I think, personally, that both the Speed Triple and the CB1000R have reviewers reporting them as 'hooligan' bikes, which would suggest that they want to wheelie and stoppie all the time. Personally I thought that the 600 Hornet was a bit too much for a new rider, and I honestly never expected to have any members on here saying that they were gonna have a CB1000R as their first bike, but while I've never ridden anything bigger than a 600, I'm reliably informed that 1000s are actually easier to ride than a 600. Plus, as already said, they only go as fast as your right wrist allows. I found with the Hornet that it inspires so much confidence that I probably went too fast too soon mind you so I think it's a case of keeping your head on your shoulders and not over-rating yourself and you'd be fine.
I don't mind the styling of the Speed Triple, but I prefer the CB1000R's styling. I can't really describe the styles of either, which is odd considering my design training, but there's no doubt that they're really quite different. I guess to simplify it I would say the Triple is more of a traditional design with a modern twist, which the CB1000R is all out contemporary bike design and is more likely to get noticed. They both have single sided swingarms, but the Honda, for me, screams out far more than the Triple. So I guess it's about what you look for. Linby has a black and yellow 2000 Hornet and on his first day out a couple of weeks ago he stopped at some lights and a kid crossed and said "nice bike mate". I was there too, on my 2006 orange Hornet and I didn't get a look from the kid. I want that look! I've only once had anyone comment about the bike, and that was some guy who got out of a van at the lights and ran up to me and asked what the bike was, before running back to the van with a big grin on his face. Nobody beside bikers would bat an eyelid at the Triple, but I think everyone will notice the CB
