent flickability.  

Don't think you have to stay with a Suzuki, Kawi, Yamaha, or Honda. Consider the European makes, too.
Try out the Triumphs, particularly the new Speed Triples. If you plan to commute, I can promise you it'll be more comfortable than most of the sportbikes you sample. You might also check out the BMW K1200R. If you've got the dough for a Harley, you can surely afford one of those.  

If you are familiar with Harley. I may get flogged for saying this but, take a look at Beull.  

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I live in North Alabama just a few hours from Twisty heaven "The Great Smokies". SO I plan to ride those with some buddies and with gas on the rise commuting with it too. Track days maybe down the road, break in the new bike and get used to it before I feed my need for speed. I looked at a Ducati Super sport 1000ds. The dealer of course said it would make a great starter sport bike but I tend to trust riders not dealers when it comes down to laying out cash like this. The Brotherhood will very rarely stear you wrong. So what do you think? I don't want a bike that I can throw around like a rag doll but at the same time I don't want a tank that is good at gonig REALLY fast but leaves you wanting more when the time comes to twist it up. Thanks for your time and info.

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I almost ended up with the 1000SS as well. Glad I didn't. It's not that there is anything 'wrong' with the bike, it's just that, as with most Italian bikes, it's a whole lot of $$$ for not a whole lot of bike. Most Japanese sport bikes have the same technology [or better] for less *** That being said, there is something about having a Ducati of any sort. If you got the green, go for it. The matte silver paint scheme, if it is still available, is my favorite.

We sound like similar riders. I’m in Birmingham, am 6’4 at 200 lbs. even and spend most of my street time riding in north GA and western NC. For my size I found the CBR600rr to be a good fit. I ride an R6 as well. It is loads of fun but it isn’t as good a fit physically as the rr. The rr is a very stable, very forgiving bike but it does have a characteristic sluggish Honda turn-in. If you want it to be really flickable, you’ll have to do some work on the suspension. I have done several up and back trips to Suches, Deals, Asheville, etc. on the rr without any trouble. I can usually go for about 3 hours before I really have to get off the bike for a break. It is surprisingly comfortable for what it is. Note: THE PREVIOUS COMMENT ONLY APPLIES TO TALL RIDERS.

Let me know if your interested in a ride sometime. We have a small group headed to the BRP in November for  a 4 day trip. One last note, if you’re looking for a bike for western NC, you’re throwing your money away to buy anything more than a 600 in-line 4. It’s a different story for a twin.
 

Keep in mind that there is a ton of "sport" bikes out there that are not the Super-Sports.  I suggest you take a look at the FZ1 (what I ride), Bandit 1200, Monster 1000, Z1000, ZRX1200, Speed Triple, and a ton of others.  My FZ1 puts 130 Hp on the rear wheel (with jet kit and slip-on), and I can get a knee down.  The only thing would be these bikes are not track bikes.  Wile I know people that have taken a FZ1 to the track for a track day, if that's what you have in mind these bikes wouldn't fit.