Help with Motorcycle Selection, ZX10R or Smaller Bike?

WAY different world going from a old CB 650 to a ZX 10R (you'd be OK if you took out two the spark plugs, ... but let's not ;). One year experience?!?! I'd say no, but I've never ridden with you so my best advice would be to first see how much INSURANCE will cost you, that one simple thing could really cost more than it's worth.

If you are new to sport bikes I would start with a ninja 250. But if you do have a good amount of experience with them have fun with the zx10r.

i would say go with a gsxr 750 for a step up bike, but only you will know what you feel comfortable on. i ride a gsxr 1000 and love it, but im 35 with 15 years of bikes (250-1340 cc bikes) i settled on the 1000 for power to weight. i can run with the 1300+ bikes and still handle like the 600cc bike (maybe not as easy but real close) The 750 is the best of both worlds. and nobody makes em since suzuki dominated the class in racing.

Just my opinion: With your experience, I don't think the step up to a ZX is too much if that's what you want to ride. You seem to have shown wisdom and good judgement checking out the bike and insurance and some of the details, a very good sign to me. That said, there is a wealth of 'good bikes' in your price range, you should be able to find one that suits you near perfectly. 1200 Bandit was mentioned, one of my all time favorites, I've owned two, a great sit and ride. If you think touring is for you, Honda ST, Yamaha FJR, Kawasaki Concours and Triumph Sprint are legitimate choices. You will probably have to get a '1st Generation' of these to keep it under 5k, but there are terrific examples all around. I put 75,000 mi on an ST1100, it had 50k when I got it, and it's still going strong. I do agree that the acceleration is very similar in all the 'super bikes', you can get in way over your head on a just as easily on a 650 as a 1000. Having learned a years worth of riding skills, you can probably choose your ride and be ok. Good luck and have fun!

Personally I think this is too big of a step up. However you should be able to move up to a larger bike seeing you have a year of street experience. Even a Sport Bike if this is what turns you on. If you are considering a Sport Bike look for something in the 600cc range. It will be faster than your old 650 Honda. If you choose a Cruiser you can go with a larger engine as Cruiser style bikes tend to make less power per cc than a Sport Bike Engine. The style you get is more of a personal preference. But I would shy away from the 1000cc+ super sport bikes with your experience level. Ride Safe - Have Fun Always remember this. On a motorcycle stupid hurts.

I spent childhood on dirtbikes, got an enduro as a teen, then a cheap 700cc Interceptor at 17. At 19 I got a 05 ZX12R. I never wrecked/dropped it, and raced it etc. I was fine. I think it stunted my development as a rider though. In the showroom (this was 2007) the sales guy asked me if I was sure I didnt want to test a new 650R. It was cheaper, wouldve been worlds cheaper to insure, was new and wouldve been more suitable. But I had my heart set. So, if you want a toy, and want to be a really good rider, Id suggest a light lower power twin, SV650, Ducati 900SS etc. If you want a transport device, I actually suggest you go bigger. Maybe not in displacement, but I think sporttourers are better for the 'primary vehicle' usage. 800cc Honda Interceptor, Ninja 1000, Bandit 1200, Triumph Sprint would be a nice easy step up the ladder. Or just jump to hyperbikes, ZX12R, CBR1100XX, Busa, K1200S etc like me. I think all those are better options than a ZX10R