Buying a streetbike.. need advice!!!

[1965GTO]

That is why I said go with at least a 900, torque. You can have a rider on a smaller displacement bike but you will need to downshift in order to accelerate the same. Also a 900 as you pointed out can be almost as light as a 600 depending on the models. For a new bike the ZX9 seems to be a good bike for the price and a little more comfy than a 600. Depends on the riding you want to do. I don't need to weave through traffic. If I was there with the guy, I would help him find a good used bike, and yes V-max would be a candidate. Some guys just know how to wheelie and I don't. My uncle could ride thru the gears on an old CB750 honda, ride standing on the seat of an RD305, and also go thru the gears with me on the back and scare the crap out of me, all while wheelieing. I still believe a heavier bike will be less likely to pop over, when the extra weight of a rider is placed on the back.