Unless there is a really strong financial reason I would skip anything that isn't an R6.My first bike was and is a CBR 954. It is nearly perfect. It all depends on why you want a bike though. If you want to have fun, buy a sports bike. If you want a commuter, buy one. You can make an R6 more commuter friendly but making a commuter bike handle better is a god damn bitch. Yeah everyone I've spoken to has been for or against a beginner getting a 600cc bike.. I would really prefer an R6 but not sure. The real trick AS ALWAYS is to buy something you can sell later for the same dough. Fuck any other advice. Bikes are like comfy shoes. If you've never had a pair you don't give a shit about some. Get your first and you realize everything wrong with anything else and rapidly look for a second. You will want a change no matter what you buy. When you buy wrong you can no longer afford to and give up on the process.I usually buy a snowmobile keep it for 2 years and sell it for more than I paid for it even though it has a couple thousand more miles. My worst move was a $400 loss after riding over 5000 miles on one. I've set myself up to fail on my last though. Just dropped some dough on upgrade parts that I'll have to part back out to minimize the $$ loss, but I plan on keeping this one a lot longer. Will become the backup sled at some point. Quoted for truth. I bought wrong on my first bicycle (same concept) Now it may be possible for me to sell at around 50% and buy something lower than the 50% that will better suit my needs. Julian if you're serious about getting a street bike I highly suggest you get a dirt bike first and/or get some riding lessons and track time in. I'd consider it an investment in keeping yourself alive. It's easy to ride a bike, but having the skill-set to avoid others' fuck-ups in traffic is another story.