I think I voted on this with my wallet. I chose this over all SS bikes to build as a race bike (check out my build thread on this forum. A few other guys have some good build threads, too, from which you could take ideas). So I say, indeed, yes, go for it.
That said, if you're not serious about racing, and can get a better deal on a 899 or 959, I say do that. The engine is very close to the same as the V2, and though the chassis is generally considered to be slightly improved on the V2, as a track day / street guy, I'd bet it'd be hard to notice. I would have gone that route, but I have to have a homologated V2 for my racing series.
HSBK racing, domestically, and many teams in Europe, have done a lot of R&D and testing on these by now, and they've proven to be pretty reliable. I think as reliable as the Japanese bikes -- but that's my opinion. And there's good info and data out there and lots of good aftermarket parts.
Regarding cooling, most racing folks are doing the bigger radiator. I've opted not to do that (yet), but I may end up needing it. But I've kept the fan on, which I highly recommend doing. With Woolich, or other tuning, you can actually lower the fan activation temp. Some have even hard-wired in a manual switch. (I've lowered mine to activated at 190 degrees). But these do for sure run hot. Just on the street, when I first got it, it was only like 60 degrees outside, and I was seeing high teens in temp (~217). Where do you live?
If I were in your shoes, I would just keep it all stock, but get a tune. I recommend Woolich, if you can get someone to Dyno and tune it. If not, as noted above by others, there are some pretty good module / out of the box options. The fueling on these out of the factory is ......... Too many Euro-trash hippy assh*les imposing restrictions that have to be complied with equals very poor tuning. The low end is virtually unrideable. But this will be for any new bike, in my opinion. Richening up the low & midrange, at the minimum, will really improve things. It does sound weak, so a slip on would be cool. But it won't help performance much, though it will drop some weight. But even a slip on is so expensive for these bikes. That's one huge drawback, FYI. But if you get just a slip on, you don't need to tune. But a tune helps so, so much.
Try the ergos of the clip ons and rear sets. If they don't feel right, then change them. If they do, then don't. I thought they felt pretty good and would have left them for the street.
The front wheel is the same dimensions at the V4. But the V4 rear is 6", which I do not recommend. It won't hurt it, but it's completely unnecessary and adds weight and reduces agility. Even the V2 OEM wheels are pretty damn light, so upgrading to forged aluminum ones isn't a huge jump. If you're keen on making that better, the weight savings is in the hub / carrier and is much cheaper.
