Rest assured, this YZF can carve with the best of them. Which should really come as no surprise considering its high-performance pedigree: a liquid-cooled, 16-valve Genesis in-line four tuned for potent low- and mid-range punch, slick-shifting 6-speed transmission, Yamaha's legendary Deltabox frame and fully adjustable suspension front and rear. Add it all up, and what stands before you is a razor-sharp scalpel delivering some of the lightest, most precise handling in the class.

But where the YZF's true beauty lies, perhaps, is in just how comfortably all this performance comes packaged. It's the perfect cross between aggressive supersport and relaxed daily commuter, courtesy of ergonomics created by a wide, plush seat, slightly rearset footpegs, moderately low clip-ons and a broad, tall fairing.