Yup, the power is enough for the city/highway! The throttle is smooth after 1st gear, I leave it in 2nd most of the time when stopping. The 899 is just a show bike for me, I like the attention it brings to many people but let it rip from time to time.

That's one of my only issues with the CBR500. It has very short gearing, which is excellent for the city but it feels a bit underpowered on the highways. Do you ever go to a track at all, or just street riding?

I never rode a 500cc bike went straight to Fz-07 after 250-300cc's. Your right, gearing plays a big part in how you feel comfortable riding on the road and I believe the Fz-07 fits the bill. I do like the difference between power shifts when riding in the city and highway and can see the cbr500 letting off steam too early. I'm comfortable doing 60-80 on the highway with little to no vibration. The Fz-09 is a pony, similar to the 1199 and 899. I'm not a wheelie junkie and
the Fz-09/1199 are just waiting for the twist. The Fz-07/899 do it with pop clutch (after 1st gear anyway) and I'm more than comfortable with that ;-)

I used to track, and it was fun but now I live in an area that's low on traffic so if I want to have an adrenaline rush I just wake up early around 6 and go up and down the strip with the 899. I can't say I'm a fan of canyons or twisties I just ride for the thrill of being on a bike you know?

I've never really tried to wheelie on the 500, but even with a hard acceleration in first gear the front stays down. Most of the torque seems to be in 2-3 gears, and it definitely has a good amount although nowhere near that of say a 600.

I want to get into track riding eventually, but for now I just stick to riding around the city, often hitting up a twisty road or two :)

As long as your riding comfy, that's all that matters :-)

Yes, that's very true. If I were to get another bike, it would probably be a street fighter of some sort, just because they are comfortable and have great performance. And they look amazing!

Yes, I'm excited about the 2016 Ducati lineup, 9 new models!

Yes it looks pretty good! Too bad I can't afford any :(

As long as your riding, that's what counts!

Great day for riding!