GSX-R 750 - My take

The GSX-R 750 is an amazing bike. More powerful than the 600, R6 and CBR600RR, it is barely any heavier. It is a small bike (like all sports bikes these days) so if you are tall it's not the most comfortable long distance, but I know people that do tour on it. While it's less powerful than the 1000, you'd barely notice on the roads and I suspect (though it may vary locally) your insurance would be way cheaper.