Dry weight is deception. Curb weight stock vs stock, the R1 is the heaviest 1000cc class motorcycle out there I think. The engine is the cause (more specifically, the weight they added to help stabilize it since it has an uneven firing order). Managing weight is just as (if not more) important as keeping it down. The RSV4 does this wonderfully with a good chassis and great mass centralization with the underbelly exhaust. It's also a very, very small motorcycle - it's smaller than a lot of 600s it seems. The R1 has a good chassis, also, but the bike has some extra pounds. The undertail exhaust is a style choice they've done since 04. Functionally it's worse, but looks and all that. Easiest weight savings - 3/4 titanium exhaust system. Cuts out well over 10lbs. I'm sure my suspension is lighter, too, but the biggest difference is the exhaust. The engine characteristic is pretty similar to the V4. My ECU is flashed to what is similar to Euro spec, though, so stock comparison may not be the same. Overall it's a very nice bike, especially on the street with the low and mid power available, and I got the first year model. Having ridden the 1st gen S1000RR at two track schools I can tell you if I was buying today, the 2nd gen Beemer would be my choice. Easily the best bang for the buck out there, with the ZX-10R with reflashed ECU a close 2nd (but that butt fugly front end is a big no-no).
