Bike Reviews and my thoughts from today
VERY long, thanks if you read it all, piss off you lazy git if you don't
Where to start! I've got so many thoughts going through my head, I'm quite confused!
VTWIN and I left for Wgtn Motorcycles (me in the cage grr!) and got there around 12, after battling hellish wgtn city traffic (surely roadworks in a cbd area are best left till after dark?). I test rode the Buell XB9S with Race Kit (Race exhaust, air filter and ECU - a faster version of just the standard bike), and VTWIN took a GSXR1000.
XB9S
For me, the enjoyment started with the first turn of the key. The sound that bike makes (mostly due to the race kit remember) is exactly like I want a bike I own to sound. It's smooth to ride in terms of pulling away and cruising at speed. It is however a little rough at slow "bumper to bumper" traffic, but my R1 is no better or worse really, so thats not a problem for me. The first thing I noticed is the length of the bike, or lack thereof! It's also a much more upright ride, but at the end of the day this is one of the things I loved about the bike. I later learned from VTWIN that you ride these bikes by using the torque in low to mid rev range, but even so this is one of the biggest differences I noticed, when compared to my R1. I found myself running out of rev's in every gear, almost like I felt forced to change up, where I've never been limited by that factor on the R1. But thats because I was trying to ride it using rpm, not the low down torque. Going up the Rimutakas I found that you just about have to change between 2nd and 3rd the whole way, where on my bike if I'm feeling the need to hoon it, I stay in second, and that covers me up to whatever speed I can muster.
Another BIG plus about this bike, is its wheelie capabilities. I've been practicing for ages on my bike, so obviously that played a huge part, but I found the Buell really easy to lift up in 1st and 2nd. The petrol tank turned out to be a little small, only holding $11.50 excluding reserve, so I reckon about $14 total, which is a whole $4 less than the R1 (convert to litres if you so wish). It is however heaps and heaps of fun, being a lot closer to the type of riding I enjoy, and the type of bike I enjoy. I think I was equally as quick, or possibly quicker up and down the hill on the Buell, as with my R1, and today was my first ride on it. It inspires confidence in the corners, and tips in very easily, allowing you to slide around on the seat if you so wish.
But, I did find it a little "Gutless" and am testriding the XB12S and XB12R tomorrow, since I've been told the 1200 is identical, just with more grunt. I prefer the R look, with fairings etc, but the rider position is different, and I feel very comfortable with the upright position of the S version. Time will tell, I hope the R is as ridable, as it looks better in my opinion. So, if my thoughts and premonitions are correct, I'll be getting a shiny new XB12R, black/yellow with Race Kit sometime in the future.
Suzuki GSXR1000
Now, since I own a similar bike, I wasn't expecting much. I was wrong. The main difference I felt was the Gixxer had all it's power available over ALL of the rpm range. This I learnt, while rolling in 1st at about 60kph, and then flooring it (which usually pulls a nice wheelie on my bike). The Gixxer's front wheel came up literally 1 cm and I rolled off straight away, knowing the power would have flipped me and the bike over in no time had I continued. My description is the Gixxer's engine, while delivering less power than the R1, is a LOT more "raw" than mine. On the R1, up to about 8000rpm, the power delivery is very verrrry smooth, and forgiving. Over 8K rpm it's as much a beast as the Gixxer. For this reason, I definitely prefer my bike, for the simple reason being that I am not a very proficient rider. I feel the Gixxer would eat me alive, spit me off and roll down the road looking for another victim! Apart from that, it's very similiar to mine, riding position, etc... The R1 does however have better front brakes. The Gixxer, as are the CBR1000RR, ZX10R and R1, is a great bike. I'd recommend the inexperienced who desperately want a SuperSport bike to choose the CBR1000RR or R1. The other two would be enjoyed much more in the hands of experienced riders. Either way, they all go fricken fasssst!!!
WhiteTrash, thanks for allowing us to take the bikes out for a good ride. I feel it's necessary when deciding to spend so much on a single itemI learnt something about the bike from start to finish, and I don't think it will be in vain for you either
Blakamin, thanks for taking the pics, and very nice to finally see the Ducati! Only one gripe I have about your bike... The Suicide stand is truly, err, suicidal!!!
Sels1, good to ride with you again.
I'll post a SHORT write about about the XB12 R and S tomorrow, weather dependant.
Hmm, I'm still grinning. Go USA(and yes, I'll still wave to all ya Jappas)
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Originally Posted by Skunk
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