How much have bikes really moved on in the last few years?

[YamR1V64motion]

until it was written off earlier this year i had an RR6 Fireblade, the settlement is finally looking like the end is in sight but you never can tell with insurance companies-quick to take your money and very slow to pay out!!.
anyway if the payout is soon i was thinking of buying a cheaper bike because i miss riding that much, and buying the new model Fireblade next summer, which got me thinking:

have the ultra modern bikes really come on that much in terms of useable performance and handling on the road?

a new GSXR 1000 compared to say a K1?
or a 916/996 to a 1098?
has going from a 954 cc to a 1000cc really made the Fireblade that much greater(this is the only one that ive owned both of and i dont think there really is that much in it)

if you look at some of the performance figures they arnt actually miles apart like some people would have you belive, so just wondered what others thought on the subject?.

[YamR1V64motion]

im thinking about buying a 996 , if i like it loads then i might just hold onto it and not bother buying the latest,greatest Fireblade next year.

[YamR1V64motion]

archie456 said:

YamR1V64motion said:

a new GSXR 1000 compared to say a K1? if you look at some of the performance figures they arnt actually miles apart like some people would have you belive, so just wondered what others thought on the subject?.

I had a K2 which was stonking, a real angry ripper of a motor in the midrange, with a pretty good top end. Sadly it got written off, so I bought a K6 last year. Whilst quicker on top-end, it seemed flat in delivery by comparison with the K2, and sounded like it was eating socks. So far not so good..

So I did what any self-respecting owner would do and gave it to Crescent for a little fettling. They replaced the midrange rip (now 85ftlb for ages), it sounds great and puts out 190bhp at the wheel. It goes like a proper rocket and is as drivable as standard - I'd recommend this to anyone.

Better than a K2 now? I think so but it's a lot more expensive. I think bikes are getting less usable by the year.

i really do respect the GSXR 1000, ok so admittidly im more a Fireblade man and would probably still favour one over the GSXR when i come to buy, but they are an awesome machine, as you said a bit of fettling by Cresent and its making the same sort of power as that somewhat overpriced Desmosedici RR