You couldn't be more wrong - they walk all over Fireblade's of that Era and were as fast as an R1 too. And certainly not lardy like a Chunder Ace.... you're guessing aren't you
ThunderAce is good value and will be rapid. But not a proper sports bike and don't think it'll ever go classic. https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https://www.ebay.co.uk/ulk/itm/132563784976
Don't read a review from after it's hey day dilbert - all sports bikes become sports tourer's when compared to more modern bikes...
C1 Zx9 onwards are pretty good but the early ones are a bit Lardy. Think your 2k budget is pushing it a bit maybe push the boat out and have a cheeky bid on something like this Yamaha R1 https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https://www.ebay.co.uk/ulk/itm/292507467960
Agree, the ones after the launch model were light and full on sports bikes only surpassed by the R1 which was somewhat of a leap forward for sportsbikes
That's a good buy if a 1998 model and not a 1998 production 1999 model with different fairings - no wonder most hated those red seats and bought blue ones though, but red seats are where the money is now. (Also check it wasn't originally blue)
Considering your budget a nice 750 SRAD or ZX7R would be your best bet. Sp1-Sp2 with low mileage and in reasonable conditions are 7 - 10k Race replica 2 strokers are already expensive....and also expensive to run as compared to the above "diesels"
Yes, a 600 anyway, and nobody would ever call it a sports tourer. 60mls round M25 to Brands and I was suffering.
Not Japanese, but I'd suggest a late T595/955 Daytona (the last of the round" curvy ones, rather than the later angular styled bikes....which were technically better....). You can still pick these up for reasonable money. Same for their Speed Triple cousins (again, the T595/955 a better bet than the later 955i/1050 versions. You can pick up an original 900 or 750 Speed trip up but they are now gaining value fast.