Well I have read all of the reviews/comments here and this is my conclusion. Every bike has pros and cons. I started riding at 7 on a mini bike and at age 40 I can say I have been on about every bike out there. I can say that simply due to the fact that I have friends that own dealerships and I belong to several clubs and have the chance to ride different bikes there as well. To say something SUCKS is a serious lack of knowledge. I own a ZX12 that I adore, but to go by ratings and reviews on other boards, then I should say my 12 SUCKS but I can't. Sure it has been in the shop several times, but when I want to go fast I ride the 12. I also own a 93 Sporty which I also love when I want to cruise around town. I have just taken a coast to coast trip, from Long Beach, Ca. to Miami Fl on the Sporty and loved every minute of my ride. My wife enjoyed it as well so that should tell you that you CAN have a rider and enjoy your trip, even on a Sporty at distance. Honestly, while we were on our trip, each and everytime we stopped we were told how great my Sporty looks. This is from other riders or just people passing by. The other riders, rode all different types of bikes. So here is the deal. Get off your horse and stop telling people their bikes SUCK just becuase you ride something different. Grow up! To my wife and I, every bike is beautiful and every rider is a friend no matter what they ride. We WAVE to everyone. The people you should share your anger with are the idiots who drive cars, who put OUR lives at risk for not paying attention and help your fellow riders with support, advice, sound opinions. There is my two cents Salty Pirate 93 Sporty (Chrome to the bone) 01 ZX12 (my baby) 71 Wife (grumpy in the morning) 02 daughter (LOVES the NINJA)