The main thing that has happened in the last few years is the advent of traction control, but it was a gradual evolution rather than any single bike being a game-changer.
Between 01 and 2010 I would say the 04 zx10r was a revolutionary bike and it was also a new platform to learn from for years that came after it. In a sense what the r1 did for the late 90's the zx10r did for the mid 2000's.
I would disagree, the 2005/06 GSXR 1000 takes the cake in that era
As much as I loved my 1st Gen 10R I will agree with you.
The 10R was awesome in many ways but it was never a successful race bike. The Gixxer was THE Superbike to have for several years.
I always find it interesting how the 2 smaller bike manufactures (Kawi/Suzuki) are the ones to bring new tech to the market first.
One would think Honda and Yamaha would be doing this.
Loved the 10R but getting power to the ground was its big issue. My buddy's 04 was hilarious - like a motorized pogo-stick.