Racepak G2X Data Analysis
Our data acquisition recorded speed and segment time data for the 848 and GSX-R750 on their fastest laps on Buttonwillow's west loop with Editor Kunitsugu aboard. While conditions were definitely poorer compared with our '08 literbike and middleweight comparison test days, the Suzuki's lap time slots in around midpack of the 600s-although slower than the GSX-R600. The segments listed here are identical to those used in this year's literbike ("Turn It Up to 11," June '08) and middleweight ("Balancing Act," Jul. '08) tests; check back to those issues to see where these bikes alternately gain and lose time over the course of a lap compared with the bigger and smaller models.
| LAP TIME |
| DUCATI | 1:09.390 |
| SUZUKI | 1:08.280 |
| TURN 2-3 SEGMENT TIME |
| DUCATI | 14.34 SEC. |
| SUZUKI | 13.97 SEC. |
The GSX-R is significantly quicker than the 848 through this fast section, carrying more-and more consistent- speed through the right/left sweepers. In the first three turns alone the Suzuki pulls out a nearly three-quarter-second advantage, a huge chunk of time.
| TURN 4 SEGMENT TIME AND MINIMUM SPEED |
| DUCATI | 6.50 SEC., 60.3 MPH |
| SUZUKI | 6.54 SEC., 60.7 MPH |
While the segment time and apex speed are almost equal between the two bikes through this turn, which apexes over the crest of a hill, the 848 makes up time on the entry while the GSX-R carries more speed on the exit. The more powerful Suzuki gains time on every turn exit and down every straight for the remainder of the lap; the GSX-R's trace also shows it braking harder and from a higher speed at the end of each straight. In some cases the Ducati can make up the difference with more entry and apex speed; in other cases it cannot.
| TURN 6 ENTRANCE SPEED, SEGMENT TIME AND EXIT SPEED |
| DUCATI | 79.0 MPH, 10.33 SEC., 78.9 MPH |
| SUZUKI | 79.5 MPH, 10.08 SEC., 76.7 MPH |
Kento puts the spurs to the GSX-R a bit early in the middle of long, sweeping turn 6 and must back off momentarily, hurting his drive but still carding a quicker segment time than on the 848. Note also that the Suzuki pulls its usual advantage almost immediately after the corner exit mark, with more speed between turn 6 and the first part of the chicane.
| CHICANE SEGMENT TIME AND EXIT SPEED |
| DUCATI | 7.21 SEC., 109.3 MPH |
| SUZUKI | 7.26 SEC., 108.4 MPH |
One of the few sections where the 848 is quicker than the GSX-R: The lighter Ducati carries way more speed through the final, fast transition of the chicane to edge the GSX-R on segment time and exit speed.
| TURN 8 SEGMENT TIME |
| DUCATI | 4.98 SEC |
| SUZUKI | 4.98 SEC. |
It's a match for the two bikes on segment time through the last 90-degree left-hander, with the 848 carrying a higher average corner speed to offset the GSX-R's faster entry and exit speeds. -AT