Well, can't say that I put as much research and effort into the '01 purchase.
I've ridden a few bikes over the years but never owned one for myself. The purchase, at the time, was to alleviate the $4.00+ and driving over 100 miles a day in a F-350. I sat on alot of bikes new bikes, but I kept coming back to the FZ. The dealer wanted me to go out the door on a new bike, but they just didn't have the same feel or look as the FZ.(methinks now that I stole the bike out from under the salesman that was helping me at the time

)
It had been sitting around for over 6mos on the showroom floor, so think of it as a rescue. The price I paid for at the time was before I really became educated, but I only overpaid by 500.00 from what I could find available from other forums.
Haven't stopped smiling since the purchase. I'm always trying to find a reason to ride the bike. Now with winter upon us, and the weather has dipped down, I'm finally getting to finish customizing the bike to my liking.
Some shock mods (front/rear sprung to my weight), some cosmetics, brake line/pads, and who knows after that.
I've put about 4000 miles since my purchase in May '08, and look forward this next year to put even more miles on the bike, and even participate in some track days.
BroHay