That's an interesting mindset - I've never owned anything new - best of luck choosing what you want (I'd say dont forget that ergos are more important IMHO than having the fastest bike on paper).
Either there's a lot of machismo on this thread or some of you guys should be riding professionally. I am a bit disappointed in some of the replies and the casualness given to learning controls and the many nuances of riding. I liken it to folks who say they learned to weld within 15 minutes - I must be retarded because it sure took me longer to get comfy with doing what I wanted and to my standards.
One wants controls to be completely second nature before ever riding in traffic - watching out for cages is a full time assignment all itself.
Jason, given your desires, I will only say one or two more things. I'd recommend hitting some bike forums and reading gripes about models you're interested in. And the first few times the new bike goes out, I'd have frame sliders on it and have removed the fairings. That's just me, and we've seen that I must be slow on the uptake or too cautious compared to others that have posted.
It's not that it's hard to ride, but one wants to leave as little as possible open to happen-chance.
I hope this post wasnt a downer - I'm just being what I consider to be very realistic and responsible.
Best of luck bud and definately keep us updated with what you get and how you like it.
The new zx-14 has you written all over it...Good luck and lets us know when you get something.
