A V-Max is a shitload of fun... Riding position is good, ridiculous amount of power and handles amazing... Cool bike without going completely to a sport bike. On the other hand, I'm a big fan of the Ducati Monster 696.

 

hands down .. if'n i had the scratch it would be a 1198 ducati..maybe a good thing that i don't

 

if your older then your late 20's a race bike,cbr,R6/1,gsxr.. probably isn't going to be much fun to ride anymore.. but a superbike or sporttouring like a huyabusa,cbr1100xx,kaw zzr.. any of the over 1000cc bikes are a lot more comfortable. usually they have bigger seats, the bars are mounted higher and wider and rubber mounted, they have more leg room.. none of them are going to sit up like a glide, but there are some pretty good options out there...
i have always dreamed of having a Busa ever since test riding them.i just couldn't justify putting too much money into it for a second bike, because i want a softail even more

 

BMW K1300R......That is my next bike. Comfortable and reliable.

 

I had sport bikes along side of my Harley for years. A couple years ago my ZX9r started to scare me, my wrist was cashing checks my brain/reflexes couldn't cover any more at 62 and I sold it. I still haven't found anything to really replace it. Have a hot rod drz400 supermoto. I actually rode that ninja more than the harley. Goes, turns, stops so much better than a harley its just silly. Set up right very comfortable too. Did many 500 mile days on it and did over 100 almost every time I rode it. It will take a little getting used to after a Harley but soon it will be easy to switch back and forth. Two completely different rides but both great! If ya haven't done it ya don't know what you're missing. Go for it!!!

 

I came from the sportbike world and just recently purchased my first Harley. I bought my 08 Hayabusa new and have put many great miles on it. They are 2 totally different styles, but I appreciate each for what they are meant for. Depending on what I feel, I grab either out of the garage. Riding with sportsbike buddies? Grab the busa. Riding with the cruiser/Harley peeps? Grab the Harley. I count my blessings everyday that I have the option. If you can make it happen, then do it. You only live once and you can't take it with you.

 

My suggestion for you would be my last ride before my '08 Ultra... An FJR1300. It has a straight up riding position,is a good two up platform and has an adjustable windshield. It's also ridiculously fast! Shaft drive and still would keep up with most of the litre bikes out there.

 

You need a pushrod Firebolt!

 

If my arm was twisted and I had to get a street only "sport" bike I'd have to pony up for a KTM Super Duke or SMT. Both have a pretty damn good 999cc V-Twin, make stupid amounts of usable power on the street and are comfortable for all day with a seat swap.

Having owned superbikes for most of my riding life (from 1988-2011) I can say I never need another one. I've owned everything from the first gen GSX-R 1100 and a 89 FZR1000 to a Ducati 1198 that I sold last summer. Throw a couple FZs, YZFs and CBRs in the mix and you get the picture.

I'll probably never own another hooligan but enjoy it if you get one. They're a hellofalot of fun!

 

Funny you should mention that - I was having a mid-life crisis and decided I wanted a sport bike. About a week ago I bought a 2011 Honda CRB1000RR with 750 miles on it. I gotta say it is an awesome bike - everything I wanted and more! I still have my Ultra and they make a great tag team.