I had a 1999 r6 and it was a great bike, But i sold it after two years of riding it and bought a 2005 gsxr 1000 and i love it. If you think you can be responsible and not go crazy on the 1000 I would say go with that, but i its going to be your first bike go with the r6. either way your going to be happy. Also the 1000 is better for riding around town becauae there is a lot more power down low so you dont have to scream the motor going everywhere like an r6