What do WE really want to buy?

“Building Us Bikes WE Want”.
The buying public speaks with their dollars. There seems to be three markets. The Sport bikes, Cruiser V-Twins, and the Harleys’. The rest are just niches. There are just not enough of us who want “Standards”. Kawasaki is coming the closest. With the Z1000 and 1000 Ninja, not the ZX10R.
These are all great bikes just like the ’07 GSXR1000 that I was finally able to sell even though I bought it new. I hated all the shifting and the expense of fixing the riding position. I was going using 1st, 2nd, 4th and 6th while continually wishing for a few more gears on top. And made me realize after reading the complaints on the Aprilia Tuono V4 with the too tall first gear, gearing it shorter just exasperated the problems. The engine ran very strong, very revvy and made more than enough torque for my use, I got it for the compactness, lightweight and superb handling. Then why the small fuel tanks as well?
The new 1000 Kawasakis are much better but the transmission ratios are still too close together for my tastes. Just put it all in an Excel spreadsheet. But with the AMA forcing the manufacturers to have the close ratios transmissions, I don’t think it will ever change. So, looks like I will have to build my own as even the B-King is a joke.
I would offer to design a few motorcycles for Suzuki or Kawasaki but somehow, I think they are just as happy with what they have.
Thanks for listening.
gmansyz  

Looking forward to the 2012 shootout but what I really want to buy is a next gen R1.  I have a 2001 that I am really ready to replace now but just not passionate about the BMW S1000rr and my other favorite Aprilia RSV4 is just to race oriented for me.  The current R1 feels a bit bulky from the cockpit
So here is what I am hoping for from Yamaha by being patient for another year in addition to the usual more power and less weight.

1.  Make next gen happen in 2013!
2.  Add ABS, which I am willing to pay for but should be standard equipment.
3.  Move pipes from under seat - set up like Ducati 1199 Pinagale would be killer!
4.  Give me a fuel gauge, please! Like most of you I ride on the street...
5.  Keep the Crossplane Crank - great motor just needs a bit more oomph.
6.  Analog tach is still a must in my book no matter how good electronics get.
7.  Keep geometry - R1s are flat out comfy for me - 6'1" long torso.

I am sure Yamaha is tired of hearing the same suggestions but these would absolutely seal the deal for me!