2017 Superbike comparison: CBR1000RR, GSX-R1000R, YZF-R1, ZX-10R
The 2017 vintage of Japanese hypersport motorcycles is exceptional: the sharp Kawasaki ZX-10R and Yamaha R1 are at the top of their game, while the Honda CBR1000RR and Suzuki GSX-R1000 have finally returned to sport and technology.. Site contrasts these four thin 1000 cc blades on the road and on the circuit in an exclusive Superbike comparison on the web !
CBR1000RR, GSX-R1000R, R1, ZX-10R – Page 5: The opinion of the rookie and the pro rider
To complete this exclusive comparison, MNC has gathered the opinions of two motorcyclists who are literally opposed in their practice of motorcycling: Thomas, 37, who rides all year round on a BMW R1200RS "Full options" and had never ridden on circuit, and Erik, 29, endurance rider on the BMW S1000RR of the team supported by Dafy Moto Reims (9th scratch at the 24H of Barcelona 2017).
Small clarification of importance: Thomas (above) took part in this entire comparison on the handlebars of Japanese superbikes on the road and on the circuit, while Erik only completed a few laps at very high speed on the Beuvardes route. (02) of which his father, Franck Guittard, is one of the owners. MNC has of course taken into account their feelings in writing this comparison. !
Note that Erik (below) was not in completely unknown territory on the Honda, since he raced on the previous vintages of Fireblade with convincing results (3rd in the Power Cup 1000 in 2010, 1st in the Carole 4H in 2011, 23rd in the Barcelona 24H scratch in 2015). Thomas, for his part, was completely new to the sports bike category, he who rode a Hornet 600 for a long time before falling for the latest generation of the Behemian Sport-GT with Boxer engine..
Thomas’ opinion on…
The Honda CBR1000RR : My preference goes – as an apprentice tracker – to the Honda, it accompanied me very gently for my first laps of the wheel, never failed me and always encouraged me to take more more angle. In addition, I found its braking perfect, progressive and powerful. At the end of the day, I think it was with her that I had my best times. Mechanically, I found it funnier than the very linear "Gex". My favorite on the track! On the other hand, in terms of finish, Honda has accustomed me to much better: all this black plastic (on the tank, editor’s note) is not very rewarding. In town, unintentional horn blasts will also rain (because of the reverse turn signal and horn controls compared to other motorcycles).
The Kawasaki ZX-10R : I found the agility of the ZX-10R breathtaking, it just spins. Also, I think it was the engine that gave me the most sensations. But its rear brake is only present for form … My heart swings between the GSX-R1000 and the ZX-10R: they are monsters of power! The Suz ‘maybe pushes harder and the corners come faster, despite a very linear engine..
The Suzuki GSX-R1000R : Its braking is efficient and progressive, perhaps less incisive than that of the Honda. I found the bike very homogeneous, practical and very powerful despite a linear motor. The Gex is perhaps the "least worse" in terms of buttocks comfort. For rollers, on the other hand, plan to stop frequently for changes of the right hand, anesthetized by the vibrations !
The Yamaha R1 : It’s the one that convinced me the least, quite simply because it requires more technical background to be used. Its engine is not as easy to master as the other three. Its reservoir spreads the legs wider and it is also the highest in the saddle. For me, this is a motorcycle to be used only on the circuit as its driving position is tiring … or to put in your living room as its plastic is magnificent! Musically, the throaty sound of the Crossplane is enchanting. And its braking is perfect, as well as its agility.
Thomas’ assessment: "In the end, as a rider who rides every day, I cannot speak for the envy of using these machines on the road," concludes Thomas. "Because of their position as uncomfortable as possible, the heat that emanates from their engine and the license in ten copies they require! But what a pleasure, in return, to drive them on circuit where finally appears the interest of such machines ".
"None is finally dropped by its neighbor at an average level of piloting," said the "rookie" of this MNC comparison: "it will be more of an aesthetic choice or the choice of a brand, because before ‘reaching their limits, it may take a long time! "
Erik’s opinion on…
The Honda CBR1000RR : The bike is easy to handle, much more maneuverable than before thanks to its overall weight reduction. Its engine is powerful and its braking offers a very good feeling, despite the rubber hoses. The tachometer is too small, therefore difficult to read. The line is successful.
The Suzuki GSX-R1000R : The position on the motorbike is very low, which is disturbing for grown-ups. The acceleration delivered by its motor is linear but very powerful. However, its noise is too high-pitched. Braking is disappointing in heavy use, most likely due to the lack of aviation hoses. Beautiful line also.
The Kawasaki ZX-10R : The handling is easy and the chassis efficient on the track. On track, at high revs therefore, the 4-cylinder is very strong. This engine is more typical of the old generation. Electronic interventions are less present or more discreet, which disturbed me less. The front axle is very good, as well as the braking. On the other hand, I find the line mediocre.
The Yamaha R1 : The engine is amazing due to its Crossplane setting which requires adaptation time. The cycle part is excellent as is the position, very Racing. The electronics are complex to understand, even disturbing: the engine braking and the responsiveness of the throttle grip did not suit me. The maneuverability during rapid angle changes is surprising, while the sound is magnificent.
Erik’s assessment: "In the end, my choice would fall on the Yamaha R1 for circuit / race use, after having of course made more suitable settings and given myself a longer grip", concludes Erik.
Related articles
-
2017 Superbike comparison: CBR1000RR, GSX-R1000R , YZF-R1 , ZX-10R The 2017 vintage of Japanese hypersport motorcycles is exceptional : the sharp…
-
2017 Superbike comparison: CBR1000RR, GSX-R1000R , YZF-R1 , ZX-10R The 2017 vintage of Japanese hypersport motorcycles is exceptional: the sharp Kawasaki…
-
2017 Superbike comparison: CBR1000RR, GSX-R1000R , YZF-R1 , ZX-10R The 2017 vintage of Japanese hypersport motorcycles is exceptional: the sharp Kawasaki…
-
2017 Superbike comparison: CBR1000RR, GSX-R1000R, YZF-R1, ZX-10R The 2017 vintage of Japanese hypersport motorcycles is exceptional: the sharp Kawasaki…
-
2017 Superbike comparison: CBR1000RR, GSX-R1000R , YZF-R1 , ZX-10R The 2017 vintage of Japanese hypersport motorcycles is exceptional: the sharp Kawasaki…
-
2017 Superbike comparison: CBR1000RR, GSX-R1000R, YZF-R1, ZX-10R The 2017 vintage of Japanese hypersport motorcycles is exceptional: the sharp Kawasaki…
-
Comparison test Kawasaki Z900, Suzuki GSX-S750 and Yamaha MT-09: Election of the best Japanese maxi-mid-size roadster In 2017, Kawasaki further…
-
2017 Superbike comparison: CBR1000RR, GSX-R1000R, YZF-R1, ZX-10R The 2017 vintage of Japanese hypersport motorcycles is exceptional: the sharp Kawasaki…
-
2018 Superbike comparison: Aprilia RSV4 RF Vs BMW S1000RR Vs Ducati Panigale V4 S A year after having compared the four Japanese Superbikes, Site opposes…
-
2017 Suzuki GSX-R1000R review: the beauty of Gex Driven by the most recent hypersport motorcycles for lack of developments over the past ten years or so,…