David T. Ashley wrote:
> "Beauregard T. Shagnasty" <a.nony.mous@example.invalid> wrote in message
> news:Hl2rj.568730$kj1.505030@bgtnsc04-news.ops.worldnet.att.net...
>> David T. Ashley wrote:
>>
>>> I'd probably never get the throttle more than 40% the way I ride, but
>>> I'd just be curious what one is like and how practical it is for
>>> traveling.
>> Stick with your 600 cruiser for a few years first...
>
> I got the same advice from a guy at a Harley store in the Orlando airport.
> He said having a bike to learn on for a couple years is the right move
> before buying, for example, a Harley.
>
> Us old people (I'm 45) are generally clever enough to recognize when
> something is dangerous and to stay away from the edges of the envelope. A
> sportbike would be pure waste at my level of skill and testosterone. But
> I'd like to ride one once or twice just to know what the youngsters are
> doing and why. I would not do 0-60 in 2.5 seconds. But 3.5 or 4 seconds
> would be a fun ride for me ...
>

There's a huge difference in the cost and comfort level of bikes that do
0-60 in 2.5s vs 3.5s. We're talking hayabusa vs. SV-650 here.
(Actually I think it's about 2.8 vs 3.6 in that case).

Personally, I think you owe it to your wallet (if not your loved ones)
to at least try a "tamer" bike before ruling it out as insufficient.
For $4000 you can get a slightly used bike that will blow the doors off
any car you're likely to encounter, be comfortable for long distances,
and be cheap to operate and insure.

That said, a lot of people buy stuff for personal image so there must be
something to that.