Ninja 650R

More on fully faired but comfortable - it looks like Suzuki isn't the only manufacturer who builds bikes for the likes of me. For some reason, i never realised Kawasaki made those types too.

Strike 1:

Life must be tough for middleweight Twins. Despite all they have to offer, they still get tagged with the "beginner bike" label. While many of these bikes may be bought by first-time motorcyclists and buying one of these rather than, say, a GSX-R1000 or ZX-10 as your first ride displays uncommon common sense, the label is still somewhat insulting.

The above was what Motorcycle USA.com had to say about the Ninja 650R. That phantom rider picture they're painting? That's gotta be me.

Strike 2:

Kawasaki plainly state the 650R is a bike for "ladies" and new and returning riders, thus imbuing the market's perception with characteristics befitting that demographic: diminutive, demure and accessible. They also claim that this all-new bike - which is virtually identical to the semi-faired ER-6n in Europe - has the power and handling to keep a seasoned rider satisfied. You know what? I think they're right.

From a SpokeSpeak article. I'm not dimunitive by most standards, but the new and returning riders bit is definitely looking good.

Strike 3: It has an updated (2007) version.

My choices are widening. All i need to do now is get moving and get the licence....