[Jeff in Kentucky]

Triumph and the big Japanese four sell a version of their 600 to 675cc bikes with higher handlebars and the power tuned more for the midrange for street use. The highest rated are the Kawasaki Versys, the Triumph Street Triple, and the Suzuki V-Strom 650 or SV-650. The Yamaha FZ6R and Honda 599, and Suzuki Gladius are other similar bikes. Also sit on the 2005 to 2008 Kawasaki ZZR-600 with its older and more comfortable year 2000 sportbike design, now considered a sport-tourer.

Note that 4-cylinder bikes are considered less beginner friendly, with the power coming on more all at once, and with enough power to suddenly lift the front wheel or spin the back tire in the lower gears with someone not used to the throttle and clutch.

You can raise the handlebars on the faster on the track replica racers, but you pay extra for their track lap time ability, then reduce the lap times by raising the handlebars. Also, the high footpegs bend your knees more and their seats are very thin, more things that you might need to change to make them more comfortable for longer trips. I saw a video about a guy that went around the world on a Yamaha R1 sportbike- it is possible to take the time to get used to the head down and feet up riding position- grip the tank tightly with your legs, and hold up your chest with your legs and back instead of with your arms.