Well, since y'all are posting some fairly lengthy, entertaining stories, here goes. . .
I had been looking for "A Bike" for a long time. My 1982 Seca Turbo just wasn't doing it anymore - seat like iron, vibrating mirrors, etc. I knew EVERYTHING that was out there. Wanted something big and fast that I could use to commute and a slight bit of touring. Anyway, I'm about 5 minutes away from driving to Fargo to buy a new Kawasaki ZX12, talking to the dealer on the phone. He says I can't take a test drive until I buy it. I'm like, "HUH?" Actually, I was more mad than that. After a bunch of bickering, I get them to the point of me paying $200 for a test drive, then if I don't like it, I get my money back. About that time I happen to read in one of the cycle mags about the heads up test between the Busa and ZX12, and the Busa creams it in most ways (fit and finish was important to me). So, even though the ZX12 was $4k below sticker (brand new, 0 miles), I told them to bite me. I wanted a Blue Triumph Sprint ST. Great deal on one with 3k miles, bailed out. REALLY wanted (and still do) a BMW K1200RS - to many $$$. Same with the Aprilia Futura -they were just out and no discounts to be had. CBR1100XX was on the list, didn't want black. Then I saw it next to a Busa - no contest! The CBR is smoother looking, but so damn PLAIN - no personality. VFR 800 - too small and weak, Mitch Boehm be damned! TL1000S and VTR996 Superhawk - paranoid about the V-twin vibration. Bandit 1200S - an early contender, but up close, its just CHEAP. Moto Guzzi V11 Lemans . . .oooohhh, baby. But 90 hp? So, after countless hours and months and miles, the 2001 Blue/Silver Busa came into my life. Best part - couldn't test drive that either, until I already owned it! I do need a bike for every day of the week, though!!! Sorry this took so long.