. I have already noted that Steve R1 has defected the Honda camp 
.I bought my first bike at 17-years-old, a brand new Honda CB 175 in gold/white. Had it for only twelve months before 'graduating' to the then new Honda CB 750 K1. Some two years' later I transformed it to a racing bike. In those days (mid-70s) there was a trend to bore out the 750s to 820, by using CB 350 pistons. Obtained quite a few factory parts and ran the bike on the then legal Methanol and Castrol R.
After marriage and family I bought a new VF 750 in 1984, but it became the victim of the all-too-common divorce battle. Stayed away from bikes for a few years.
Two years ago I had a hankering to re-mount! Bought an as new CBR250R which served as a great reintroduction. It also made me realise what I had missed. I few months later (November 2017) I traded up to a 2011 Fireblade. I have since gone overboard in acquiring some nice bikes, as per signature.
I am here because I am on the verge of ordering an R1M. Have lurked for a few days to gain some info because I'm Yamaha naive, but the present Hondas offer nothing special - although there is a proposed all new 2020 Blade. Visited a dealer today for a bit of a 'close up and personal' but not with the 'M' model. Will be attending the NEC to see the real deal.
.I look forward to community interaction, and yes, I promise to cop the 'Honda flack' in good taste.
great opening post & good luck with the R1M - sat on the standard one at the nec when it first came out it felt bloody luverly 
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