[TheSollyLama]

considering each is essentially a Superbike with lights, I'd never come close to using all the potential there.
So for me with would boil down to the details.

1) The CBR is supposed to be more linear and smooth, a premium for the street and less tiring to ride.
2) That undertail is sexy, and bone stock is better than any aftermarket can (it's full system or nothing for a CBR1000)
3) Honda is famous for it's fit and finish.
4) not another GSX-R!!!! Great bikes, which is why so many are sold, but in about any group, like half the riders have one.

 

[TheSollyLama]

Sorta, there are a billion and a half CBR600's out there. F4's and F4i's everywhere. I just don't see many of Hondas big hitters around much. I very rarely ever see any RC51's, 954RR's, 1000RR's, or CBR1100XX's anywhere. But there's no shortage of R1's or GSX-R 1000's. Hell, I pulled over yesterday and gave a GSX-R 1000 guy a push start on the side of the road.

-At least around here there is a TON of F4i's and several 600RR's. The majority though, are the R6.
600 frequency:
R6
F4i
600RR
GSX-R
A few older ZX-6. Not many 636's or 750's around.

For literbikes, this is what I see:
GSX-R (nearly half of the liter bikes in any given ride)
R1 (especially now that the new R1 with undertail is out)
CBR900/929 (a favorite with wheelie monsters)
Very few kawi's, 900/1000 or otherwise

For awhile, everyone had 954's, but now I can't find a 954 anywhere. As much as I want an RC51, I figured I'd get a used 954 as they were a dime a dozen- but not only is no one riding them, but none are up for sale.

Unless you're a AMA superbike racer, the difference between the Gixxer and CBR is nothing you'll even notice in terms of potential performance. Track times are worthless. First, it's someone else's lap time, not yours. Secondly, the magazines use this statistic as if it wasn't hinged on a multitude of factors. Like every lap they turn is perfect and any difference in lap times is because of the bike when really, it's much more likely to be up to the pilot.

I like the 1000RR of the two better. Styling, nifty undertail, and supposedly street friendly linear power. I've always liked Honda's attention to detail.
Nothing wrong with the Gixxer at all, just the details I dislike. Never cared for the styling and the stacked headlights kinda look like a flaccid schlong in shorts. Their graphics aren't for me at all. And of course, with so many around, you're bound to mistake someone else's for yours.