The HP test was also won by the ZX10R.
Kawa: 168 PS, 112 Nm
Honda: 161 PS, 109 Nm
Yamaha: 160 PS, 103 Nm
Suzuki: 158 PS, 109 Nm
Three new models are threatening the GSXR1000 crown. Honda and Kawasaki now have a full 1000cc and like the R1 are boasting to have close to 170 PS. The Italian also get caught up in the crossfire, until now they could hold their own on the track. But will the big 30 PS difference leave them well behind now?
For this test we get help in the form of Markus Barth (IDM racer) and Jurgen Fuchs, former 250 grand prix racer. They did not only help doing the tracktest but during the entire test. Because when testing motorcycles of this kaliber, even experienced testers can use all the help the get.
Build without compromises, on the bumpy Spanish back roads, the ZX10R clearly shows it is not made for this.
The stiff suspension does not filter out small bumps, it is torturous. But only at slow speeds, when things get faster the uncomfortable chassis now shines through with loads of feedback and handling which is almost 600 like. Especially amazing is the stability, even with the short wheelbase, the low weight of 198 kg and without a steering damper. Necessary however is that the rear shock has a stiff setting with very little static sag. When tried to soften things up, using little compression damping and more static sag for bumpy roads it responds with shaking it is head. This can be avoided by making sure the front wheel is in the air all the time, which is very easy considering the engine pumps out 168 PS at the clutch. The four cylinder engine lets the rear tire beg for mercy. What ever the tire tries, in the end only black lines remain. Just brutal the way the engine responds to throttle commands and the bike lurches forward. And in normal traffic it does not matter which gear is used.
Even Jurgen Fuchs had to admit the ZX10R demands a lot from even a very fit rider. It wants to be tamed and that takes a lot energy. Only at the track the ZX10R can really show what it is made of. The engine revs up so easy one should really watch the shifting light to make sure the fearless acceleration is not hampered by the rev limiter. At the track the Kawa shows it strengths mercilessly. One gear after the other is shifted, shifting quickly needs to be done with attention. This 1000 burns the start-finish straight in a way it makes you loose your breath. For brake zones the ZX10R is equally well equipped. Experienced riders ride the fine line between lost meters or flipping over with a secure feel in the radial calipers and the wave discs. Very helpful with this kind of braking is the anti hopping clutch, which prevents rear wheel patter. Knifelike steering in and very stable the Kawa produces a 1.39.5 laptime. The Kawa clearly rules on the track.
It's main competitor, on paper at least, is the R1. It also should have a 1:1 power to weight ratio. The more surprising therefore is it comfortable and back road suspension settings. Like the Honda and the Kawa the seating position is very front wheel orientated, but the triangle between handlebars, seat and pegs is quite roomy. Therefore neither the wrists or the knees hurt. The suspension, especially the forks are very comfortable without loosing the feel for what is happening under the wheels. The steering damper adds to this secure feeling. Headshakes are damped effectively. The brakes are very good lots of feel and power. Compared to the radical Kawa is the likeable supersport allrounder, with a chassis that proves it can do well at the track and on the back roads. On the track however the rear preload has to be wounded up fully. Then it operates without problems. Contrary to the ZX10R the engine needs to be revved to be fast at the track, preferably above 10.000 rpm.
Positive pressure from the left foot is needed the shift through the gears, quite some power is needed to operate the gearbox. The injection operates with a little delay. This and the soft setting on the rear shock gives an indifferent feel for the traction limit on the rear tire when accelerating out of curves. When this phase is passed there is no holding back for the Yamaha. Up until 14.000 rpm the engine can be revved, however it is better to shift earlier since after reaching peak power at 12.500 it does not rev on as freely as the ZX10R. Even though the pressure point in the brake handle shifted, the R1 sets second quickest time at the track. This a result from the very good seating position and the good handling. It would have been even better if the settings did not result in letting the R1 being pushed to outside of the curves.
When someone says the CBR1000RR is a typical Honda it is meant as a compliment. Right from the start the seating position, shifting and riding feel so confident as if you never have ridden anything else. The engine also does it's job without hassle it feels harmless. But that this impression is not correct, is proven by the Dyno. Although apart from the Ducati the Honda like all others is lacking compared to the manufacturers claim it does not need to hide from the competition with its 161PS at the clutch. It is noteworthy that the Honda does not rev as high as the Kawa and the Yamaha. Redline starts at 11.500 rpm. The Honda engine treats you with a very homogenous power and is very smooth it is even equipped with a balancer shaft. The chassis gives the impression as if it was taken from the CBR600RR. Not only because of the way the rear shock is linked to the swingarm but also in the way it rides. The handling, steering precision and stability are comparable to the 600. Compared to the old Blade it does not handle as sharp it is after all 12 kg heavier. But the handling is on par with the ZX10Rand the R1. On back roads the softish setting makes a good impression. In normal use it is okay but at the track Fireblade reaches its limits. The front forks even with completely closed compression damping uses the entire suspension travel, this limits the speed going into turns. The rebound damping on the rear shock needs to be closed to calm down the drivetrain lash. One of the very few shortcomings on the Honda. Very trustworthy however is the electronic steering damper. At slow speeds you hardly notice it, but it eliminates kick back. The brakes are very good both on the road and on the track. Lots of feel and power. The Honda is a recommendation for street use. It is a good basis for racing, but then it will need stiffer suspension lower weight and a couple more PS. Like it says: Power is nothing without control.
How does the GSXR look like? It is clear that Kawasaki, Yamaha and Honda are a new breed of 1000. Short fuel tanks, narrow at the location of the knees, just like a 600. Next to that low weight (apart from the Honda) and lots of brutal power which is very controllable. Compared to these bikes the GSXR feels long. It loses points were the others have advanced. Especially in handling and stability. But a knock out it isn't. The engine although feeling raw is still a masterpiece in the way it makes it power. And top power is still on par with the new competition. Therefore it is still in front during accelerating and in roll-ons. Better lap times are hindered by the brakes which have a tendency to fade and the rear shock that in spite of having the compression fully closed does not have enough damping reserves.
Who thinks that the Italian twins don't have anything the say because they make some 30 PS less, is wrong. Both still have 130 PS which is very easy to use at the track compared the brutal power of the fours.
The Ducati has very well balanced, stiff chassis and also has an engine which has very good way of making power and it responds nicely. The Desmo twin brings with it the complete Ducati experience, very cultivated and it revs freely. It loses points because of the difficulty of maintenance, build quality and the lights. It could have gone faster at the track but the shift lever touched ground to often when Markus Barth was setting fast laptimes.
All bikes were equipped with Pirelli Corsa's.
The entire testcrew was disappointed about the Aprilia RSV1000R Factory. Especially since Motorrad tested better examples of this bike and expectations were high. The bike had a lot of drive train lash and a big power dip in the middle of the rev range. The engine felt very raw. This all spoilt riding the Aprilia on the Spanish back roads. Next to that the chassis handled good, but it stood up when braking into turns. Not so bad on the road but on the track this limited better laptimes. Also last with 1.42 on the track. Big advantage the Aprilia never touches down on the track. For normal use it is good, lots of wind protection, nice components and a nice sound. For twin fans this sport bike from Noale is still something to enjoy.
End Result.
1. Honda CBR1000RR, it does not have any weaknesses and therefore is on the top spot.
2. Kawasaki ZX10R, the undisputed winner on the track it shares first place with the Honda
3. Yamaha R1, surprisingly comfortable and still second at the track
4. Suzuki GSXR1000, although it is fourth here it is far from outdated
5. Aprilia RSV1000R Factory, fascinating bike, but is has its shortcoming with the engine
6. Ducati 999S, good engine and chassis, but loses out in everyday use and maintance
btw
The track was Cartegena in Spain.
Part 2 will follow in a few days, both racers had their say etc.
Moderator
Please... speak to the hand.
Posts: 3212
posted March 02, 2004 09:06 AM
Not having rode the 10R on the track, I can't say anything about the 10R's track performance. Having rode one on the streets, I'd debate their conclusions.
Slight delay in my review, but hope to have it finished by this Thursday or Friday. All I can say that it will probably break all records for "Elk-ness" (very... VERY LONG).
____________
There are only three sports: bullfighting, motor racing, and mountaineering; all the rest are merely games.
-Ernest Hemingway
quote:Not having rode the 10R on the track, I can't say anything about the 10R's track performance. Having rode one on the streets, I'd debate their conclusions.
Slight delay in my review, but hope to have it finished by this Thursday or Friday. All I can say that it will probably break all records for "Elk-ness" (very... VERY LONG).
Hurry up! Looking at snow outside, I have nothing to do except reading ZX-10R reviews! KEEP ME BUSY!!!
Moderator
Please... speak to the hand.
Posts: 3212
posted March 02, 2004 10:01 AM
Ronis, I'm not kidding about it's length. I have five pages and we've just pulled out of KMC's parking lot!
____________
There are only three sports: bullfighting, motor racing, and mountaineering; all the rest are merely games.
-Ernest Hemingway
posted March 02, 2004 10:47 AM
I'm not kidding as well.
I really enjoy reading your reviews, guys!!!
____________
A bad track day is better than a good day at work!!
quote:Not having rode the 10R on the track, I can't say anything about the 10R's track performance. Having rode one on the streets, I'd debate their conclusions.
Why should you debate their conclusions you are starting to sound like an R1 fan :lol:
It is just a test nothing more nothing less.
But having ridden on Spanish back roads on 4 holiday trips with a bike, I don't debate their conclusions, and I used a Suzuki DR650 on 3 of those trips.
posted March 02, 2004 02:06 PM
You surely can't argue their conclusions when you have riders of this caliber evaluating the machines. But every rider will have their own opinion. Basing your opinion on buying a machine is, and should be subjective to many things besides what top level riders think of the machines as they ride them to 9/10ths or more of the machines capabilities. Styling, comfort, brand loyality, colors, sounds, dealer loyality, etc., all play parts in real world purchases. How hard are you really going to ride these machines and/or what are you capable of yourself? What does an average rider think of the machine (ask XL....)? Can you appreciate the differences that these top level riders do? Most cannot. But emotionally, this does indeed play a rightful part of your decision making process. Those of us who went on the Kawasaki ride with XL have a wide variety of abilities. Overall, I think we matched up fairly well in our opinions, which is rare. But that tells you how good the 10 really is for different levels of riders.
A prime example is when I bought my 12. The only riding I do (besides track days) is canyon carving. The 12 is nowhere near the top of this list by any stretch of the imagination. Yet I had few issues with riding at a pace that kept up with, and beyond the pack. My fellow riders levels/abilities, regardless of the "superior" performance of their particular machines, prevented them from taking full advantage of the situation.
Point being, use these opinions & evaluations to assist you in making a decision. Don't let it dictate it. I do have a concern with, and I believe Fish alluded to it as well, that these new machines are so easy to go fast on, many riders may overstep their current abilities. In that regard, I pay homage to "posers". I would rather you look the part and be a poser. Don't go out and push beyond "your limitations" and take me or someone else out with you. If you want to push it, at least do it at a track day. And whatever machine you choose (mine will be the 10) you got nothing to prove to anyone.
I'm on my soapbox because where I choose to ride, we had our seemingly weekly loss of a rider. We lose most riders here when they can't hold a line and cross the over the center around a corner. This time it happened to be into another rider (who we did not lose). You have 10-12' of lane to work with on the street. Even the most perfect apex does not leave much room for error. Slow down to your comfort level and abilities and come home on two wheels to your family. Look good, ride safe. Enjoy your new 10 like I will!!!!!
posted March 02, 2004 03:05 PM
"We lose most riders here when they can't hold a line and cross the over the center around a corner. This time it happened to be into another rider (who we did not lose). You have 10-12' of lane to work with on the street. Even the most perfect apex does not leave much room for error. Slow down to your comfort level and abilities and come home on two wheels to your family. Look good, ride safe. Enjoy your new 10 like I will!!!!! "
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Not to mention on the street things like A**Holes that intentionally pour antifreeze around corners to piss off sportbike riders etc and other unforseen objects that are beyond your control like fallen rocks too! Anybody have any other personal experiences of this sort on the streets or hiways??
____________
"Ya Gotta Have Big Ones!"
quote:--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Not to mention on the street things like A**Holes that intentionally pour antifreeze around corners to piss off sportbike riders etc and other unforseen objects that are beyond your control like fallen rocks too! Anybody have any other personal experiences of this sort on the streets or hiways??
No. It's bike friendly around here. Now snowmobilers..they can have it pretty rough. Nearly every year, there is some deranged a$$hole that will string piano wire, or something similar across a trail, roughly at neck level. While it usually doesn't come to a beheading, there is always someone that gets hurts really badly.
Of course those are only the stories that make the press.
I don't ride a sled anymore. Gave it up to work more on my business. Dumb move. Profitable, but dumb.
Needs a life
Miles to go before I sleep....
Posts: 10623
posted March 03, 2004 12:18 PM
quote: Styling, comfort, brand loyality, colors, sounds, dealer loyality, etc., all play parts in real world purchases. Point being, use these opinions & evaluations to assist you in making a decision. Don't let it dictate it. And whatever machine you choose (mine will be the 10) you got nothing to prove to anyone. Slow down to your comfort level and abilities and come home on two wheels to your family. Look good, ride safe. Enjoy your new 10 like I will!!!!!
I like everything you said, Kerry....but I especially like the ones I highlighted above...life is but a blink within eternity...live it fully...live it wisely.
____________ “We sleep safe in our beds because rough men
stand ready in the night to visit violence on those
who would do us harm.”
-George Orwell
Needs a life
Miles to go before I sleep....
Posts: 10623
posted March 03, 2004 12:55 PM
Edited By: worm~hole on 3 Mar 2004 12:55
Vulcan2000...10R...galaxy silver 12R...track bike....Vulcan2000...10R...galaxy silver 12R...track bike...or good 'used parts'?.....what to do, what to do????.......AAAAARRGHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!
____________ “We sleep safe in our beds because rough men
stand ready in the night to visit violence on those
who would do us harm.”
-George Orwell
Needs a life
Miles to go before I sleep....
Posts: 10623
posted March 03, 2004 01:08 PM
we'll talk soon, pal ____________ “We sleep safe in our beds because rough men
stand ready in the night to visit violence on those
who would do us harm.”
-George Orwell
posted March 03, 2004 02:06 PM
Hey! K Bryant.............how many miles have you put on it and any glitches that you have found and or any other juicy tidbits??
Thank You in advance.
____________
"Ya Gotta Have Big Ones!"
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posted March 02, 2004 05:59 AM
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