I don't think the build quality is any worse in the US. Because all Bikes are usually build in Japan.
The main difference is the motor oil quality. European ACEA is much stricter than US API Standard. Also "synthetic" oil really have to be synthetic in europe.
I guess you can just look...
this company Steuergeräte Reparatur für Ihr Motorsteuergerät repairs ABS units in FZ6 bikes... costs about 400 to 600 Euro.
This is in germany of cause maybe there is something similar in your state?
I have the 2008 s2 with ABS.
And i cannot lock any of my wheels... the lever will pulsate and release the brake...
If yours does not there is clearly something wrong.
Not really... the starter is mechanically rotating the engine.... even with 4 dead plugs the starter will rotate the engine, it will just not start...
Most likely as the other pointed out: the starter is not receiving the power it needs. (battery bad, relais bad, connection/cable issue, high...
You are correct EU restriction require that. The only exception is germany. (you can even restrict a r1 to 35kw)
There is a loophole though.
In the EU the FZ6 has two model codes starting in 2007. One with 78bhp and one with 98bhp.
if you can find a 78bhp version you can restrict it to...