>automatic transmission with two speedsAre you sure it's actually automatic? Or do you select the gears without using a clutch? If it's the latter, then what you have is a centrifugal clutch, not an automatic transmission.... but who cares:) I used to have a 2 gear centrifugal clutch on my first bike - a honda 50 I got for my 4th birthday:)
>I'm wary of the drivers hereI moved out to Palo Alto for 5 months a bit ago with only a motorcycle. I used to drive it into the city on weekends on the 101, as well as over the mountains and up the coast, just to stretch it's legs. The combination of the crazy traffic, lane splitting, and having a bike that always somehow finds an excuse to go triple digit when no one's paying attention, made the experience one to remember for sure, but one I recommend with caution.
>I've been really itching to get myself a street-bikeI have to admit, as much as I absolutely love my S4RS, there's a new lady coming to town soon that is turning my head, and that I dream about... say hello to the 2012 1198cc Panigale Superbike, with 195 horsepower, shown here in it's limited edition 'Tricolore' livery...
...I have no idea how those italians cram that much sex appeal into a machine, but once again, they did. I am smitten.