Personally speaking and from my heart, I feel that the R3 is about the most enjoyable bike I have ever ridden or owned and I've owned many, many bikes over my 57 years.
The R3 is a very competent handling bike even in stock form. It is very forgiving for it's size and weight and I find no faults other than a somewhat top heavy feeling at extermely slow speeds which disappears once the bike's velocity exceeds 5 mph.
It's what it isn't that makes it right for me. The R3 is like my favorite leather jacket, the one I wear above all others. It's about being comfortable and confident at the same time.
I agree with Hondax that the R3 is a cult bike and I'm very happy to be part of that cult.