Here is my 2 cents on the RSV4 Factory. I got mine last Wednesday after test riding it. I just took it in for it's 600 mile service today. I'm 6'2" and 225 pounds. I took it to Racetech and had the suspension adjusted yesterday. Then I rode about 175 miles. Today I went about 250 miles and took it in for service. I now have a total of 650 miles. Not too bad for 5 days and rain last weekend! Managed to collect my first ticket on it today, that sucked.

1. Looks- the bike looks incredible and very small, compact. You would think for 21K they would include frame sliders and a carbon chain guard, instead of the cheap plastic one. Oh well, those are my only complaints.

2. Ergonomics- you sit very tall on the bike and not down in it like most others. Rearsets seem a little high too, but very comfortable. The seat is hard as a rock, but surprisingly very comfortable on long rides. Fairly good protection from the stock windscreen, even at my height. Mirrors are nearly worthless. I find the glare from the triple clamp tends to bounce off the speedo making it difficult to read during the day. Your right leg tends to get hot while sitting at a light. Rear of the tank has sharp edges that tend to dig into my thighs, but not bad.

3. Engine- Sounds fairly good with the factory can, that will definitely be changed though. Good smooth, linear power delivery. There isn't a noticeable powerband though. It just keeps going faster. My R1 would really let you know when to hang on! The lower gearing seems to be just right for me, about 90 mph in first. 5th and 6th gear are very tall and almost unusable on highway, 6500 rpm in 6th equals 95 mph. Anything below that rpm and it feels like the motor is just lugging too much.

4. Suspension- Ohlins works really well. Soaks up bumps nicely. Not much else to say, but Ohlins!

5. Brakes- Brembo perform flawlessly. Very easy to modulate and they aren't overly aggressive. I don't notice any fade either.

6. Handling- The bike is very nimble and handles beautifully. Very easy to get confident with the correct suspension settings. I was worried that it would take me awhile to get used to the new bike, but on the first good day I was carrying more corner speed than on my R1. I was able to get my knee down easily even with the tall rearsets. The bike turns in with minimal effort on the bars and holds it's line well. My R1 was heavy on the front and felt like I really had to muscle it in the turns. Darts through traffic on the freeway nicely.

7. Problems- My heat shield on the exhaust came loose and scratched the can, dealer put on a new exhaust today. Tank protector is coming off already! Dealer is going to warranty. Scratches on tank under the seat already!

Suggested Modifications:

Exhaust

Rearsets (GP shift is a must for me)

Carbon chain cover

Levers

Crash pads

Tail tidy

Windscreen

Hope this helps if anyone is interested in purchasing. I would buy it again, I think it is a fantastic bike and can't wait to go out again this weekend.

One other complaint. Since the bike is new, it is hard to get parts for in the US. I hope that changes soon though.