Your best reaction to a first ride on a different bike

I am a new rider at just over one year of experience. I've recently bought my first true sport bike and I noticed I had the same feeling for the last two bikes I rode on (that were not sport bikes). The unfamiliarity of the controls, the characteristics of a different engine, the riding position,even the reaction of a fuel attendant trying to figure out what kind of bike I was sitting on.

For me the best reaction I had was my first experience of a v-twin. The amount of torque it had gave me an indescribable feeling.If you could've seen my face through my helmet I was grinning ear to ear. When  I arrived at the fuel station the attendant couldn't figure out what bike I was riding. I was shaking a little when trying to put more fuel into it and explain what brand of bike it was.

Does anyone else get this way when riding a different bike for the first time?  

V-Twin motorcycles probably offer the most "visceral" feeling of enjoyment for the various motor configurations for motorcycles. The high level of torque at lower RPM's and the "growl" of the exhaust are what do it for me. The popularity of the V-Twin design for cruisers, sport bikes and street bikes confirms their high level of the "fun" factor of riding.
The Inline 4's are great bikes with very smooth power delivery and are kings of the track world in terms of top speed and high revving acceleration, but they do not have the same feeling as a V-twin, I find the Inline 4's feel very "appliance like" when I ride them, they feel just too efficient for me. I like the character of the V-twin.

If torque is what you like try a big single cylinder, I have 2 BMW 650's in a dirt bike and street configuration and the torque from the motor is a blast.

As far as riding a motorcycle for the first time, no matter what type of bike it is I find the experience exciting, each motorcycle had it's own character and getting to know a bike for the first time is a lot of fun no matter what.  
Ride Proud, Ride Safe, Have Fun.

How's that Ducati?  I have been seriously considering an 848evo.  

"How's that Ducati?  I have been seriously considering an 848evo."

My Ducati is an absolute blast. Both on the track and when riding the twisties.
My 800SS is an air cooled v-twin - very simple design.

When I can, I plan on converting the 800SS to a track bike and getting an 848 or 1098 as well. I know guys who have 848's and they use them for both street and track and they they say that the bike is a very fast all round bike.

The 1098's are not as user friendly for the street but are great on the track.

I think that if you want a great all round bike that can handle the street and track equally well then the 848 is the way to go.

If you do not have a Ducati sport bike already then once you have one you will be hooked. The thing that I had to get used to at first was managing the torque - I learned to ride the bike in a higher gear in the corners. Once you learn how to do this the bike becomes deceptively fast - lots of speed without the high revving whine and frequent gear changes that you get with the inline bikes.

If you want an 848evo  - go for it!!!!  
Ride Proud, Ride Safe, Have Fun.

In terms of the OP's question about riding a first ride on a different bike. It's a mixture of fun,trepidation, and exploration. I enjoy the chance to trying new bikes at demos or when friends are willing to let me try their bikes. However, if the bike isn't mine I try to be even more careful than usual to avoid any mishaps.

The question about V-Twin versus IL-4 I'm sure has been debated from the start. I agree with our Ducati friend's assessment of both types bikes to some degree. I've owned twins and I'll agree the torque and sound is alluring but the Japanese IL4's are more versatile, more comfortable, and more pragmatic. And in terms of performance the IL4's are better which always makes it difficult for me to justify the extra cost of a comparable Ducati or Aprilia. However, for some desirability sometimes outweighs pragmatism. But I'm glad that we have various choices of bike types available to us.  

Motormarc makes a good point about the Japanese inline fours being more versatile and pragmatic. The allure of the V-twin sport bikes has to do with the different feel of the bike and the fact that it is "unique" when compared to the more popular inline fours.
A great Japanese V-twin is the Suzuki SV650(now the Gladius). I know people who own this bike and they love it in terms of speed, feel, and simplicity. They make great track bikes and are also practical for the street. They also cost less than a Ducati or Aprilia.
But if you can swing it - A Ducati 848evo would be a great way to go.

In regards to first rides here is a Youtube link about a first ride on an 848.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UdWh2gCV5x8  
Ride Proud, Ride Safe, Have Fun.

Ducati800ss I couldn't agree with you more about the SV650. This is a great bike from all those that I know that either have one or owned one in the past. It makes a great entry level and cost conscience option. I was also a fan of the parallel twin Ninja/EX500 but I believe it's discontinued and even the last iteration was a bit dated in looks and performance. Another option is the Kawi Ninja650R which is like the SV650 but slightly modernized.