Those of us that have been riding a long time have all ridden with individuals that consistently ride above thier head. Many times, we have watched that same person fall. Not fun.
On the same note we'll all admit, (if wer'e honest) that even if we haven't been down, there have been times we could have fallen. We all push the envelope. I know I do! How many times have we blown a blind right hander and been lucky enough NOT to meet an oncoming car? I did, 2 yrs ago on Lolo pass. Scared the #### out of me. I blew a right hander 18 yrs ago, but luckily I had some gravel run-out to gather it in before dropping my prized Seca 550.
Let's face it, a large dose of common sense is needed to stay alive riding any of todays sportbikes. Working with the public as I do, I am constantly reminded how many people have none. Some of those no-common-sense-havin' folks are riding on 2 wheels! Can you say ORGAN DONOR?
The bottom line is a motorcycle is like a handgun. It is an awesome tool in the hands of someone with common sense and a respect for it's abilities. Use your head or you kill yourself or someone else.
As far as the busa not being a "handling" motorcycle. Well, that statement obviously comes from someone much younger than I. I cut my teeth on a '73 CB750. First bike, age 16. Dropped it twice. Yea, it was a pig, as was the '78 yamaha 650 twin. The '81 Seca 550 however, was the ticket. I would routinely pass my riding buds pegs grinding and sparks flying while they were on late '80's liter bikes. There is no doubt that with equal riders, a "pure" sportbike will out corner a busa. They are more flickable and a lot lighter. But I don't live on a racetrack. I ride on the street. And when the r1 rider has to stop to rub his sore butt, I'll be parked next to him, just laughin'
Sorry, that was more than .02, but I tend to ramble...
Ride safe, ride fast, use your friggin head.
Mark
