I call bullshit. After riding Ducati, Aprilia, etc I have to say that having something other than a Japanese bike is very nice. I wanted something different, and now when I check out the newest offerings from Japan they are all the same in styling, power, braking, chassis, etc. And frankly, they are kinda boring. Now if your definition of "better" is .002 seconds faster than every other bike on the track then whatever.