I'm 23 I was 22 when I bought my FZ8. I've been riding dirtbikes and fourwheelers since I was 5 my first street bike when I was 18 was a Suzuki Katana so I got used to the more upright riding position which I am a fan of. I sold that and tried the cruiser thing for a year Yamaha Vstar. Wasn't a bad bike just wasn't me. Then sold that to put the down payment on my 8. I've rode r6 r1 cbr 600,1000 gsxr 600,750,1000 and more I can't think of I'm sure but the SS bike thing just isn't my style. Too hard on my hands and elbows also. The reason I bought my 8 was because it was different and no-one around my area has one "yet that I know of" and I really like the streetfighter look as I made my katana a street fighter just before I sold it.