Kawasaki ZX-10R: 91.6
Again, like last year, the ZX-10R came out on top of the tabulated scores, even though one tester picked the Honda as the bike he'd buy, and two others were teetering on both sides of the fence. Everyone (except El Jefe, who was riding the timed laps) knew that the Honda was quicker on the stopwatch, yet still had the Kawasaki ranked higher in many categories. This points to the ZX-10R's ability to not only pack serious performance, but also instill confidence, do everything you want the bike to do, and be fun and exciting to ride.
Every tester had the Kawasaki's engine rated near or at 10, with comments like "hits like a mule kick in the top end" (Olsen), "warp nine is at your fingertips" (Siahaan), or "damn...this thing rips!" (Kunitsugu). While the Honda has better midrange punch, the ZX-10R counters with an undeniably addicting upper-midrange/top-end rush that is smoother to boot. The CBR definitely has the edge in steering quickness, but the Kawasaki has a planted, confident feel on entry, mid-corner, and exit that seems to be more communicative for most riders, and its suspension offered the best compromise between compliance and control. There was more preference for the ZX-10R's ergos on the track, and everyone was unanimous on its superb brakes offering the best power, response, feel, and feedback.
Like the Honda, there wasn't much griping with the Kawi. Most were wishing for a little less weight, and easier initial turn-in, but that was in comparison to the Honda benchmark. The ZX-10R may not be quickest on the stopwatch, and its overall total points score may have been higher; but it was how it scored in all of our test categories that made the difference.
Ducati While the 1198's...
Ducati While the 1198's LCD dashboard might be lightweight and have many features, the continuing issue is that it's difficult to discern the bar graph tachometer at a glance. Mirrors might look stylish, but are basically useless, both from a view and vibration standpoint.
Kawasaki The ZX-10R returns...
Kawasaki The ZX-10R returns unchanged from last year, with the exception that the tach numbers' styling is different. LCD display has good contrast and is easy to read, and many liked the large numeric gear indicator. While fairing works great in a tuck, not so good at street speeds.
Yamaha The new R1's dashboard...
Yamaha The new R1's dashboard has a much better design than previous versions, with a manufacturer finally positioning a shift light where it should be (atop the tach), and an easy-to-read LCD display (although the YCC-T display is hokey). Mirrors are arguably the best of the bunch.
Honda Another status quo...
Honda Another status quo cockpit from last year, the CBR's LCD panel displays too much information in too small of a space to read easily at a glance in our opinion. Mirrors work surprisingly well, and the fairing offers a moderate amount of wind protection.
Suzuki Only minor changes...
Suzuki Only minor changes to the new GSX-R's instrument panel, with a different style face for the analog tachometer, restyled warning lights, and slightly different engine mode indicator. As before, wind protection from the tall windscreen is good, while mirror performance is bad.
Ducati thankfully tamed down...
Ducati thankfully tamed down the aggressive initial bite of the Brembo monoblock brakes on the 1198.
The R1's six-piston caliper...
The R1's six-piston caliper units offered decent power and feel, but not quite up to the standards of the best in the group.
The new GSX-R's brakes were...
The new GSX-R's brakes were considered a vast improvement on the previous units, offering far better feel, power, and responsiveness.
Like last year, the Kawasaki's...
Like last year, the Kawasaki's brakes drew rave reviews with the highest ratings and superb front suspension action.
While many testers liked the...
While many testers liked the responsiveness and feedback of the Honda CBR's brakes, a few felt the lever was a tad spongy.