my buddy is about to buy a 05 Honda 599, he lives in midtown and wants something comfortable and easy to manuever on surface streets....
even though you dont like the look of naked bikes, remeber what you are buying it for.....have you sat or ridden a sport bike? all manufacturers have a different feel, like I hate GSXR's because their tank flares out too much and puts my knees in a awkward position....Yamaha's and Honda's have a slimmer profile and seemed to fit nice, Kawasaki's fit pretty nice too, but I think they have a higher stance...but that might just be me....so be sure to sit on all the manufacturers and see what is the most comfortable and fits you, secondly, go take the MSF course and then ask around and see who will let you take their bike for a little spin around so you can get the feel...of what you like.
right now, I'd love to get a Buell Lightning....those things are sweet, and the guys up in the mtns are tearing the hell out of them!
here is the one I want XB12
and something a little smaller for you XB9
