Improvements to the rider are far more effective than improvements to the engine.
Look at it this way: let's say you put Valentino Rossi on your V-Strom, complete with luggage, significant other on the back, and stuffed dinosaur zip-tied to the trunk. You get his MotoGP bike. Let's assume you're also an anorexic Italian teenager, just to make that even.
Guess who's going to get there first in every conceivable contest of speed? That's right, the guy with more skill -- Mr. Rossi. The bike is only 5% of it.
But if you're already spending 90% of your time at the track days you and your buddy Kieth Code teach with the throttle pinned, passing GSXRs left and right, and wondering why this humongous turd is so slow, then forgive me. Maybe you do need more power.
On another note: removing the secondary throttle plates does not unleash more power. It simply makes power delivery more abrupt, which many people mistake for increased power. Which actually slows you down, since the secret to Big Speed in the twisties is smooth, controllable power down low. More control allows you to begin adding power much sooner when exiting a corner, for example.
If you want something sportier, perhaps you might poke around for a TL1000S or SV1000? Very similar engine, more power, lighter, smaller, and better suspension.
