Henry, what you say about the GSXR1000 is echoed by the journos who write about it, and my own experiences of riding with people who own one. I've ridden a GSXR750, which I have to say, accelerates like a lunatic - BUT - it still needed to be kept on the boil. One day I'll try a Gixxer Thou and see for myself.
And you are spot on, the 996 is all you need and more for the real world - once you sort the over-gearing issue out
