Before this, had a year-2000 CBR929RR (Fireblade). Compared to that: slightly stiffer but much more stable confident handling. Higher speeds don't seem as fast, because so smooth and easy (the Blade's front end gets uneasy when you push it very hard). Very easy to lean far over, confidently... the bike likes it. Brakes are slightly stronger than the godlike brakes on the 'Blade, but with less feedback and a bit mushy (in comparison), but still excellent and just a hair more powerful. I just took it on a 500 mile trip and it wasn't so bad, comfortwise... IF you find the right way to sit, weight on the wrists is no worse than the Blade. If not, you do notice more weight on the wrists, but it's liveable. Pillion will lean against you more, transferring more weight to wrists, unlike a CBR. Seat is cushier. Engine is much smoother and solid-feeling. Does not rev quite as fast/hard as the Blade (which was really fun about the Blade), but the 12500 redline, which is 1000 higher, is very nice... that last 1000 is just enough to make the bike feel more... extreme and thrashable. All in all, best bike I've ever ridden... it makes crazy speed easy. Stable smooth obedient handling with smooth controllable loads of power. The stock exhaust is so quiet, that along with the smooth power delivery, it adds to the illusion you aren't going fast, when in fact you are rocketing like a missile. The throttle demands respect, and in the first two gears, even in third gear, it always has more power than you can use, just waiting to lift the front wheel on you.