of all the 600's it's my favorite, goes, stops and turns very impressively with real world torque and midrange rather than all the power being at the top end like the R6 & GSXR 600, a better bike than my old CBR600 was as well, its what I'd be buying if I could afford a second bike and allow me to retire the 996 to trackday use.

it will never be a match for the 749R as far as pride of ownership but a stunning bike to own anyhow if its for the riding you want it, and if as you say the money would be handy, it won't disappoint ...