i have indeed heard rumors over the years that the 2001 model had slightly higher horsepower than any of the years following. can't find any specific documentation, but it was something like 102 vs. 97ish.

That's what I thought when I first read that 1/4mile stat. Same with a couple others.
I'm not sure if the 2001 stats were slightly optimistic and the '06 was more correct or what.

HERE is the MCN Performance index that I took the numbers from.
Was there a gearing change along the way, too?

Yeah, a 45 tooth rear sprocket was used at one point, my 06 came with a 46.

Don't forget also in europe the sport version had different cams then the standerd model. They might have switched the cams when they went to the banana seat here in the us.

^bastards!