There are a couple reasons I did not conside the KTM. Price is a quite a bit higher. "Ready to Race" probably means more maintenance? Possible reliability issues compared to the big 4? I think this bike will be a bigger target for theft. The higher seat height is an issue due to possibly lowering the bike later on for the wife to ride. I haven't eliminated these other bikes or even the 600's as of yet but I am still leaning towards Ninja 300 or R3 right now, hoping for more info from all you guys that may change my mind. You guys have been a lot of help btw, thank you.