[robz71lm7]

I asked a few others (co-workers, local F-body board etc) but thought I'd ask here as well since I trust the judgement and value the opinions on this board. First of all I have never ridden a motorcycle, but have toyed with the idea for the past few years. I got my motorcycle permit last week and am taking an MSF course in a couple of weeks. As you can probably guess I want a sportbike. I have a 30 mile one way commute on 2-lane roads and the interstate (70 mph+). I'd mainly be getting it as a toy, but I'd like to be able to ride to work too so I can somewhat justify it in my head. I have thought about track days, but that is a ways away if ever.

I've had recommendations ranging from a 250 all the way to a 750 sport bike (Ninja 250r, R6, or GSXR 600 or 750). Thoughts?

[BigEnos]

Honda VFR, a reasonably recent one can be had for relatively modest money. Should be a fantastic commuter bike and I bet it would be fine at a "get acquainted" type of track day, too. I think the FZ1 is fantastic, too for the same reasons. Run away from 250s, you'll be sick of it in a week and you won't be able to get rid of it. Smallest bike I'd recommend would be an SV650 (600cc sportbikes are "bigger" in the power dept and therefore "bigger" bikes). All motorcycles will go fast enough to kill you so gear up and ride within your limits and you should be fine.

My first (and previous) bike was a Kawasaki ZRX1200, fwiw. I swapped it for a KTM 300EXC (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/burnout.gif)