Some people change bikes like underwear... In over 12 years of riding, I've owned only 3.. two long termers *2004 R6 and 2008 CBR 1000) after my first 250 was rear-ended a week into ownership. I lost $700 on the insurance and vowed to go straight to a 600... was a steep learning curve and wish I had started on the track instead of so late in my 10th year.
I've pretty much ridden every kinda sport bike and have had lots of fun on a variety. A few bikes stood out to me:
- 09ish KTM Super Duke (990) - was just so damn fun, especially compared to the RC8 (non-R) I rode the same day. It taught me that it's not always about HP on a bike
- 2012 Panigale S ... I won't go into to many details, but I remember the sales guy telling me about the brand-new quickshifter and just pinning it... I basically pointed it on the first road outta the 'city', did as told, ham-fisted the throttle to see what the 'electronics' were about and flicked upshifts as I stared at blue sky until something like 5th gear. It still makes me giggle thinking about it to this day.
- my 08 CBR 1000RR, I remember 3rd gear power wheelie first day during "break-in" by not even pinning the throttle aggressively... it felt as light as my R6 did and is just an all around awesome bike whether on the track , in the city, in long sweepers, or at the dragon. It was bulletproof in 60,000 km and I'll miss that bike (bought during the recession, sold due to moving overseas). It is kinda the last of the non-electronic superbikes of this era and will be quite special in my mind.
-Ninja 300: Many times I let others ride my 1000 and had TONS of fun going back to a smaller bike. This thing is a great balance of engine, handling, tire size, stability, flickabilty and so on. Again, HP isn't everything.
-2013 Aprilia RSV4 APRC it was just so different to any of the hordes of inline-4s I had rode before it. Neil_V was gracious enough to let me take his for a spin but it excited me in a way my Fireblade just ceased to do anymore.
Dunno if I'll come back to riding any time soon, but it will be interesting when and if I do.