Bike suggestions for an old fart that wants a change....

I really hate to be redundant, and I have read the opening questions from newbie's asking the usual questions.  Heres my deal.... I'm 39 years old and have been riding a GL1800 for about 2 years now. Prior to that I had a 04 Sabre 1100 cruiser. Before that I learned on a 74 honda 500-4. I have been riding on and off since the mid 80's So, I do have what I feel is good experience on bikes, just not on a sport bike.  I am 6 foot tall, and 225 lbs.  Since I recently divorced I no longer have any one to say no to a sport bike.. lol  I have ridden a zx6r ninja, and feels very small beneath me. I sat on, but not ridden a zx10 and zx9r, they both feel good to me size wise. I have been looking in clasifieds and have found some nice looking  bikes.... 03 cbr954rr, 99 cbr1100xx, zx9r, zx14r. The best feel I have come across so far is on a "busa". Only sat on it at the dealer, but if feels like the right phyiscal size, I think it would be way too fast for me though....  Any help on a safe pic for a ride would be great.. I love the Wing, and don't want to make a poor choice on a 2nd bike... thx Rich  

Although they are a bit more expensive than the Japanese bikes, have you taken a good look at the newer generation BMWs? The K1200S would work with your size, and it's not as extreme as a Hayabusa. The CBR1100XX would also be a good choice.  

Remember that sport bikes are smaller by nature, and make the physical size a priority may cause you to miss the point of owning one.  The Honda cb4954rr is one terrific bike, and should be large enough for you to feel comfortable.  Another bike you may not be considering is the Triumph Sprint 1050, and this bike cover both the need for sport and the occasional trip.  The interesting thing about the three cylinder is the smooth rev ability, and the low end torque of a V-twin.  The Hayabusa with all of its size and power, is not going to handle like a true sport bike.  Carving twisties is where the adrenalin rush truly comes from.  If you really aren't looking for acute handling, but want speed and tire burning more, then you might consider the Yamaha VMAX.  I consider this bike a cold blooded killer, and the new 2009 model is really all new (new frame, 1679cc 4valve/cyl liquid cooled V-4 engine, dual disc front, single disc rear, and of course unpublished HP figures (insurance you know).  

The end decision lies with you.  I sold my R1 because I found it too hard to control myself out on the street with it.  I ended up with a 1st gen Busa and have never regreted the decision.  The busa will do anything you would ever want to do on the street.  The smaller bikes ( as far as I am concerned) belong on the track.  Maybe I'm just getting old, but my hooligan-ism left with my R1.  The Busa is much more comfortable for me also.  1000 mile weekends aren't out of the question.  

I bought a Triumph Speed Triple.  I find an unfaired bike helps me maintain reasonable speeds.  I like the comfortable ergonomics and I prefer the more basic appearance of the bike.  It seems to accelerate well: and as my first fuel injected motorcycle, it is very smooth in it's power delivery.  It has a short wheelbase and will wheelie a bit too easily for my taste.  It is not an 'uber bike'  but it is a satisfying ride with a potent midrange.  I would recommend a suspension upgrade and a steering damper if you want to do track days with it.  

If you like the BUSA it may be the right bike for you.

The BUSA is a very fast bike but it also has the reputation as being very comfortable and manageable in most situations. No one says that you have to ride it fast. I know some BUSA owners who are not "speed demons" and they love the bike.

It is a real attention getter because of it's reputation and it carries a lot of respect within the motorcycle community.

A motorcycle needs to fit someone in three ways.

Does it fit you physically? - You already answered yes to that question?

Does it fit you in terms of your ability? - With your riding experience and the range of bikes you have ridden, I do not think that the BUSA is too much bike for you - but that is your decision - go out and test ride one.

Does it fit you financially? - The BUSA has a lot of bang for the buck when you consider it's purchase price.

Hope this helps with your decision - good luck!  
Ride Proud, Ride Safe, Have Fun.

Hey Razzer, I'm 36 and 6'4" 200lbs, my current bikes are a track CBR954RR and on the street I have an original 1984 VF500R. I've been looking for something to add to the bunch, something that would be ok for daily riding as well as long distance. I have a great relationship with my local Aprilia/Ducati/Guzzi dealer, and after a fun afternoon of trying Apes and Ducks I was about to pack it in when he rolled out a Moto Guzzi 1200 Sport and said "you owe me one, try it". I had no interest in the bike, then I drove it...

I took it out at a moderately fast but controlled pace on rough road and found it was a gem. It just did everything well - the control, fit and finish were all fantastic. And it made legal speeds feel enjoyable. The sound from the exhaust was pure magic. I'm currently negotiating and have a price of $12K, down from $17K (Canadian). Its not the best looking bike to my eyes, and its not going to win any performance awards. But I have such a great time riding the bike, that everytime I look at other models I just keep coming back for another test ride. I think I'm sold on it. The only thing I will do is have the seat replaced with a taller unit. Its by no means cramped though in stock trim.  

I'm 6'1" and 260 pounds.  I am amazed at how comfortable and how well 600s perform when I ride them.  This is particularly so, as already stated, on the track.  That said, I have to admit that most of my street riding is on liter bikes.