Put Ben Spies on a bone stock SP-1 and a bone stock 2000 GSXR750 and i would beg to bet times would be comparable. Replace the later bikes with 2010 model.........im pretty certain that lap times would drop a fair deal. I raced expert class with WERA and GLRRA for 4 years in the mid-west region and am capable of a good deal of corner speed......and do admitt I am not Miguel Duhamel or Colin Edwards, nore do i claim to be.
One thing is for sure, i do agree that the pure love some have for this model has them blinded or nieve to the reality of the truth that Honda has moved on and left the RC51 untouched while the 1000r's have seen recognized advancements. Same debate many had regarding carbs and FI system comparisons awhile back.
To each his own opinion, mine being that the RC51 is a great bike; but for sure holds more clout in company of machines of equal eras. For sure would have liked to see an upgraded RC51 (or TL1000R for that matter) as its a fun bike to ride as it is.
