As long as that quicker turning bike does not also act "skittish" mid turn or at higher speeds, it's a good thing.
That's where performance becomes subjective: how quick is too quick? I think that's Betty's point (sorry if I'm getting that wrong Betty). Something handles better (IMO) if it turns in faster, holds a line better, etc. It's an objective measurement. How much you like something turning in quick, how much it suits your style or needs is a subjective measurement.
For me (just to be clear, this is only based on sitting on the M1100), the shape of the tank on the M1100 actually gives you somewhere to grip with your knee when you're trying to hang off. That's a big deal. The stock exhaust on the M1100 doesn't foul your heel on the right side like the S2R and that's also a big deal for me. Personally (now that I've taken a second to actually think about it
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) those two items alone are deal breakers when it comes to the S2R/S4R. The exhaust fouling on the Streetfighter is just idiotic.
My S4RS burnt nearly all the way through my new boots, I ended up putting an ExBox on it but that's a lot to spend to remove the poor ergonomics which *will* affect your comfort on the bike and your ability to be comfortable hitting the twisties without mods.