I love reading these threads "a 600 is all you will ever need, and most people can't ride 1000's to their potential anyway". If that is the case, then why do people buy Corvette's, Vipers, or other super cars when most people can't drive a V6 mustang to its potential? Its because they are simply better!! I have had almost every "main stream" 600 you can have (CBR's, R6's, ZX6's, GSXR) and then had 2 750's and for last 8 years have had liter bikes (had 4 different R1's. GSXR 1000, and now have a BMW S1000rr). All my friends with 600's would say "my 600 is all you need for the street and your 1000 is over kill and you can't REALLY use it"..........and then they would ask to borrow my bike and I take theirs. EVERY SINGLE TIME we go out they would want to switch bikes, and they would have a smile on their face while riding as if it was Christmas at home with my kids, and they would not want to get off it.
I go to the track quite often and I assure you I can ride this bike to a good percentage of its ability. I read a comparison in a cycle magazine from a bunch of professional riders that hits the nail right on the head. They took many 1000's and 600's out for the day on the street and on some back twisties and they reported back that "the biggest difference between the 2 was that the guys on the 1000's would just cruise comfortably on those bikes thru the twisties and over crests like they were out for a sunday cruise with endless power available, and the guys on the 600's looked to always be tucked in and riding their butts off like AMA racers just trying to keep up with higher rpm's".
Moral of the story, buy what makes YOU happy. As long as you are mature and responsible enough to only do what your capable of doing, then why NOT go for more power?? The bike is only as fast as your right hand makes it. If I had a dollar for every time I've heard a moron say "guys who buy 1000's are compensating for something"..........then see them trade up their 600's a year later after they get some seat time............I'd have my next HP4.