New (secondhand) bike

[gr4]

I'm thinking about 'what next', possibly later this year or early next.
Currently got a pair of 11 year olds, an FZR600R which is quite nimble and easy to ride but has to work hard to keep up with it's more modern brethren on ride-outs, and a GSXR1100 which makes very good power but is quite big and heavy to push-on round the lanes. I think I need the best of both worlds in something a few years newer. Budget is likely to dictate 2000 - 2003 model years, 2004 at a push, and the likely candidates are Fireblade, R1, GSXR 1000 and GSXR 750. As I build up my knowledge base before taking the plunge I'd be grateful for the opinions of you guys.
What I would like to know is what is worth seeking out, and what should be avoided. Are there some real vintage model years for some of these bikes, and others which didn't come up to scratch ? For example I remember the 'blade being critisised for getting a bit lardy at one point, but can't remember what year that was.
Thanks.

[rsvmilly]

I don't think you can go wrong with any of your choices. The largest of the 1000s is th e GSXR. This might be an issue to you. I had a K1 600 (same shape) and it would tour as well as scratch.

[gr4]

Thanks RSV. Do you mean the GSXR is physically biggest ? Not a problem to me, but I didn't realise, and ironically of the '06 bikes the GSXR looks the smallest.

[rsvmilly]

gr4 said:

Thanks RSV. Do you mean the GSXR is physically biggest ? Not a problem to me, but I didn't realise, and ironically of the '06 bikes the GSXR looks the smallest.

The latest GSXR is smaller but the older model, from the year range you indicated, was more spacious. And David Jeffries, god bless him, was proof that they are certainly fast enough.

[cuprabob]

It's got to be either the GSXR750 or 1000. Neither will dissappoint

[rsvmilly]

I've got an R1 and it is fab. And IMO, Yamahas are way better looking than the other Jap bikes.