Yeah, I really liked the orange, too. I saw the color on the official Yamaha site and thought "That looks interesting, wouldn't mind seeing it in person" I had to go to an out-of-town Yamaha dealer to look at any R6's at all. My local dealear mainly stocks "star" motorcycles/cruisers/ and Yami dirtbikes/atvs. At this time he has only 2 F6Zr's in stock ! That's it !No other sportbikes. When I saw the R6 in orange it was a done deal because logic was thrown out the window and my heartfelt desire took over....Ever since I saw an R6 years ago in the team Yamaha colors, It was always on my "I want one" list. I went to a dealer about 30 miles away in Mattoon and they helped me out. They were also a Kawasaki dealer and so I looked at the Ninja zx6r also which has received rave reviews online. I picked the R6 over the Ninja because 1.) any difference between their performance is miniscule and will never be an issue for a newbie like me. 2.) I already have a Yamaha finance account so a trade in should be relatively painless (which it was) 3.) the R6 looks a lot better than the Ninja (most important reason). 4.) I already own a cool Yamaha chicane jacket and keychain. (utmost important reasons:Flash

I will say that the ninja's seat is a bit lower and I felt more comfortable sitting on it. I kept saying to myself "This is crazy...don't do this...your current ride is perfectly fine" I almost walked out of there when the salesperson offered, "Would you like to hear her started up ? It won't be any trouble at all." After I heard her started...it was a done deal. I'm sure they all knew it !
I sort of feel guilty for not supporting my local dealer, but the mattoon dealer had it in stock and showed her to me. I didn't feel it was right to exit without a sale then ask my local dealer to get one in after the mattoon dealer dealt with my endless "Can I sit on her one more time...for the 20th time" The way I see it, if my local dealer doesn't want to stock sportbikes, then I guess they don't want to sell them. Granted it's a small town, and I'm sure it's very costly to keep inventory on hand..but they've got literally tons of cruisers and scooters. I had mentioned to the store manager that I was interested in an R6 and he said "you need to get a cruiser/tourer next" and pointed me to a star venture or something along those lines.
At this point, I hope I don't get any animosity from my local dealer when I bring in my new bike for service. I'll probably take it to the mattoon dealer (where I purchased it) for the 600 mile initial check. (besides it's an excuse to ride 60 miles !). However, it's just so convenient to go to my local dealer because it's within walking distance ! As usual, I digress. Happy riding to all !!!