Yes this is very very true,
Don't think you get auto superbikes, you can get scooters that are auto.
I really have a dislike for autos, so i'm glad they aren't on big bikes. All bikes are sequencial anyway, and paddle shift? well the clutch is in your left hand and gears are at your right foot, so only moving two things in and out.
Glad other folk have told you NO to an R1,
i agree, i'v been riding 2 and a half years, done over 10k miles, (about 80% country roads) and nothing irritates me more than an R1 or R6 comes screaming past on the straights, then toddles round corners at 10mph, and to be honest jay, you'd probably be one of them (when you start)
I agree with the Sv650 comments, thats what i have, have had since i got my license, wow not superbike, wow not 120bhp, but if you learn to ride it properly, will kick most riders arses. Ask the folk at the Glasgow meet (even T2 and he will agree it can even go airbourne)
I need to get some new photos of the bike, cause this is majorly out of date,
but you can pick them up from about £1k for an old curvy shaped one or about £2.5/3 for a decent pointy.
the thrills you get from ragging a smaller bike, and kicking big bikes arses is brilliant, i was out playing on some twisties with a Ducati 999r two weekends ago, i only ended up backing off cause we were above the limit thru the bends.