I think the underlying message with my original post was intended to be: Why do I feel like my bike fights me to ride it? A mistaken assumption is to think that I liked the Gixxer more because it was lighter and faster, which isn't true. My bike was in decent shape when I got it, a mildly used 08 with two PO's and 11,000km. Last owner in particular was meticulous and very mechanically inclined, and took good care of it save for a few things. Mechanically it's pretty sound, although I've invested a good deal of time and effort into smoothing things out across the board which has shown noticeable improvements. I completed a two year Millwright program and have landed an apprenticeship, and my mechanical skills are nothing to scoff at these days. I'm a bit timid at times, delving into something I don't have much experience with and risking that I could break my current favorite hobby and mode of transportation, but I've been successful so far and make sure that my work is as good as I can make it. It's why I ask so many questions, and try to double check over certain things - since it's all part of the learning process for me.
For overall rideability, the GSXR was so much better in every regard save for ride comfort. The entire bike as a whole operated better and worked with me, as opposed to against me. I shouldn't have to jump through a whole bunch of hoops in order to fix all the things that are kind of wrong with it, because there shouldn't be issues to such a magnitude that I'd have to do sweeping, bike wide changes in order to fix them. I don't mind modding it, and tweaking things more to my liking - but we're talking about having to mod the bike to get it to a proper, smooth operable state. I'd never expect a Bandit 600 to have the same overall feel of a Gixxer, but I'd at least expect that they'd refine the bike enough so that it shifts smoothly, has a decent throttle balance, and a properly set up clutch that doesn't require an insane amount of strength to pull. Smooth operation isn't some new concept, or all that hard to do. Where exactly did all these quirks and various other issues come from exactly?
Did you see the post I put up. Between Forks, Shock, Fuel Controller, Bars, pegs mounted solid, header and a timing mod I have way less than $500 invested and everyone that's ridden said its amazing! You don't have to break the bank to fix it!
Its an 08 - Original Clutch Cable! Pulls like butter with no effort at all. I've personally seen 3 riding buddies with FZ6 that felt like you were bending REBAR! They were messed up, neglected and needed NEW CABLES! Mine has 25,000 miles and pulls easy and smooth! I lube it with engine oil 4x a year. Done.
Change tire profiles and DROP the forks allowing them to move about 6 - 10 mm up the triple. It will turn in very nicely!
Like I said, you fix the Ignition/Timing advance and it shifts 100X better. Rev match all day as it has improved throttle Response! Ask ChanceCoats... He did his and loves it. The other shortcomings are cured with proper fuel controller. I think the one you have DOES NOT ALLOW you to FIX the part of the map that needs addressed. Granted, the Early header REALLY HELPS TOO! Once CAT Free she sings...
Had I seen this project costing me $3000 atop the purchase price I would have sold it! But it was a cheap investment and it runs out good for a budget bike.