My understanding is that the "Fireblade" bikes are stunterz (see, I'm down with the lingo
) bikes of choice due primarly to an oil delivery system that avoids head starvation at etended, exsessive pitch angles (read, wheelies)
-that, and thier awesome power and balance - guess that doesn't hurt either
The instance (while track riding) that prooves specifically fatal to fireblades is when the bike is slid across the track and catches a curb. Often that shock loading, combines with catching a shear load on the frame sliders when they impact the curbing. The manner the (almost compulsary) frame sliders attatch to the engine mount combined with the cast aluminium frame and engine block result in cracks in both.
Anicdotal evidence to be sure, but I've heard of it happening quite a bit...
It's not so much the pavement/sliding that kills track bikes, it's the curbs, grass, and associated tumbling.
I'm not sure if stunt bikes are crashed like that.