Still another reason I wouldn't want to be 23 again.
33 yes, 23, no. I'm stupid enough at 55, certainly don't need to add to that. But if I were a track day guy, one of the Rs would be very enticing. In reality, the middleweights will usually allow faster times for all but the true experts, of which I am not a member. If I were going to do the Tail of the Dragon, I think I'd take a WR250X with the stickiest tires I could find. It will go as fast as those corners truly allow, without the spanking potential of a high powered sportbike. Most people are faster on smaller bikes than bigger ones. If I weren't so lazy (read that as already have enough to do) I'd build one of those Formula 450 bikes and do track days. But I'm already overbooked as it is, so don't need more.
The FZ8 remark was that from all reports, with a centerstand (extra $ accessory) some wind protection and an adjustable shock, it may be the best FZ yet: grunty and fast. Turns better than the FZ1, runs faster than the FZ6, has better bottom end than either of the other two. Very enticing.