posted February 17, 2004 03:15 AM
Yeah it looks promising!!! And now with all the new '04 - it looks like Kawasakis claim of best power to weight ratio is right!!! Second most power 163ps to 165 of R1. But lightest weight of the lot 198kg(436lbs) vs 203(448) of R1 vs 200(441) of Suzuki vs 211(468) of Honda. And by the way - about that pdf? Do You know where to get good program to hack that print lock on it?
Needs a life
Full throttle!
Posts: One MEEEEEELLION
posted February 17, 2004 11:14 AM
Courtesy of Burgerking -
Okay here it is:
Tension is mounting. Reason we are about to test the R1 before its official presentation in Australia against rivals CBR1000RR, ZX10R and the GSXR1000. We got this opportunity because someone was willing to lend his R1. On one condition to use it only on the track outside of public roads. No problem since only at the track you can test these bikes to their limit. So of we go to the south of Spain, with a load of Michelin Pilot Power and a mobile Dyno at hand. The test will be conducted together with colleagues from Spain, France, Italy and Japan. We were a little worried if the R1 would be there but it was.
Two hours later we start warming up the bikes. First the CBR1000RR, when sat on you notice that the Honda not only power wise is much sportier. The seating position is also much sportier than the old one, low clip-ons, seat close to the tank. It is much like Rossi's RCV perfectly balanced, on a modern racing bike you sit on not in the bike. After 2 warming up laps we go off! From the first meters it is confidence inspiring, there is nothing which makes you loose your concentration. Well almost nothing there is a slight play in the transmission which combined with the very direct throttle response is a little unnerving the others do this better. The radial brakes are perfect lots of feel. The suspension is comfortable but not too soft, more towards street riding then track biased. The forks makes sure the front wheel stays planted under acceleration and when it lifts there is the steering damper to settle it down. Owners of older Blades could only dream of this. However when it comes to handling the old one was a little better. The CBR1000 needs a little more body work to change direction. It feels very neutral and stable. Markus Barth mentions: it is very neutral, brakes are very good but the handling is little lacking and the direct throttle response is not nice, also at the top of the rev range it feels very flat, something you will also notice on the normal roads, it is lacking a bit of aggression at the top of the rev range.
Then the GSXR1000. It is clear that this is still a very capable bike, very nice throttle response. Power from the middle of the rev range straight to the top. Class act, a very smooth throttle which still is one the best. It is the same as the Honda in terms of feel sit on and feel good. Only you sit in it rather than on and it does not feel as compact as the Honda. The fairing is very good, easy to get behind offering the best windprotection. The brakes have changed instead of four pads now there is only two, after prolonged braking on the track they start to fade, not bad but annoying. The frame is unchanged and it is still very good. It feels a little heavier when throwing around, not that is bad, just in this company it's clear that there 1000 that can do better. This can be down to the longest wheelbase but also when changing tyres we notice that the wheels feel quite heavy.
Then it is time for the R1 which officially shouldn't be here. It looks the most European, with lots of attention for detail like a chromed ring around the rev counter. The clip-ons are little higher than on the old one. The seat is 2 centimeters closer to the steering head as well. The seating position is nice and sporty. When the starter button is pushed there is a revelation: an R1 that makes noise, nice noise in a kind of gentlemen's racers sort of way. Exhaust suppliers are going to have bad times on this one. The R1 also has a steering damper standard like the GSXR and as the old R1 it needs it. You can now fling it around without being afraid. The stability under braking is very good since the rear wheel stays planted. They engine is fantastic the way it pulls way up to the 14.000 rpm limit. The GSXR feels a little liver in this rev range. The brakes feel the same as on the old one although it has a radials now they still lack bite.
How a dream brake should work is something the ZX10R shows. Clear defined feel, enormous bite, needing only very little pressure. Markus Barth mentions: this is a real race brake no need to change anything. And the chassis is fantastic. The suspension is on the stiff side. It is very sensible both the road imperfections but also to changes in the settings. Normal riders will also find the ZX10R a revelation, no other 1000 stings so sharp into turns and is so controllable getting out. It goes exactly where the rider wants it to go. The other 1000's handle very good but the ZX10R is in its own league. Not quite a 600 but almost there. Based on its size it is almost like its little sister the ZX6R, just as compact. Just like the ZX6RR it has an anti hopping clutch which operates perfect. The rave review continues with the engine when Markus Barth is loss for words it just means it is perfect. It has the broadest usable powerband of all 1000's. It seems as though the GSXR has found its master. Below and in the middle of the range it feels just as good and strong and from 6000 rpm it fires away until the limiter cuts in. The Ram air seems to work very well to, on the straight the CBR1000 could only follow the ZX10R but could not overtake.
So there it is, if the ZX10R can hold its own the streets, or if the lack of the steering damper will cause much problems, what the top speed of these bikes is will be cleared in the second part of this test next month.
Conlusion:
It couldn't have come better for Kawasaki. The radical change from the ZX9R away from compromises and touring. The ZX10R continues were the ZX6R left off. Fantastic chassis, brilliant brakes, wonderful engine, fantastic handling. It means victory in this class. But it is very close as you can see, since the GSXR and the CBR are only one point apart. The R1 is last here but actually the also the fourth winner.
posted February 17, 2004 11:21 AM
Hi guys!
swft, thanks for the translation!
I have a program for unlocking PDF files. 721KB with reg.code. It works.
PM me to superbike@inbox.lv if you need it.
____________
A bad track day is better than a good day at work!!
posted February 19, 2004 06:19 PM
Hey all , someone asked for a prog to break the lock on pdf's . Use Passware 5. If u cant get it i will be glad to share my copy, got it off Kazza and it works great. Been lurking on this board and glad to give something back.
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posted February 16, 2004 10:08 PM
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