Nik, just my tuppeny`s-worth on the comfort-thing.....
I recently came back to biking after about 5 years off (for various reasons)
I`ve had shed-loads of inline 4`s in the past, including all the "usual suspects", R1, Fireblades, Gixers etc....and I`ve also owned two V-twins, which were a Firestorm and a Suzuki TL1000R.
When I knew I was definitely getting another bike, despite all the 4`s I`ve had, I knew I wanted something with a bit of character too, so decided it should be V-twin.
Many (many :blush) moons ago, I`d test-ridden one of the original Milles, and although I didn`t buy one at the time (no idea why now :dunno), I remembered that they were a bit of a grunty beastie back then, and were great to ride, and after pondering also on a Honda SP2, my current RSVR turned up first.
Nik; what a great bike these are mate !!! Loads and loads of grunt, amazing handling, and fantastic looks and kudos !!
Oh yes, comfort (forgot with my ramblings...:devious). Can`t comment really on the pre-03 bikes, but mine is an 04 plate RSVR, and I can`t quite believe how comfortable it`s been for a sports-bike.
It`s certainly far more comfortable than the ZX7-R torture chambers that I used to ride 10 years ago (ace bike though, the 7R....:inlove), and somehow just fits me right (I`m 5`9 and 14 stone).
Put it this way Nik, I like mine so much, that I`m just about to shell out more money for a newer one which is a bit tidier............as I`ve become well-hooked into the Aprilia-thing mate.
Get one tried/bought Nik, you`ll LOVE it !! :thumbup