Hi all, I am new and want to buy a bike soon. That said I'd like opinions from people that actually ride this bike before I put down cash. I personally like the look of the fz8 best; the next best look would be fz-07 and last the fz-09. I have not had a chance to see the 07 in person, but the fz8 and fz-09 were fine when I sat on them. The fz-09 was actually a bit thinner and lighter and thus I was more able to maneuver a little better while sitting with the engine off. My concern with that bike(FZ-09) although I could be wrong is that it may be a bit much for a new rider--although I have seen many arguments both ways about that.
Here is a little info about me just in case it matters:
I'm 36. I do not have any interest in racing street or track. Not planning to become a hooligan, but you guys would know better if that is likely to change once I start riding. I do plan to commute to work and there is about a 20 mile stretch of hwy to cover along with smaller curvy fun road to explore for smiles. I am 5'6'', about 175lbs. I would want to ride with someone for quick easy short distance travel down the road--not sure if that matters between these bikes but perhaps the lighter bike may not be best suited for this. I prefer naked, besides the fz's I considered the Honda cb500f--another naked.
I think at minimum I would go with the 07 instead of the Honda, but I admit I like the fz8 most of the three. There are a few fz8 listed at deep discount and I'd like to know if I should even consider it given the other options. Assume I can get one at $6000 or less, plus TTL. Would weight, power, character, money, my lack of experience, or anything else you guys and gals can think of lead you to say go with one of the others? Please go into details if you can. Thanks for reading and hopefully responding and discussing.
Here is a little info about me just in case it matters:
I'm 36. I do not have any interest in racing street or track. Not planning to become a hooligan, but you guys would know better if that is likely to change once I start riding. I do plan to commute to work and there is about a 20 mile stretch of hwy to cover along with smaller curvy fun road to explore for smiles. I am 5'6'', about 175lbs. I would want to ride with someone for quick easy short distance travel down the road--not sure if that matters between these bikes but perhaps the lighter bike may not be best suited for this. I prefer naked, besides the fz's I considered the Honda cb500f--another naked.
I think at minimum I would go with the 07 instead of the Honda, but I admit I like the fz8 most of the three. There are a few fz8 listed at deep discount and I'd like to know if I should even consider it given the other options. Assume I can get one at $6000 or less, plus TTL. Would weight, power, character, money, my lack of experience, or anything else you guys and gals can think of lead you to say go with one of the others? Please go into details if you can. Thanks for reading and hopefully responding and discussing.