You are only as fast as you turn the throttle. My first bike was a zx9r, seems a bit daunting at first, but you get used to it in no time.
I like blades, always have, 3.5 to 4 k I would say would get you a good un and Honda's have a good build rep.
Alternately buy my K4 gsxr 1000 off of me for £3500 so I can buy myself a zx10 ;-)