Buying a streetbike.. need advice!!!

[96SNAKE]

This will be my first streetbike but I'm very experienced with dirtbikes if that matters. I'm 6'2 190lbs so I can handle weight pretty well if needed.

I don't know **** about the "jap" bikes but I want one. What bikes would you guys recommend? Can I go used? Give me some ideas and how about obtaining the license and training courses. I know there are beginners and a advanced class right? I would like a 900 but I'm realistic that it may be too much for me as a first bike. I'm thinking 600 or 750 range.. In particular, there is a 2000 SS750 Ducati that really catches my interest..

Here is a post from a site on the typical bikes around now but not Ducati. I know Ducati has been using the same platform for a good couple of years now and may be due for an upgrade. What do you guys think??


Kawasaki ZX-9R-lacks cornering clearance and it's wide, makes riding through twisties hard, great sport-tourer,very comfortable, good smooth tranny, great for the street, definately not the track, heavy

CBR954RR-great chasis,awesome brakes-almost as strong as the GSXR's, easy to turn, but will still grind metal before the GSXR or the R1, not as much horsepower as the R1 or the GSXR

Suzuki GSX-R1000-lightest, most powerful open class bike, handful to ride, solid mid corner bike, but hard to turn in quick,
most respected on the street and track right now

Yamaha R1- Less horsepower than the GSXR, but also easier to ride, suspension is a lot more forgiving and the riding position is much better than the GSXR, but not as good as the Honda or the ZX9

According to most racers (who also ride on the street) this is quoted from roadracing world
"Yamaha - As easy to ride at a moderate pace as it is to haul ***** the track.
Suzuki - Street-based shortcomings offset by incredible track-prowess.
Honda - Easiest-to-ride bike here but can't make up for horsepower deficit on track.
Kawasaki - Great street bike that's simply outclassed when the pace escalates. "
Kawasaki ZX-9R-lacks cornering clearance and it's wide, makes riding through twisties hard, great sport-tourer,very comfortable, good smooth tranny, great for the street, definately not the track, heavy