Neka79 wrote:i use to love chasing down R1's on my zx6r...
Pfft - I remember chasing down I-K on his R1 on the old GPX250
No-one needs a litre bike on the road - a 600 is more than good enough.
There are more factors though - your likes, bike fit (one of the main reasons I had my ZX9R), and your ability.
You won't find the 600 to be an easy step up - just an easier one than to a litre, and you'll certainly have fun on it (even the BF will have fun). I've ridden Cath's, and apart from the physical size (too small for me), it's the best handling bike I've ridden (not that I've ridden many)
Ultimately, take everyone's thoughts and arguments and let them factor into about 15-20% of your decision at most. Make the rest based on what you want (or will you have to split that 50/50 with the BF?) and a lot of test riding. You'll need a lot of test riding to get a decent feel as you don't have a lot of experience yet. Although that lack of experience can make it hard to get a test-ride too
Go on some group rides and ride whatever people will let you.
Then decide what to get.
My 3c (inflation and all)
ty
If you have no fear, you're not going fast enough.
Never argue with an idiot. He'll drag you down to his level, then beat you with experience.