background
Old sport bike was a 2001 Honda CBR600F4i 10k miles in 4 months before getting hit by a minivan.
Currently own a 2004 Mustang Gt and a 2002 suzuki SV650 set up for Track use only.
the car vs bike debate is one where you need to be very honest with yourself. Have you ever ridden before? if no, do not get the R1, it's too much bike. Yes, i know the argument "i'll be careful and go easy and be careful etc etc.." While you might infact be very responsible, a bike like the R1 does not let itself to mistakes nicely. you go for a panic stop and accidently grab a fist full of throttle instead fo fist full of brake and you have a serious problem. i looked on the LS1 board, those guys are getting into the 9's with about 580-600RWHP. According to sport rider an 04 R1 will run a 9.93 right out of the box with no performance mods(in the hands of a trained rider). the ramifications of such an extreme power to weight ratio are serious. they are seriously fast and should be reserved for experienced and capable riders...
http://www.sportrider.com/bikes/146_perf_nums/#yamaha
motorcycle quarter mile 60-80mph (sec.) 80-100mph (sec.) Top speed
YZF-R1 ('04) 9.93 @ 147.4 2.8 2.92 184
I'm always trying to explain the joys of riding to people. Aas much as i love my mustang, I'm a rider at heart. if you're serious about learning to rider, really learing how to RIDE, get older smaller CC bike, ride the wheels off it and then get the R1. Until then stick with the cobra, the ones who love you will thank you...
Personally if it were me, I'd get neither the R1 or the cobra. I'd get an R6, but that's just me...