I know they are good, reliable bikes, and there is not a tangible reason for me to not like them, but even with cars, I just do not like the "go to" type of vehicle. I like things that are unique and somewhat rare. Even when I raced RC cars, all the fast people were running one chassis, and I was more drawn to running the exotic/boutique manufacturers chassis for some self-sabotaging reason lol.
now you are talking, Groms are fun, that is how I was introduced into the world of motorcycle racing and track days. By grom quickly turned non-streetable haha
If I were in your position I would be eyeing the Triumph Speed Triples, either the RS or the RR. Good looking, great handling, suspension, and noises, not too heavy to be a total dog, not so powerful as to be scary... "Sweet Spot" -ish. -Tom
I'm told January for US/Canada. I had an 890 Duke R and for a streetbike - best I've ever owned. I just bought an 890 SMT as I have ZERO ambition to track it, hoping it's half as fun as the Duke was. I bet the 990 Duke R will be a blast - 415lbs fully fuelled, top spec everything, 115RWHP/70+ ft lbs - comfy ergo's..., fits your budget easily. Local dealers have $3000 off regular 990 Dukes right now too - I'd be tempted into one of those as I'm a cheap bastard.
I'm hopefully a couple weeks away from replacing my Ducati Panigale V2 with an MV Agusta F3 RR. Ducati is sold and just waiting to see what kind of deal I can score on the MV demo.
Normally, I would shun you for replacing a Ducati with another brand. I'll make an exception for MV Agusta.