What kind of motorcycle should I get? Sports Bike or Cruiser?

[Robin]

Ok, here it is. Either way I'm going to get a bike but I'm having problems trying to determine which kind I want. Now people have mixed feelings about which is safer but in all reality, even I know, its the driver that makes the bike safe and trust me I have a safety concious. Anywhoo... I'm not sure how the pro's and cons differ but I really do like the way I sit on a sports bike. As in I feel as if I'm one with the bike? Weird I know. I plan on using the bike more so for main transportation verses recreational use, and the distance to travel is a good hour drive. Now, I've been told the sport bikes for some are uncomfortable for long distance trip verses a cruiser. I know there are a million or so posts on this particular issue but I feels the answers I need should derive from my questions and no one's else.
P.S the sports bike I'm looking at is a 2006 honda cbr 600. Its used and the dealer is asking $7,000, but he knocked it down to $6,300 and it has under 2,300 miles. Does it sound like a good deal?

 

[Tony]

I've been riding sport bikes for a little while now.. 2002 yamaha r6, 2003 honda 929rr, 2004 yamaha R1, 2001 cbr 600 f4i, and my current bike is a 2006 gsxr 600. I'm 19 years old, and I cannot ride for more than 1 and a half hours on any of these bikes without getting off and stretching. It does a great deal on your back, legs, and most of all your wrists! My father has had a couple cruisers and a chopper, i've rode them all. By far the cruiser is the most comfortable ride. But I wouldn't trade my sport bike in for one. But that's me. I rather have that sporty feel and sacrifice comfort.

The 06 cbr 600 is such a beautiful machine, and the mileage is great on the one your looking at. 6300 sounds like a good deal for a bike with that many miles.

But if your using it for a daily driver with an hour one way driver every day... I may reconsider my choice, these are beautiful machines, but can put some stress on your joints!

Have you considered something in between like a ducati monster? Or something to that extent?

If it were me, i'd be getting that CBR in a heartbeat and never looking back.. But i will tell you it's not the most comfortable ride in the world.

As for safety, it absolutely depends on the rider. There aren't any bumper benders on bikes, if you get clipped your going down. And no doubt it's harder to be seen on a bike. You just have to be aware of everything that is happening around you at all times.