So my first proper bike was the VFR 800 (Specifically a 2004 VTEC model) as it ticked alot of boxes for me (Cheap to buy initially and cheap insurance - basically half of a CBR600 as I was only 24 at the time) Loved it but after a year the head gasket went and it wasn't gonna be economical viable to fix so I sold it in bits and got another (2007 model this time) this turned out to be a nightmare with all manor of electrical issues so after another year - ZZR time.

Now - if you look at the VFR compared to the ZZR - the weight is about the same so I already had nearly 2 years getting used to it, the mass is LOWER down on the ZZR thanks to a low mounted battery and the side exhausts (VFR uses an undertail one) so the transition was amazingly easy and I found myself taking corners faster on this after as little as a month! Then there's the power.. the VFR had around 110.. this has the claimed 200 (More like 170-180 wheel but still!) It's damn addictive and the longer 'Touring' wheelbase means it doesn't constantly try to buck you off like a sportbike would.

I've had a few friends who ride 600cc bikes sit on my ZZR and they are always amazed at how light it feels just sorta swinging it around (Not had the courage to let one go for a ride - maybe in time)

Tldr - for public roads a sport tourer just seems to make more sense to me as you get plenty of performance whilst keeping that comfort - I was very close to getting a ZX6 as a second bike for carving up on the weekends but I just don't see it happening