If insurance is the issue, why not consider a 748?
A well setup 748 could make similar power to a 916 (although less torque) give you the cheaper insurance, keep with a V-Twin and sublime handling. Then 853 it or upgrade to a 916 later..
This is the dyno chart from my 748 after the FIM chip was setup last year
http://www.chathamclose.com/pics/dyno.jpg The 916 we used for comparison made 5BHP more all the way up the curve btw.
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