I was told by a unamed person with one of the bike factories,that asian bikes are built for average Americans in (height),and italian bikes are built for Euros who are shorter. I wonder the truth in this but if you read different motoycle mags.taller testers usually find fault in comfort.Maybe there not adjusting the pegs ect... I am not saying this is true,i dont even know if americans are taller I know i am not. tom