I've yet to ride a Japanese bike that has any "soul". They are profecient as hell, but they command no loyalty from me. My wifes' FZ1 is a hellacious MC, completely kicking the shit out of my Triumph Sprint RS in every performance catagory, but I hate riding that bike. I even appreciate it's neo-industrial design qualities, but it's sooooooooooo not fun. when I test rode a Honda VFR before I bought my RS, I just wanted to get off the thing ASAP. Now I thank GOD that Aprilla has aquired Moto Guzzi, and designed the Griso. I now know exactly what my next bike shall be. I have looked at all the Japanese MC's that remotely appeal to me, and have found that when face to face with them, they are just not insipring. The old adage that japanese MC's are superior in build quality to Euro bikes is a thing of the past. I just don't care about going fast anymore, I care about having my spirit invigorated by the ride, and the Japanese bikes just don't work for me. But, I'm not putting down any rider or their rides. whatever makes you smile.