I agree, Kawasaki sportbikes fit the real world
I am the owner of a 2000 Honda VFR which has won the respect and awards of many journalists, and it is a fine machine, however.............
I also own a ZX12R, and my friends ride ZX9R's. In the real world you can add a pipe to the 9r and adjust he suspension enough to spank 929's, Yamaha 1000's and Gixxer 750's all day long. As the proud owner of a 2000 zx12r I can tell you that the 12 is an awesome machine, and at 280 lbs in leather, boots and such the 12 is my first machine of choice when attacking the road now. With raw power on a decent handling I can get the mirror view of those 150 lb juveniles every time!
PS, I am over 40 and don't live in LA either. Funny, but some of us that don't fit the ideal sportrider profile prefer Kawi's. Gotta go now, getting ready to pass another skinny ass bike journalist..........