Yes- I was thrilled when the CB1000 first came out, but then when I saw one in person the bubble was burst for me anyway.. Don't get me wrong- it's an awesome bike, but it is BIG.. I'm 6'0", and it made me feel like a 5'0" person must feel on a SOHC CB750..
Maybe I'm just getting wimpy in my old age (all of 33 years! hah!) but one thing I noticed when I got my CB550 is, coming from an '82 CB900F, I was shocked at how much more easier it is to handle on the 550! The 900 would handle, but you had to be super pro-active about it, and literally muscle it around by it's collar. The 550 in comparison is just so easy to manuever.. I wouldn't go so far as to say the 900 was intimidating, but the 550 is just more comfortable to drive..
BUT, I'm sure that it's not a fair way to compare bikes, just on how big they look- could be that the CB1000 betrays it's size once you sit on it.. Also, I've sat on the current Honda 919- and while I appreciate a naked bike in their lineup, the new liqud cooled motor and styling just looks too extreme for my tastes.. I haven't yet seen the 599 in person..
Hmm, sounds like there are a bunch of these bikes around in other countries.. How does one go about importing one here? Is there more to it than just shipping it here, like then the title is concidered null and void, and I'd have to get more done then the standard new vehicle inspection type of deal?
Jason