If you want comfort for the passenger you want a Base 600 rocket like the Suzuki Katana, Honda F4i, Yamaha YZF600R (not the R6), or Kawasaki ZZR600. They all have bigger more cocmfortable seats for the passenger. Personally I ride a R1... I dont care about the passenger lol I have much more fun riding alone.
I will do nothing but attest to Yamahas reliability, I have owned every brand but kawasaki, and I have had less problems with my Yamahas then any other. I currently Own 6 Yamahas and 1 Honda (my dads old bike)
Yamaha's have a beautiful powerplant with a nice power curve, lightweight compared to others and really slice the curves. The latest problems with the company have been TPS (throttle position sensor) problems on 04 and some 05 R1's but once replaced they were fine
Suzuki's Vibrate like a bitch and love to lose nuts and bolts, and Ive had more electrical problems with them then any other.
Honda's are a pretty well built bike but lacking in the power dept as compared to like models in the same categorys.
Biggest problem Ive ever had with any of my Yamahas was a burnt out wireing harness... but I think it was the Korean made Bulbs I put in.
Kawasaki's have beautiful power plants, but in my opinion leave something to be desired in looks, and again, ive never owned one so I cant vouch for reliability.