Suzuki GSX-R1000: 90.5
Big Poppa fought back at the track with the third-quickest lap time and a mixed bag of scores that added up to a second-place ranking. As always, the GSX-R's mill is easy to use on the track with loads of easily accessed power-even if it is a bit sluggish compared with the red and green bikes. The ergonomic package is very good for track work, steering is neutral and the bike's suspension-although not as refined as the Kawasaki's-still does an excellent job of soaking up both large and small hits. As the heaviest bike in the class, however, you feel every pound of the GSX-R's heft after riding the much lighter Honda or the more agile Yamaha, and Buttonwillow's high-speed transitions call for some bullish steering inputs. While the GSX-R carded high scores in three categories, it scored lowest in braking as well as-unbelievably-the chassis and handling category. Our test unit's binders worked better on the track than on the street, but in this company that doesn't get you a hall pass-they need to be almost perfect. The GSX-R is still incredible on the track, and perhaps Mikolas sums it up best in his notes by adding the caveat, "as long as you don't ride the Honda or Kawasaki."
Kawasaki ZX-10R: 94.2
With top scores in all but one category the Kawasaki topped the track ratings despite posting the second-quickest lap time. "The engine is a beast!" raves new-guy Siahaan in between text-messaging sessions. "My first lap or two I had to wrap my head around how strong it is, but once I did that the bike was an absolute freight train." Despite the midrange flat spot that manifests itself more on the track than on the street, the ZX-10R feels more powerful than the other bikes and utilizes the best chassis to translate that power into speed.
As for the Kawasaki's Ignition Management System said to offer a form of traction control, we did notice that when the ZX-10R spun its rear tire the resulting slide was shorter than we encountered with the other bikes. We can't say for certain that this is a function of the KIMS, but we're looking into some tests that will show the system working and will report back in a later issue on our findings.
The suspension is stiff without being harsh and a clear step above the other bikes' boingers for track work. The ergos that were the worst on the street tied for top honors at Buttonwillow. And the brakes are one-finger strong and offer just the right combination of initial bite and progression. The 24-pound-lighter Honda clearly transitions from side to side more easily and quickly, and the ZX's massive power can have the rear end squatting on corner exits to force the bike wide, but the Kawasaki's overall package gave our testers more confidence and is less work to ride fast than any of the others.
Honda The CBR's new, more...
Honda The CBR's new, more compact dash shows too much information in too small a space to read easily at a glance. The mirrors work surprisingly OK considering how close-set they are, and the svelte fairing offers a moderate amount of wind protection.
Suzuki Status quo for the...
Suzuki Status quo for the GSX-R instruments and controls; the clear tach has a well-laid-out LED panel inset along with a large gear indicator. Wind protection is arguably the best in this company, mirrors arguably the worst.
Kawasaki In a huge turnaround...
Kawasaki In a huge turnaround from past ZX-10R instrument panels, the Kawasaki's dash is the best in this bunch. The tach is easy to read, and the display includes a large numeric gear indicator. Mirrors are barely adequate, as is the fairing coverage.
Yamaha The Yamaha's tach...
Yamaha The Yamaha's tach is harder to read than the other bikes'. That and the lack of a gear indicator left the R1's dash our testers' least favorite. For racetrack use, none of the bike's rev lights work adequately, as they are too dim, too low or both.
Honda The CBR1000RR's one-piece...
Honda The CBR1000RR's one-piece Tokico binders are crisp and powerful, although some testers noted excessive progression. The Showa fork retains the old bike's harshness over rough sections, offsetting some of the benefits of the bike's lighter weight.
Suzuki Wooden brakes on the...
Suzuki Wooden brakes on the GSX-R drew the lowest scores for both street and track, although braking power was adequate for track work. The Suzuki's suspension, once considered the class standard, takes a back seat this year to the Kawasaki's.
Kawasaki The Kawasaki's front...
Kawasaki The Kawasaki's front end drew rave reviews with a clean sweep of braking and suspension scores for both street and track. New for the brakes this year is a switch from four-pad calipers to two-pad units.
Yamaha Our testers praised...
Yamaha Our testers praised the Yamaha's light steering and turn-in capabilities. While the six-piston calipers offer great initial bike, they are almost too powerful initially and offer less feel and feedback than the others bikes' setups.