Which muscle bike? CB or GSX

[HanSoloNZ]

Just sold my Speedmaster and am looking to buy a muscle bike next week, probably a CB1300 or a GSX1400, any ideas on which is the better bike, only to use for cruising and the occasional touring, any advice would be appreciated, Cheers.

[kiwifruit]

In my opinion the gsx1400 is the more muscular of the two, although i haven't riden either :dodge:

[Dak]

Went through pretty much the same thing myself, in the end I bought the CB, to me it was a much better looking bike, finishing and quality was a lot better than the Suzuki and the CB felt much more effortless to ride. And I paid 1k less for the CB.

[merv]

Sparky Bills has his CB up for sale and its almost new.

[The Stranger]

Just sold my Speedmaster and am looking to buy a muscle bike next week, probably a CB1300 or a GSX1400, any ideas on which is the better bike, only to use for cruising and the occasional touring, any advice would be appreciated, Cheers.

Get something with some real go. Buy my X11

[Waylander]

I have doubt that either of those should be called muscle bikes. Try naked sport tourers.

[Phurrball]

I have doubt that either of those should be called muscle bikes. Try naked sport tourers.

We're not playing that daft sub-sub-sub-genre thing again are we...:whocares:

[jonboy]

The sub genre thing sucks !!! Has it got two wheels ? If so then its a bike.
As regards choosing between a Suzuki 14 or a CB 13 this would be my view.
Suzooks have allways offered good performance/pound(sorry dollars) ratio even if the build quality is sometimes a little suspect.On the other hand the Honda will have a much better build quality and probably overall be the wiser choice. Obviously alot will also depend on wether this is a new dealer purchase or a s/hand buy.
Having riden both bikes my personal choice would be the Honda, purely becuase the riding position suited my stature and was very comfortable at high speed (130 mph +) and also very maneuverable at low speed through traffic.

Well there you have it.......

Jon:sunny:

[RiderInBlack]

The part faired or the nakeds?
CB1300S $15,795.00
http://www.honda-motorcycles.co.nz/attachments/cb1300s.jpg
vs
GSX1400 $13,995 with Yoshi can and TCP fairing (see attached pic below)
or
CB1300 $14,750.00
http://www.honda-motorcycles.co.nz/attachments/cb1300.jpg
vs
GSX1400K6 $13995
http://www.suzuki.co.nz/motorcycles/bike.gallery/gsx1400k6.800.b.jpg
Me, I'm looking forward ta trying a GSX1400 in black with the part fairing kit. Think it looks way better than the CB1300S

[slowpoke]

I've never been able to figure out why such basic modern bikes are so frikkin' heavy. Anyway I had a quick look at the specs:

GSX1400

Weight: 226kg
Power: 104.59 HP (76.3 kW)) @ 6800 RPM
Torque: 124.00 Nm (12.6 kgf-m or 91.5 ft.lbs) @ 5000 RPM

CB1300

Weight: 224kg
Power: 113.98 HP (83.2 kW)) @ 7500 RPM
Torque: 117.00 Nm (11.9 kgf-m or 86.3 ft.lbs) @ 5500 RPM

That's a fair amount of grunt for such low revs so I guess the "muscle bike" moniker isn't too far off the mark if you insist on pigeon-holing bikes. You'd probably lose 10-15kg's off either bike by putting a decent exhaust system on either bike, especially the 14 with it's twin boat anchor's, er, I mean twin pipes. Less weight + more grunt = more smiles.

[RiderInBlack]

Beleive it or not, some of us like the weight.
They are both lighter than "Roxanne's" (my CBR100FL) 230kg (Dry) and match the Blackbird's 225kg. So I don't think ya have much to complain there.

[Bonez]

I have doubt that either of those should be called muscle bikes. Try naked sport tourers.No, they're what I refer to as proper bikes. ;)
You know the modern equivalents of '80 CB1100s and GSX1100Es et el before eveything had ponsy rap around fairings. Guess I'd fall into the target market after a statement like that. Funny thing is they're are of similar if not less weight than the earlier bikes with a similar power.

http://www.suzukicycles.org/GSX-series/GSX1100E.shtml

Best way to find out if you like them is go for a spin on each. I like the look of both but am bias towords the Honda. I think both represent good value for ones hard earned.

[paturoa]

I was looking at some dyno stuff a while ago and started a thread about it. It has overlay dyno charts for both and also the XJR.

http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php?t=37627

Looking at the price deal on the zook at the moment, you could still put a couple of grand of accessories on top before breaking even.

[T.I.E]

picking up and sv but they are something to think about big nakeds. but i need that twin. still remember following someone through southisland tunnels on an SV and the noise was very impressive.
but those fours are nothing to be laughed at.

[BarBender]

IMHO - The GSX.:yes:
Flexible bike and much better looking.

[MD]

How long before Sparky Bills finds this thread?
You're in Chch so there's a chance the local shops have both in stock, if not an actual demo - as opposed to being in say, Ruatoria or Te Anau where bikes shops are thin on the ground.

[paturoa]

... still remember following someone through southisland tunnels on an SV and the noise was very impressive.
but those fours are nothing to be laughed at.

dude - how you been?

Your cafe was in another thread - http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php?p=912683#post912683

Are you thinking of getting back to a big 4 too, or replacing the aprillia?

[T.I.E]

the aprilia and i parted ways, have been bikeless for a little while now. i like the twins thought i had made a definate, but now seeing the info in this thread its tempting looking at the big 4's again.
gotta say miss that old cbr of mine.
hows ya sv doing?

[Blackbird]

Get something with some real go. Buy my X11

Having ridden with Jimmy B who recently bought an X11, I must say that the performance will put pretty much any other naked bike to shame. Fantastic value for money too.

[Hitcher]

Neither. Well, not until you've ridden a ZRX1200R.

[RiderInBlack]

Neither. Well, not until you've ridden a ZRX1200R.Well not too keen it's look.
http://www.kawasaki.co.nz/media/photos/ZR1200-A5_1.jpg
RRP * $15,990.00

[avgas]

Just read the new rapid and tell me you dont want a GSX!!! go on

[The Stranger]

Neither. Well, not until you've ridden a ZRX1200R.

Bloody dinosaur - still carbureted and both HP and torque figures are down on the X11

[cowpoos]

Just read the new rapid and tell me you dont want a GSX!!! go on
its still a personal prefference thing thou bro....I stopped reading magixine opinions a while back because I thought they were full of shit...especially when you have majorly under qualified testers testing sportsbikes....how can you take someones opinions seriously when they are nothing but a lil better than average...I'll make an exception for rapid mag when wayne gardener is testing and a couple of UK mags that use racers too...
But what it really comes down too is personal prefference...for example...everyone says the gsxr1000k5-6 is the king of sports bikes...I reckon it handles weird...I don't like the feel of it...ridin a 04-05 R1 thought it handled brillently not so sure bout its motor thou...when I was shopping for a new bike just over a year ago all the mags were saying how the gsxr750k4-k5 was the power of a litre bike and handling of a 600...I brought one...and its not...its the power of a 750 and handles like a errrrrr....750!!! and IMHO it didn't hav one of the best front ends in the bussiness either...not till it was re-sprung and re-valved with a ohlins chucked on the back...now I love the thing...hmmmm....just my $1.50

[Hitcher]

Fuel injection may be more "modern", but a decent set of carburettors, like the four Keihin CVK36s with K-TRIC on the Kawasaki, are absolutely fabulous. Fuel injection can be very snatchy and hard to hold steady, like when cornering. The PGM-FI system that Honda has on the ST1300 is an absolute arse of a system. I hated it but learned to live with it. However the Yamaha injection system on the FJR is streets better than Honda's, and almost as good as the Kawasaki's carbs.

Put your prejudices to one side and ride a ZRex. I've ridden all of the big naked muscle bikes in this class -- the Bandit, the GSX1400, the CB1300 and the XJR1300, and believe there is only one winner: it's candy-apple green and is more fun to ride than probably anything else I've ridden to date, and I'll bet, published torque and HP figures aside, it will handle the arse of an X11 with its poxy PGM-FI and face-only-a-mother-could-love styling. A naked Blackbird? What was Honda thinking!

[The Stranger]

Fuel injection may be more "modern", but a decent set of carburettors, like the four Keihin CVK36s with K-TRIC on the Kawasaki, are absolutely fabulous. Fuel injection can be very snatchy and hard to hold steady, like when cornering. The PGM-FI system that Honda has on the ST1300 is an absolute arse of a system. I hated it but learned to live with it. However the Yamaha injection system on the FJR is streets better than Honda's, and almost as good as the Kawasaki's carbs.

Put your prejudices to one side and ride a ZRex. I've ridden all of the big naked muscle bikes in this class -- the Bandit, the GSX1400, the CB1300 and the XJR1300, and believe there is only one winner: it's candy-apple green and is more fun to ride than probably anything else I've ridden to date, and I'll bet, published torque and HP figures aside, it will handle the arse of an X11 with its poxy PGM-FI and face-only-a-mother-could-love styling. A naked Blackbird? What was Honda thinking!

Great to see you keeping up the fine KB tradition of talking shit when you know nothing of the subject.

A web link to all the complaints about the general performance of Blackbird FI would be good. Wouldn't waste too much time looking if I were you though the Blackbird has been produced for 10yrs now and still sells well. Sounds more to me like your ham fisted approach to riding than bad FI.

[Hitcher]

Great to see you keeping up the fine KB tradition of talking shit when you know nothing of the subject.

Pot. Kettle. Fucking black.

[The Stranger]

Pot. Kettle. Fucking black.

That's it, don't address the issue, quickly find another to divert attention.

[Hitcher]

That's it, don't address the issue, quickly find another to divert attention.

Ditto.

1. You haven't ridden a ZRX1200R, yet condemn it out-of-hand as a "dinosaur" because it has carburettors.
2. You base your assessments of bikes based on manufacturer's published horsepower and torque figures.
3. I may be a "hamfisted" rider (nice attempt at diversion, BTW), but I am equally hamfisted riding an ST1300 with PGM-FI as I am riding a ZRX1200R with carburettors. I preferred the carburettors.
4. I offered my opinions and assessments based on first-hand experience, not from what I had read in brochures or on-line reviews. They were exactly that, opinions. I apologise for any damage I may have done to your manhood or self-esteem.

[terbang]

I have ridden a ZRX12.. Now back to the original question, I reckon if you want muscle get the GSX14 (rode one of them too). The price is really good at the moment, getting you a lot of bang for your buck.

[Sparky Bills]

You want to buy my CB1300!(Ill do you a sharp deal:innocent: )


P.s. I found the thread thanx people.

[bex]

I thought you guys might appreciate a critique from a female point of view.:innocent:
Indeed from someone who has just recently spent two weeks and nearly 3000km on the back of a cb1300 I can only say that the Honda performed and behaved meticulously in all weather conditions and loaded up to the hilt. Seems to me that this bike is capable of doing whatever is asked of it. It easily dispensed with queues of traffic stuck behind logging trucks on uphill gradients. On the other hand the Coromandel twisties provided a fabulous playground in which the cb excelled - and all this two up with luggage! So imagine what it will do without all the extra weight?
We bought the cb for much the same reason as HanSolo is intending ie.to tour with. It is a very comfortable ride and I can honestly say I didn't suffer any discomfort in all the time we were away. I guess beauty is in the eye of the beholder but to me the Honda takes the crown in the looks department compared to the competition mentioned in previous posts. Couple the good looks with the blistering performance and the creamy delivery from the silky smooth gearbox and to me you have the ultimate motorbike.
Its lucky for Mr Bex that my legs aren't a tad longer or he may just find the cb missing when he next wants a run out! :love:

[ceebie13]

Its lucky for Mr Bex that my legs aren't a tad longer or he may just find the cb missing when he next wants a run out! :love:

Hmm... I wondered why the step ladder was next to the bike last time I went to the garage!

Well, Hans....as Graham says on Blind Date..." will it be No.1 - The Cuty Suzi GSX14 favoured by many to give you the ride of your life. Or will it be No.2 - The mysteriously rare but pig ugly X11 "naked Grace Jones" inviting you get your leg over and pull up to her bumper. Or will it be No3. - The long in the tooth Eddie Lawsuit throwback with those "oh so old fashioned carbs". Or will it be No.4 - The gorgeously creamy, silky smooth CB13 who's lardy but firm handling puts the others to shame. Or will it be No.5 - The mystery contender from Yamaha whose toned XJR1300 hasn't even been considered here. The decision...is yours.

Of course all the above will be meaningless jibberish if you aren't a pommie immigrant like me and been subjected to our Cilla on "Blind Date" every Saturday night!

Meantime you might like to check out my history of posts here on KB. Most of them are littered with pictures of the CB. Or go read a few reviews here
http://www.bikersoracle.com/cb1300/forum/. Might help you make your mind up. Whatever you choose, let us know how you get on. (No pun intended)

[The Stranger]

Ditto.

1. You haven't ridden a ZRX1200R, yet condemn it out-of-hand as a "dinosaur" because it has carburettors.
2. You base your assessments of bikes based on manufacturer's published horsepower and torque figures.
3. I may be a "hamfisted" rider (nice attempt at diversion, BTW), but I am equally hamfisted riding an ST1300 with PGM-FI as I am riding a ZRX1200R with carburettors. I preferred the carburettors.
4. I offered my opinions and assessments based on first-hand experience, not from what I had read in brochures or on-line reviews. They were exactly that, opinions. I apologise for any damage I may have done to your manhood or self-esteem.

So in all this did you substantiate your bullshit about the Blackbird's FI?
Just be a man Hitcher and accept that you don't know what you are talking about.

As to your preference for carbs. Sure you may prefer them, unfortunately that does not make them better - it would seem that virtually every vehicle manufacturer would tend to disagree with you, but hey I am sure you know better than them - you should retire from KB and build engines.

So the first hand experience to which you refer includes riding an X11?

[RiderInBlack]

Hey Dudes, can ya chill out a bit? Everyone is entitled to they own views about what they like in a bike. Please don't take it (or make it) personal. Some good feed-back in this thread re these bikes that I for one am finding useful (I will of cause be trying some of these bike and form my own option). Would hate to see this valuable thread end up PD due to too much shit flinging.

[merv]

I too was wondering why CaN made this thread deteriorate so quickly.

Sparky have you made a sale?

[mstriumph]

wat he said

i come here to learn, among other things ........... bothers me to see peop.s i respect having a serious go at each other - can u cool it a bit?

.... think about the CHILDREN!!!!

[robertydog]

CB1300 is the bike i would have. Nice

[Jimmy B]

. Fuel injection can be very snatchy and hard to hold steady, like when cornering. The PGM-FI system that Honda has on the ST1300 is an absolute arse of a system. I hated it but learned to live with it.

it will handle the arse of an X11 with its poxy PGM-FI and face-only-a-mother-could-love styling. A naked Blackbird? What was Honda thinking!

Hitcher, with respect, bullshit

[Sparky Bills]

I too was wondering why CaN made this thread deteriorate so quickly.

Sparky have you made a sale?


Na not yet.:angry:

[S&S]

You want a muscle bike, have you considered a Buell ?

[Edbear]

Tough choice! If you follow the threads regularly, you will notice very quickly that the owners of both these bikes absolutely love them! :yes:

What that says to me, is that both the CB1300 and the GSX1400 are great bikes with some significant differences that appeal to their owners.

The GSX1400 at the moment with the Suzuki Summerfest deal is hard to pass up, but I suspect that whichever bike you buy you're going to love it! Fortunately I'm not in aposition at present to face such a dilemma...:bye:

I've heard the CB1300 can be a bit thirsty until fully run-in by comparison to the GSX1400 which seems to have a rep for being rather frugal despite its grunt. Interesting to hear owner's comments about fuel use, as well as regarding pillion comfort as one owner and his wife I met said the pegs on the CB were a bit too high. Of course Bex may be an exception, here...:sunny:

[bex]

I've heard the CB1300 can be a bit thirsty until fully run-in by comparison to the GSX1400....

...regarding pillion comfort as one owner and his wife I met said the pegs on the CB were a bit too high. Of course Bex may be an exception, here...:sunny:

That's interesting, Ed. Ive never noticed a particular thirst from our CB, although its certainly fully run in now.
The pillion pegs were indeed found to be high (even for a shorty like me!) but we fixed that by modifying (thickening) the seat (courtesy of Riders in Tauranga). This also improved the overall pillion comfort when compared to the stock Honda seat which tended to force me backwards and caused lower backache as I compensated for this. I guess this is an important issue for anyone contemplating buying the Honda. :done:

[Hitcher]

So in all this did you substantiate your bullshit about the Blackbird's FI?
I never at any time mentioned the Blackbird or its FI. You raised that red herring. I actually quite like Blackbirds to ride, as you may have noted from other threads. I just don't much like their ergonomics over long distances. The PGM-FI to which I referred, if you had taken the time to read, was that on my ST1300.

Just be a man Hitcher and accept that you don't know what you are talking about.
I am not sure from your rambling incoherence what you think it is I am supposed to be talking about. I have no difficulty apologising when I am wrong.

As to your preference for carbs. Sure you may prefer them, unfortunately that does not make them better - it would seem that virtually every vehicle manufacturer would tend to disagree with you, but hey I am sure you know better than them - you should retire from KB and build engines.
Again you have shown an inability to comprehend written English. I said I liked the carbs on a ZRX1200R. I also said that I really liked the injection on a Yamaha FJR1300. I have ridden many injected bikes that I really enjoy, as you may have noted from comments I have made in other threads. If you want to extrapolate these comments to imply that I love all things carburettored at the expense of all things fuel injected, then that is your call, but it's not what I wrote.


So the first hand experience to which you refer includes riding an X11?
Yes it does. Honda sold thousands of these in New Zealand. They were amazingly popular...

And in case you're having trouble understanding joined-up words, here's a summary:

1. In my opinion, the Kawasaki ZRX1200R is the pick of the Japanese big naked muscle bikes that I have ridden (I can supply a list and witnesses, if necessary).
2. I deduce from your vitriol that you haven't ridden one. You may not like it. That's fine, not everybody does.
3. I prefer the fuel injection system in the Yamaha FJR1300 to the PGM-FI system in the ST1300. I have ridden other PGM-FI Hondas (including the Bird and VFR800) and found them acceptable, albeit a bit snatchy at times (especially the VFR).

[Aitch]

Go ride em both!!!! then buy the one you like.
( I love my GSX)

[The Stranger]

I never at any time mentioned the Blackbird or its FI. You raised that red herring. I actually quite like Blackbirds to ride, as you may have noted from other threads. I just don't much like their ergonomics over long distances. The PGM-FI to which I referred, if you had taken the time to read, was that on my ST1300.

I am not sure from your rambling incoherence what you think it is I am supposed to be talking about. I have no difficulty apologising when I am wrong.

Again you have shown an inability to comprehend written English. I said I liked the carbs on a ZRX1200R. I also said that I really liked the injection on a Yamaha FJR1300. I have ridden many injected bikes that I really enjoy, as you may have noted from comments I have made in other threads. If you want to extrapolate these comments to imply that I love all things carburettored at the expense of all things fuel injected, then that is your call, but it's not what I wrote.


Yes it does. Honda sold thousands of these in New Zealand. They were amazingly popular...

And in case you're having trouble understanding joined-up words, here's a summary:

1. In my opinion, the Kawasaki ZRX1200R is the pick of the Japanese big naked muscle bikes that I have ridden (I can supply a list and witnesses, if necessary).
2. I deduce from your vitriol that you haven't ridden one. You may not like it. That's fine, not everybody does.
3. I prefer the fuel injection system in the Yamaha FJR1300 to the PGM-FI system in the ST1300. I have ridden other PGM-FI Hondas (including the Bird and VFR800) and found them acceptable, albeit a bit snatchy at times (especially the VFR).


Wow, how freaky - You don't perchance know a certain Robert J. Hanlon do you?
Because I feel certain he knows you.

It is obvious from your post above that your arguments fall into the latter category.

[The Stranger]

Yes it does. Honda sold thousands of these in New Zealand. They were amazingly popular...

And in case you're having trouble understanding joined-up words

And in case you're having trouble understanding lies - Just got off the phone with Blue Wing Honda. They advise that only 10 of these were sold by Honda in New Zealand - amazingly popular indeed.

Just stick to the facts Hitcher.

[imdying]

And in case you're having trouble understanding lies - Just got off the phone with Blue Wing Honda. They advise that only 10 of these were sold by Honda in New Zealand - amazingly popular indeed.

Just stick to the facts Hitcher.Regardless of whether you're right or not, you've nicely managed to prove, with that one single comment, that you're a retard with no life. Congratulations :whocares:

[The_Dover]

are you bitches still pulling each others hair?

[The Stranger]

Regardless of whether you're right or not, you've nicely managed to prove, with that one single comment, that you're a retard with no life. Congratulations :whocares:

OMG you are right.
What was I thinking verifying a fact?

[imdying]

OMG you are right.
What was I thinking, going to the trouble of bothering some real life people to get facts to win my petty internet argument?Yes. What were you thinking? :innocent:

[Blackbird]

Sigh.....:nono: Does a squabble always have to erupt from a previously sensible discussion? (don't answer that).

I reckon buying a bike is about 80% emotional appeal, followed by a bit of logic when the deal is nearly made. No wonder emotions run high from time to time with a bit of fact-filtering to suit each side of the argument!

Still, thanks for providing some entertainment in my first week back at work after the hols. Maybe the 2 protagonists are grumpy about being back at work too:innocent:

[imdying]

I reckon buying a bike is about 80% emotional appeal, followed by a bit of logic when the deal is nearly made. No wonder emotions run high from time to time with a bit of fact-filtering to suit each side of the argument!Yeah... gotta ride them... some bikes just rub you the wrong way, no matter how good they are. The opposite of course applies... They can be crap and still sell, look at Hondas! :rofl:

[The Stranger]

They can be crap and still sell, look at Hondas! :rofl:

Nah, you just haven't got it - you are going to need a better troll than that to get a rise.

[imdying]

Heh, I didn't want a 'rise' (is that sexual), I just wanted to inject a little good humour back into the thread ;)

[Jimmy B]

Righto Back on topic,

You’ve obviously looked around and decided that these 2 have made the cut. Both are extremely capable bikes that have more than enough grunt to lose your license from a standstill in close to 6 seconds.

For the GSX you may wish to search posts by “Beyond” on this site. He has written in some detail about this model. I really rate the solid good looks of this bike, it’s big and wide and I like it.

I wouldn’t discount Hitchers words on the ZRX1200 (not the 1100). When I was in your shoes this bike was certainly near the top of the list. Unfortunately I couldn’t locate one that was in my budget. UK Rider Mag (Oct/Nov 06??) did an in depth revue on second hand muscle bikes which also included the Fazer and the Bandit. The ZRX came out tops and having ridden one I couldn’t disagree.

If you are around the 7-8K mark than what CaN says in his first post about the X11 is true, I think you would be hard pressed to get that much boogie for less. The aesthetics of the bike were slagged by the UK press and it was not a big seller. Despite its looks they all agreed that the Blackbird derived engine is a stonker and close to unbreakable, I would expect mine to still be going after 200,000Ks. Honda dumped it in 2003 and have not replaced it. The CB1300 is not a replacement as some will say. Parts and some aftermarket mods maybe a little scarce.

In my experience every one who has seen my bike up close reckon that it is a mean looking sucker, far better in real life than in pictures. Who really cares anyway when you’re trying your level best to hang onto the beast. Someone I know took one out on Saturday and decided (with ~4kms of unobstructed view) to have a crack. Thought they were doing 170ish and glanced at the Speedo – 210Ks in the blink of an eye and pulling like a bustard. Great ride, very stable at speed and not too shabby in the twisties.

Good luck with whatever you choose and let us know how you get on

Cheers

JB

[HanSoloNZ]

Well after all that I went in and tried quite a few bikes at Sportzone and Casbolts and the two bikes mentoned above were both great and I ended up buying a........ Damn what was it?

[HanSoloNZ]

Oh thats right a 06 SV1000 Naked, which happened to be on sale at 12k, which I thought was a pretty awesome price, throw on a rear hugger and some yoshi's and all up will be around the $13500 mark, I think I was lured in by the mighty twin, thanks for everybodies input, time to get out there and break it in.

[DMNTD]

Excellent choice man...excellent! I know you'll love it as we loved ours
Do recommend the -1 tooth front sprocket which'll make it considerably easier to ride in traffic and doesn't turn it into a gas hungry machine either.

[Jimmy B]

Nice one Man, thunderous bike if there ever was one :Punk:

[avgas]

its still a personal prefference thing thou bro....I stopped reading magixine opinions a while back because I thought they were full of shit...especially when you have majorly under qualified testers testing sportsbikes....how can you take someones opinions seriously when they are nothing but a lil better than average...I'll make an exception for rapid mag when wayne gardener is testing and a couple of UK mags that use racers too...
But what it really comes down too is personal prefference...for example...everyone says the gsxr1000k5-6 is the king of sports bikes...I reckon it handles weird...I don't like the feel of it...ridin a 04-05 R1 thought it handled brillently not so sure bout its motor thou...when I was shopping for a new bike just over a year ago all the mags were saying how the gsxr750k4-k5 was the power of a litre bike and handling of a 600...I brought one...and its not...its the power of a 750 and handles like a errrrrr....750!!! and IMHO it didn't hav one of the best front ends in the bussiness either...not till it was re-sprung and re-valved with a ohlins chucked on the back...now I love the thing...hmmmm....just my $1.50

I completely agree with you....well all except for the wayne gardner thing - he 's a poxy git who wont ride anything on the cheaper side.
I didnt mention the write up about the gsx in the new rapid for the blah blah bs that they say about the current advertising bike.
They made one f'ing quick! read and you will find out. No turbo, no nos.
I dont buy magazines that have standard bike reviews in them - its like getting a massage from a fat chick.

[imdying]

Chop that spade baby!!!!