I'm 6'4" and 34yrs old. My 1st bike was an R6...looked like I was riding a pocket bike and it got slow really quickly when I went riding w/ other people on 1000's. I then traded to an R1...man, what a difference in powerband. Owned that for a little while, but it's like owning a Civic...everyone and their brother has one, everyone wants to race you, etc. I currently own an 01 TL1000R...looks like a GSXR, sounds like a Ducati. The BIGGEST thing I can recommend is a state certified endorsement class. I'm not sure how it is in NYC, but when I took mine in Seattle, it was a great setup. We rode little CB125's (basically a scooter) but it taught you the principles of looking into the corner instead of the ground, leaning to turn, etc.

Honestly, I'd never get anything below a 600 just for the looks alone...seems like anything less than a 600 and you get a skinny little 150 rear tire that just will never look as cool as a true sportbike w/ at least a 180/190 rear. Nowadays w/ software and being your size, a 600 stock will be fast, then when you get bored of it, you can do an exhaust, intake, Power Commander (ECU upgrade), etc. After that, you got the experience you need to be comfortable before you jump up to something bigger engine wise. If you're into sportbikes, I'd look into an $2-3k bike w/ like 15-20k miles...then when you wreck it, because you will, I promise. Take a class, don't by your dream bike as your first one, and don't cheap out on gear....get a nice helmet, gloves, leather jacket and maybe even pants if your hardcore and don't mind changing everywhere you go.

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