Passed my bike test in march and now own/ride a fireblade, i´m also 6 feet tall and about 160lbs. I tend to sit forward (nuts against the tank) it means i can sit upright if i want but i´ve found my elbows touch my knees when i duck behind the screen. Went to Wales (from London) a few weeks ago 900 miles in 4 days with my son on the back, gave us both a sore **** other than that nothing major 8 hours might be pushing it? Never ridden anything like it so cannot compare but i´ve found that it tends to warn you to back off before it does something that you would regret, great first bike if you take it slow and don´t push past your own limits. Oe back tire not very nice Bridgestone sports/tourer inspires confidence. Best fun i´ve had with my clothes on