Funny how some people really go by numbers. They see a r6 with 120 HP and a cbr600 with 106hp and say ´HONDA sucks!´. Same thing here. I think the intention of honda is different then Yamaha. Honda is known for is good engines and overall performance. So this bike is much more a Road racer then the R1 which is build more for the racetrack. Do understand that i personally like the looks of the R1 more as well as his Performance (although only a marginal bit better then the Fireblade) Don´t forget that when driving on the road the Honda probably has more comfort and handles better then the R1(more relaxed). But Hey that´s what the experts told me in different test I read. I bet the first person only goes with the Hype of thinking ´the fastest bike is the R1´ Hey a VMAX let´s an R1 eat dust on the Quarter mile so that does not mean it´s a great bike to ride.....