It certainly wasn't my first choice of bike, but I bought my 8 from new (black 2013) as it was reduced in price (the MT 08) were on their way, it had a minimal deposit, and 0% finance over 4 years.
It's got it's niggles I'm sure, but then I'm not a MCN critic that can ride bikes back to back and compare them.
It accelerates swiftly enough for me and has seemed to stop swiftly enough for me. I can do 150 miles with no arse cramps, but then sometimes I can do 50 and get them (but then I'm no youngster)
The missus enjoys going on the back for a quick trip to Filey for fish and chips or to Lincoln for lunch, but she wouldn't last a touring weekend on it, and I'm not sure if I would.
Every now and then I think to myself 'I really fancy a new bike' i go into the garage and have a look and think, it looks good, it goes well enough, it's paid for and it hasn't killed me yet. and then go and have another beer.