DKET
Expert Class
Posts: 189
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posted May 07, 2004 11:20 AM
compare my ZX10R to my CBR954
I have not ridden the 10R much at all yet . But so far here are some gripes and a drool .
First the engine: No comparison here , Kawi by a zillion miles
Second is the brakes: CBR954 has more bite and more shear stopping power . Maybe after more kilometers the pads will wear in and be better on my 10R . Brakes on the CBR954 are deadly strong .
Third is handling: again the CBR954 is more nimble and holds a line great . Steering is much quicker also . This might be the tires though . The 954 still has the stock Michelin Pilot tires on her . This is a stock for stock comparison here . I feel the Dunlop 218 is a flatter profile making the 10R a little lazy . What do you think fellas ?
Fourth is the headlights: again the CBR954 is the clear winner here . The 10R high beam is exactly that , high in dispertion . Kind of useless in my opinion . The high beam does not back up the low beam .
Fifth is riding position: CBR954 all the way . I have blisters on my hands from 2 days of riding the 10R . Maybe 60 kilometers total . The 10R puts a lot of weight on your wrists , not cool . The blisters are probably from the sweat . But I have the grip groves in both hands . I know guys , get some gloves . They are on the way .
These are a few points I can think of now . The 10R is definately more track oriented . The CBR954 is for 95% of us street guys . Hopefully the more kilometers I put on her will change my current view of my 10R . This is all my opinion and not meant to attack anyone .
  
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D
Needs a job
Posts: 3365
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posted May 07, 2004 11:30 AM
Brakes do get better with miles - as does the engine/trans.
Headlights hafta be adjusted - seems common.
Handling - I came off of a 12 so no comparison.
I ran 208ZRs prior to this so the 218's may be a lil flatter but seemed bout the same feel and wear wise.
You must be over 6'3" cuz I think the 10 is more comfortable than the 12 was (no comp to a 954) and the thing I like most is the LACK of weight on my wrists.
Dunno bout "lazy" handling but I do know that the 10 demands more rider input than other bikes I've had before - that aint a bad thing cuz ya really need ta pay alot of attention to feedback from this bike.
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DKET
Expert Class
Posts: 189
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posted May 07, 2004 11:50 AM
D , I am 6 foot even . I have a long torso with a 30 inch inseam . The 10R has a compact position to me . From the pegs to the bars . My ZX9R is a Lincoln Town Car compared to my 10R . Maybe it is just me . Never ridden the mighty 12 before . Thanks for your input D .
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D
Needs a job
Posts: 3365
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posted May 07, 2004 12:06 PM
I'm 6'2, 230 with a 32" inseam.
I have noticed that ya need ta sit a lil more forward and also not slouch - it took a lil while but there should be a good position for ya somewhere there.
Been awhile since the 98 9R but I still think this one is (from memory) a lil better for comfort.
I rode the 320 miles ta Vegass with almost no discomfort til around Stateline.
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rubber pants
Zone Head
Posts: 798
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posted May 07, 2004 01:24 PM
quote:
The CBR954 is for 95% of us street guys . Hopefully the more kilometers I put on her will change my current view of my 10R . This is all my opinion and not meant to attack anyone .
I came off a 12 also and find this 10 R quite comfy for a serious track beast. I love the fact that it is full of attititude like a KAW should be. This they have accomplished again and gives me smiles with every wick of that throttle!
____________
"Ya Gotta Have Big Ones!"
speeddemons.com
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CanyonCarver
Expert Class
Posts: 121
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posted May 07, 2004 05:41 PM
 Edited By: CanyonCarver on 7 May 2004 18:42
I also have a 954, and am 6'1", 195lbs w/34" inseam.
Engine: what you said.
Brakes: 954 wins, hands down, especially with the HRC pads. However, I've just received the Galfer Superbike lines and HH pads, and I'm hoping they will even the score here, once installed.
Handling: Gotta disagree with you here. I blame the tires. I rode one day on the 218s, yanked 'em and gave them away to a friend who enjoys trying different tires on his 954. Once I fit the Dunlop 208GP/As that I normally run, it quickened up the turn-in dramatically. And the lighter weight offers much quicker transitions from left-right-left. Not looking to start an argument with anyone, but I hate 190 tires.
Also, I feel the bike needs more rear ride height. The front seems like it is pushing too much and wanting to run wide on corner exits. Just waiting for the Ohlins shock & damper. Shock to make it easier to add height, and damper so it doesn't shake me off with the extra height.
Headlights: adjust 'em. I think you'll like them better after.
Riding position: I was pleasantly surprised when I first sat on the Kwack. Felt like home. IMO, very close to 954 ergos, with a MUCH more comfy seat. Maybe sore wrists are from holding on so tight so you don't fly off the back from the warp drive. 
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DKET
Expert Class
Posts: 189
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posted May 08, 2004 06:39 AM
Thanks for your reply Canyon Carver . I also dislike the 190 rear tire size . The 180 rails in comparison . I think we both agree about the stock Dunlop 218 . The profile is flatter than most other makes . You should have seen mine on the dyno and 106F temps . That tire was balling up rubber boogers big time . The flatter profile tires make the bike lazy in the turns .
So is the 208GP a more triangulated profile ? Never ran the GP yet . I do not expect any decent treadlife with the stock 218's . I hate replacing tires every few months .
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D
Needs a job
Posts: 3365
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posted May 08, 2004 06:49 AM
I got a nail in my 218 at 2200 miles - looked to me like it would do at least another 1500 mebbe 2k miles.
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CanyonCarver
Expert Class
Posts: 121
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posted May 08, 2004 07:00 AM
quote:
So is the 208GP a more triangulated profile ? Never ran the GP yet . I do not expect any decent treadlife with the stock 218's . I hate replacing tires every few months .
Yeah, the 208GP is a more triangulated profile. It will create some straight-line instability at higher speeds, too. My 954 was very twitchy above 130mph with the GPs, but I learned to live with it, as the trade-off for cornering stability was worth it, IMO.
The ZX doesn't seem to have the high-speed instability that I have with the 954, tho. I don't have a damper on the Kwack yet, but have an Ohlins on order. Once it arrives, I will raise the rear ride-height to see if I can eliminate the tendency to run wide at corner exit. We'll see how stable it is at speed, then.
As for treadlife, I get about 1,000 miles out of the rear and about 1,250 - 1,500 out of the front GPs. And they cost about $350 a set, so beware. I don't use my bikes for commuting or anything but canyon riding and track days, so I just suck it up and take the $ hit. IMO, it's worth it for the quick warm-up, great stiction, predictable/controllable slides and stability when leaned over.
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