It is nice to have that low down grunt - agreed, makes it much more accessible for day to day riding, which is why I thought of the GSXR, which is meant to have plenty of low down, as well as excellent handling. And also, I guess these things are largely affairs of the heart too, so totally know where you're coming from there too!
How does putting the normal handlebar on affect the riding position? Are you feeling you could do with moving the footrests now? This is one of the main things that makes me wonder if this kind of bike is really worth doing for me(foot/bum/upper body position relationship). I notice both of your R1s have standard peg position - will you being going to adjustable rear-sets on this one, or has the overall position worked out ok?
It may be that it won't work for me with my dodgy arm and long legs, hence sticking with gen 1 Fazers for so long - they are just right for me as far as riding position goes. Much less leg room and I'd have bother. But it sure would be nice to have something a little more flickable.
Ridiculous about the fuel consumption really isn't it? I thought FI was supposed to give you better in that regard; seems that's not always so