I can't speak for anyone else but I can't imagine not having control of any motor vehicle. Call me an arrogant redneck, but I haven't ever operated a motored vehicle sober that I couldn't control since I was 10. But I also can't imagine being so stupid as to risk death for a thrill like urban speeding, taking turns too fast, 100 mph wheelies or getting on it on roads you don't know. What I'm trying to say is that when you ride, only truly stupid people do not respect the power of a good bike. And only physically handicapped people can't exercise proper coordination in their wrist. And only a person void of adrenaline wouldn't want to crack it open to the brink of what you're comfortable with on a safe and open road. Why not have all the power you can afford? I have ridden dirt all my young life but I bought my first streetbike 3 years ago and have since sold it. I regretted settling for a 750 when I knew I wanted a 1000+. I told myself it would be safer and less expensive. I regretted it about 3 days later when I was dissappointed with the power. The kind of power I had dreamed of owning all my life just wasn't there. I could get to 100+ but it took too long and was kinda boring. I was never scared going 100+ on an open road in good weather with a helmet on. That is what the bike is made to do. But I got scared on a daily basis and eventually sold it because I couldn't handle the constant anxiety of riding it around all the morons on the road who don't see you. The danger of a bike isn't in the power, but in the idiots around you. I kid you not, someone would switch lanes into me or pull out in front of me alost every time I rode. And yes, I obeyed every traffic law and rode very safe when in any kind of traffic. You almost get used to it, but not really. Only complete idiots who don't know how to ride, or who are just plain adrenaline freaks to the point of being stupid, or who ride while on a substance, or who do not properly maintain their bikes die by wrecking on their own. But no one is immune to Mildred's new cataract or Buffy on her cell phone. Let me also say that I am only referring to riding a properly engineered and maintained motorcycle with speed and handling intended in the forefront of it's design. I would never own a chopper or a harley because that is another big strike against you when trying to avoid some of these asses on the road. Those things are overweight two wheeled lawnmowers meant for dudes who want to dress gay and make noise, not properly negotiate hairy situations or stop on a dime.
My suggestion to anyone getting a sportbike is to spend at least a year on a motorcross/dirt bike first to really learn how to ride on two wheels and then take a street safety class to learn how to deal with the idiots and then purchase as big a bike as you can handle physically/financially and ALWAYS wear a helmet. When the road is open, hammer it and enjoy the thrill, but when in a residential area or in any kind of traffic, obey the law for your own good, cause people are blind to motorcycles sometimes...
Good luck and take time to shop around for insurance. There is a very wide variety of costs and coverages. Go to a reputable agent that sells several companies and he will find the right one for you. Don't just use the same company you have your car with or who advertises alot. There are companies who are motorcycle oriented and usually they are the cheaper/better choice.
