Maybe it was the salesman's suggestion that has grown into my current thoughts, or perhaps its just the natural development of a returning rider, but I find myself, now a year back into riding, thinking about my next ride.

Currently I ride a Kawasaki 900 Vulcan Classic, and I really do love the bike, but I feel that desire to move up to something with more power...more "get up and go"...more "umph!"  

Sure, I suppose I could simply opt for more displacement, but what has me thinking and asking this question is a desire for sport bike performance (quick acceleration, nimble handling) coupled with cruiser style and comfort (laid back, comfortable, and not bent over a gas tank).

So, does such a bike exist?  Is there a bike out there that blends the high performance of something like Kaw Ninja with the laid back style and comfort of something like the Star Raider?  What are your suggestions and why?

With appreciation to all replies,
KS Vulcan 900  

>Currently I ride a Kawasaki 900 Vulcan Classic, and I really do love the bike, but I feel that desire to move up to something with more power...more "get up and go"...more "umph!"

Sorry to disillusion you, but that's not going to happen. More displacement also means more weight. The weight increases faster than the power does in a V-twin, so acceleration is actually poorer in the larger displacement bikes, until you get above 70 mph or so. Then, the wind resistance becomes a large enough factor that the weight is no longer the limiting factor for acceleration. If you want more acceleration, you'll need a different type of engine.

...a desire for sport bike performance (quick acceleration, nimble handling)...

The front end geometry of the cruiser style precludes nimble. The raked and extended front end increases straight line stability and road comfort by sacrificing rigidity and maneuverability. Driving any cruiser hard in the turns will flex the front end and cause the bike to wallow.

Sport/Tourers are the compromise bikes. They're the big bike versions of a standard bike.

regards,
Joe