I have a '93 SP, my bro has a 3XV. We put lots of miles on them here in the mts. of VT. ride just about every weekend. We are always switching up so I have plenty of saddle time in on both. Both bikes handle excellent, but the 3XV doesn't have the top end pull that the NSR has. The Yamaha seems to have a totally different powerband. It has much better mid range for sure, but just doesn't have that "pull to redline" kind of power up top like the NSR. Just my .02

oh yea, nubie here!!! Just sold my RZ500 so I'm going to be concentrating on the NSR. Will be looking for some help this winter from you guys as I dive into some upgrades.
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different strokes for different folks:
I prefer 2!!!