I have never ridden the r1 nor tl myself, but I have ridden both gsx-r and cbr and this motorcycle left me speechless. There is more then plenty of power, and its all usable power. Not just the high rpm found on the inline fours. My buddy has one, he didnt seem to have much to complain about. I am looking for a new bike myself, and I was set on a Moto Guzzi Nero Corsa before, but now that I have ridden the buell I am torn.