You are correct. They're donig well in the "SV" classes. Stock suspension is crap, but the bikes otherwise are quite nice. You can't really go wrong with anything w/FI and newer on the 600 front (Mine of '03 R6 models). Older GSXR front brakes are crap, but the rest of the bike is a workshorse. They take muscle to ride fast. Yamahas will handle the best and depending on the year will feel like you're sitting on or on them. 03-05 are the most user friendly with power everywhere. '06+ will make more power, but all of it up high until the newest tuned model, which is a bit more like the 03-05 with newer goodies and price tag. Kawis all make a ton of power and work well. Hondas are between the stable Suzukis and flickable Yamahas. 07-08 CBR600RR is just about perfect, but they're hard to find and rarely come cheap when you find one. The venerable Suzuki 750 is loved by nearly everyone; ~137HP and the same weight as the 600. There are a ton of good choices and buying season has begun!