I have ridden both, and have taken both through Deal's Gap. Honestly, its hard to conceive that the R6's lineage passes through the YZF, but that's not an indictment of the YZ. The R1 was like riding a kiddie bike with regard to the riding position, as it felt like I was right over top of the front wheel. But I have yet to ride anything that was as nimble as that R1. It was as if it was on rails, and made nice power. The YZF was more to me like a VFR. Much more upright riding position, very comfortable. Was respectable for power for a 600, but obviously not an R6 or Gixxer 600. I liked it though. I would have one for commuting, and even on longer spirited rides. The guy who owned the one I rode used to run the Gap like he was on rails. So it has plenty of sporty ability. Obviously, anyone here who owns one will be able to give you better details now, but since I have been on both and you asked, this is my $.02. $3k for that YZF just sounds a little pricey to me, though. I would have thought $2300, maybe $2500. Its 12 years old, and though the miles are relatively low, its a 12 year old bike. On the R1, depending on how well he maintained the bike over 29k miles would be my question. Either way, good luck with whatever you're hunting for.