Entry level rider: bike suggestions

I haven't ridden in 15 years.  I'm looking to get another bike.  i had a CBR 600.  I'm 38, 5ft 7, pretty strong.  I want to spend around 5-6K, but would go a little higher for the right bike.  i'd like to not go older than an 07.  Looking for local suburban riding..want to have fun..have it respond when i want, but be safe.  Its the bike I want to have for a long time...I don't want to get another bike a couple of years from now when I'm more of an enthusiast.

Should i go 600, 100?  Honda, Yamaha?  Any unbiased guidance would be great...thanks  

I am in the same position, only I have been off for about 4 years.  I have tested and few bikes and would have been picking another Kaw ninja if not for the style.  I am 5'10" 180 strong too and used to ride 750 but I am considering going up to a 1000 for size.  Honestly at your size consider the size of the bikes first.  My friend who is about your height could ride my last bike but not handle it well in stops, even after lowering it a little.  Consider this (frame height) when your looking.  If you weight is in relation to your size you should be able to get great performance out of any 600 you buy.  Also if you have been off for 15 years any 6 you buy will be like day in night.  All the 6 beat my old 750 in every aspect.  Yamaha makes a great, and light, 6 in the R series and Honda still makes a great bike.  The Yamaha/Kawasaki have made great increases in performance, craftmanship, and style.  

Last word of caution on the used bike thing.  Look it over well and watch for any questionalbe damage.  Since you have riden stunting has been crazy and there are a lot of used bikes that have been abused.  You may be able to get a deal of last years new model in a 6 for you range but you will not get near most 750 or 1000's for those prices in new.  Happy hunting.  

I also have not ridden in 15 years, my last bike i had was an 82 Honda Nighthawk 450! lol! I also have the itch to get back on but i dont know which bike to get. I love the looks of the 600 sportbikes but i dont know if i look funny on them, im 6ft 210lbs. Also the ones i have sat on i am not able to flat foot them which makes me nervous, id like to have both feet planted at a stop but on those bikes im a little tip toed. I was looking at an 06 Suzuki Katana 600 but its about 100 lbs heavier than the sport bikes and i believe its air cooled which im not sure will work here in the 100+degree summers here. To top it off i have people telling me to get a 1000! they say ill be sorry down the line if i dont. I think a 1000 would be to much bike for me. I would be doing mostly city driving and an occasional run in the mountains. its tough to decide  

To top it off i have people telling me to get a 1000! they say ill be sorry down the line if i dont.
This is a common myth. The vast majority of riders who say this only own a literbike for their ego. That insecurity completely blinds them to the fact that their riding skills aren't anywhere near even a fraction of the bike's capabilities because they never come close to approaching them. Don't fall into that trap.

Unless your inseam is short for a 6-foot person, you shouldn't have a problem with planting your feet on a 600, which should be more than enough for you for quite a while as your skills increase. Try looking for a Yamaha YZF600R, or a pre-'99 Kawasaki ZX-6R. There are many bikes such as these that are user-friendly but have enough performance for you to grow into.  

Thanks for the advice, im definitely not getting a liter bike! What is your opinion on the Katana? i like the bike but was wondering if it might be to heavy for a bike to relearn the skills i had 15 years ago.  

The Katana 600 is a good learner bike, but its performance is only adequate. Plus, depending on its age and mileage, it might not be the best choice for you.  

I was wondering about the performance of it. It is actually a 2006 kat 600 with just over 5000 miles for about 3500 dollars seems like a good deal but will i outgrow it too fast?  

Whoops, it's easy to forget that Suzuki has been continually selling the Katana since its inception (with  little change) back in the mid-90s...

You should be able to find a 600 like the ones I described for less than that. Although they may not have such low mileage unless you look hard enough.  

ok ill check those out but your right it will be hard to find one from a responsible owner that has been maintained and not abused like too many of the sportbike riders i see today tearing there bike up, doesnt make sense to me  

This is gerryppg i accidently canceled my account so i had to make a new name. lol  

Finding one that isn't abused is an important consideration, especially when buying used. Otherwise you face the specter of mechanical problems down the line.  

Yea i think its going to be a long search but it will be worth it in the end  

Consider a Kawi EX650R.  I have several street bikes, including a modded ZX12R, but choose the 650 as pretty much the daily choice. Plenty of performance, fairly decent ergos and easy on gas.  

You have a big disadvantage because of your height.  With most of the sport bikes having a 32-33 inch reach to the ground, you're really going to have to lean the bike over a bit to stop and start, and tip over becomes a real problem.  I to recommend the the KAW Ninja 650, because the reach is around 31 inches.  Good luck!  

The 650 Ninja is a great bike for re-entry riders and those not consumed with up to the minute spec sheets. Plus they sound great with an aftermarket exhaust!