the Yamaha R1
the Honda CBR RR
or the Kawasaki ZX-7
I KNOW THE DUCATI IS A GREAT ONE TOO BUT I DON'T HAVE THE MONEY.
Answers:
WEll, unfortunately, Kawasaki doesnt make the ZX7R anymore. If you ask me, it is the best bike ever made....They had that bike right back in 1996 - they never had to make any changes to it, as it was such a great bike.
Compared to the other bikes listed however, the ZX7 is now under powered and over weight. However, in the hands of a skilled rider, you can still smoke the hell outta people on the latest bikes. All the new ones listed have AWESOME power and are light weight - making them more difficult to control!
If you had to pick one, the GSXR is the best of the bunch - just look at the dominance theyve had in the AMA circuit!
Other Answers:
The R1 is pretty sweet, i'd buy one.
the GSXR wins in most magazine comparisons, but only by ever so slightly. They are so close in performance, pick the one that looks best to you. It is generally accepted that quality is in this order: Honda (best), then Yamaha, then Suzuki, then Kawasaki.
Personally, I have a Yamaha R1 and an R6 and love them both. The R1 is so incredibly fast, you must drive one to understand what I am saying.
No doubt the R1 parts are easy to find and it is all around better. i think its personal. but i would always go for the gsx, its got the prestige and heritage. its no better than any of the rest.
CBR is a good first bike, i find them a little dull, mostly cos they are so common.
also i'm fairly built, around 230lbs, rode an R1 for a few hours and was in pain for a few days
Here's how I would break it down:
GSXR: Great for track days. Best low end grunt.
CBR RR: Most stable and confidence inspiring. Heavy though.
R1: Eye candy. Usually better ergo's. My favorite (I'm 6' 2").
ZX-7: Notoriously uncomfortable. Great power though.
shud be the R1.