Oh, I'm sorry, did I mention I loathe top boxes? They are 'orrible looking things, inventions of the devil. Yeah, I've got mates over here who use them, and we unload mercilessly on them too, so don't feel too bad, faff. The bike itself looks pretty tidy, now, good work.
I was not offended in the slightest - I totally agree with you. I dislike fairings as well. But both are practical. Having somewhere safe to put extra pairs of gloves, some food and drink, some tools, a tire repair kit etc. is worth the ugliness for me. Especially since I cannot see it while riding
I currently 7 bikes so I have a choice, but my all rounder (not just because now I am an old fart) is my Kawasaki Ninja 1000 ABS, and it has the panniers but they come in handy when the weather turns or I stop of and get some groceries on the way home. I took it to a Kawasaki Ride day at Wakefield a few years ago.There I was given a ride on the new Gen5 ZX10R before the model was released for sale. After my ride around with Muz on the H2 I returned to my garage. Then taking of the panniers, I road around in the medium group. There were more than a few "track day bikes", now I'm in my 60's - on the old tourer beast, I lapped all but one rider in a single session. So it's what you do with the bike that matters, if you like it then its a perfect bike. You seemed to have picked a sensible progression in size & power. Enjoyt