Grew up riding MX bikes, bought a '96 YZF600RJ when I was 19, bought the bike before looking into insurance. Had to sell it because the insurance cost to much. Just before I turned 24, the car I use to own turned out to be a lemon. Sold it, and decided that I would go for a new bike this time. Checked the insurance first then in June 09 bought a brand new 2008 GSX-R 600 and have been happy ever since even though I no longer have a car. LOL The reason I choose this bike was the look, feel and what I had heard from friends who owned Suzuki's prior and they loved them.