Australian Motorcycle Superbike Test

[Sanx]

Picked up a copy of Australian Motorcycle magazine to read over a leisurely breakfast this morning. This edition carried a superbike head-to-head test which was a little more comprehensive than most. Results as follows:

Track test
Carried out at Eastern Creek on Diablo Supercorsa SP tyres. Bikes set up for the track by the brand's top Aussie Superbike teams. Where the brand didn't have a factory SB team, they sent along equally qualified people or agents. Rankings by each rider's best laps, averaged out.

Results:

Honda CBR1000RR
Suzuki GSX-R1000 K8
Yamaha YZF-R1
MV Agusta 312R
Ducati 1098S
Kawasaki ZX-10R
KTM RC8


Fastest lap: 1:37.195 by Judd Greedy on the Suzuki GSX-R1000

Road test
The results of a rider survey covering engine, transmission, chassis, cornering, brakes, ergonomis, etc. count for 80% of the score. Dyno-testing for power and torque and dry weight count for 20% of the score.

Results:

Honda CBR1000RR
Kawasaki ZX-10R
Ducati 1098S
Suzuki GSX-R1000 K8
MV Agusta 312R
Yamaha YZF-R1
KTM RC8


Bike stats
All weights measured ready to ride with 10L of fuel. Fuel consumption measured during the road portion of the testing, all running on identical fuel.

Ducati 1098S

Power: 110kW @ 8000rpm
Torque: 116Nm @ 9850rpm
Weight: 197kg
Fuel capacity 15.5L
Fuel consumption: 7.1L/100km


Honda CBR1000RR

Power: 128kW @ 12,250rpm
Torque: 114Nm @ 9900rpm
Weight: 195kg
Fuel capacity 18L
Fuel consumption: 6.5L/100km


Kawasaki ZX-10R

Power: 126kW @ 12,300 rpm
Torque: 105Nm @ 9000rpm
Weight: 205kg
Fuel capacity 17L
Fuel consumption: 7.7L/100km


KTM RC8

Power: 112kW @ 8200rpm
Torque: 112Nm @ 10,400rpm
Weight: 200kg
Fuel capacity 16.5L
Fuel consumption: 7L/100km


MV Agusta 312R

Power: 126kW @ 12,250rpm
Torque: 106Nm @ 10,600rpm
Weight: 213kg
Fuel capacity 21L
Fuel consumption: 7.2L/100km


Suzuki GSX-R1000 K8

Power: 134kW @ 12,200rpm
Torque: 114Nm @ 9800rpm
Weight: 206kg
Fuel capacity 17.5L
Fuel consumption: 7L/100km


Yamaha YZF-R1

Power: 126kW @ 12,500rpm
Torque: 107Nm @ 9500rpm
Weight: 205kg
Fuel capacity 18L
Fuel consumption: 7.1L/100km


So, to sum up; the Honda's the fastest on the track, best on the road lightest, got the best fuel consumption and - at least in Aussie - also the cheapest.

[TKDSKIP]

The MV is a lil fatty, so sweet to look at though.

Go the new CBR even it looks a bit unconventional.

[Paulus]

Does the Suzuki really make 8KW (134KW) more than the new Kawasaki (126KW)? I thought that the new ZX-10R was the most powerful 1000 released to date. Another typo maybe or a Suzuki tuned model?

[merv]

The Honda uses the least gas so Michael Cullen should give us all a tax break if we buy one of those.

[Sanx]

Does the Suzuki really make 8KW (134KW) more than the new Kawasaki (126KW)? I thought that the new ZX-10R was the most powerful 1000 released to date. Another typo maybe or a Suzuki tuned model?

Kawasaki's utilise the ram-air effect, which is hard to reproduce on a dyno unless you're doing it in a wind tunnel. Perhaps that could explain the difference? But the power graph does show the Suzuki noticeably ahead of everything else between 9000rpm and the Suzuki's redline at 13500.

[Swoop]

Interesting that all the bikes are in the 7 litre(+)/100km group, yet the CBR is 6.5L/100km.

[Sanx]

Interesting that all the bikes are in the 7 litre(+)/100km group, yet the CBR is 6.5L/100km.

But who buys a superbike on its fuel consumption?

[scorry]

[QUOTE=Sanx
Power: 141kW @ 12,250rpm (I think this is a typo; the printed graph doesn't reflect this)
Torque: 114Nm @ 9900rpm

so what does the new CBR actually put out?

[Goblin]

Does this mean the RC8 is a POS?? :shit::laugh:

[scorry]

[QUOTE=Sanx
Power: 141kW @ 12,250rpm (I think this is a typo; the printed graph doesn't reflect this)
Torque: 114Nm @ 9900rpm

so what does the new CBR actually put out?

Dont worry, i googled it, its 130.7kw.
if you wanna know more about the new cbr go to this site http://www.hondaitalia.com/moto/uff_stampa/pres_modelli/2008/cbr1000rr/CBR1000RR_Fireblade_ebrochure/index.html

[Swoop]

But who buys a superbike on its fuel consumption?
The Scottish National Racing team?:whistle:

[chrisso]

How much is the CBR-RR in NZ?

[scorry]

How much is the CBR-RR in NZ?

$21,995 off trade me

[fatzx10r]

$21,995 off trade me

zx10r only 19,990 much better deal:2thumbsup

[NZsarge]

Interesting is'nt it, when the KTM hit the road before being ridden amongst the others it was the best thing since sliced bread....
These tests while they are interesting and fun and all don't mean squat to the average rider that's actually buying the bikes, yes there maybe a hand full of people out there that tell the differences between these bikes and be able to exploit it on the road but you would have to argue the road is not the place to be riding that hard.
As it's been for sometime now take tests like these with a grain of salt and enjoy your riding on whatever it maybe. In other words, buy your favorite bike, to hell with what anyone else thinks.

[scorry]

yeah true, and they would have been tested by racers not average joes who cant push these new superbikes to anywhere near their potential, well i know i cant.
They are all amazing these days anyway

[Coyote]

Does this mean the RC8 is a POS?? :shit::laugh:
It's their first go at a superbike. Next years model should have fewer kinks.

But who buys a superbike on its fuel consumption?
One of my excuses to upgrade :shifty:

[bladerider97]

I think you would find that any of the bikes listed would be brilliant bike for road use, So it comes down to looks, price & what rocks your boat.

But being a fireblade owner it did bring a smile to my face, as they have been getting a bit of shit about being to sensible (by comparison) in the last few years.

[avgas]

Thats what happens when you put a jockey sized homo on a bike:lol:

[young1]

Is the Duc 1098S the fastest, isnt there an R model?

[Sanx]

so what does the new CBR actually put out?



Dont worry, i googled it, its 130.7kw.
if you wanna know more about the new cbr go to this site http://www.hondaitalia.com/moto/uff_stampa/pres_modelli/2008/cbr1000rr/CBR1000RR_Fireblade_ebrochure/index.html

This will be power at the crank, and therefore not comparable with the figures for the other bikes, as they were measured on the same dyno on the same day with the same temperature and atmospheric conditions.

The graph would tend to indicate the true figure was around the 127kW mark, but the graph's not all that easy to read accurately.

[raftn]

Interesting is'nt it, when the KTM hit the road before being ridden amongst the others it was the best thing since sliced bread....
These tests while they are interesting and fun and all don't mean squat to the average rider that's actually buying the bikes, yes there maybe a hand full of people out there that tell the differences between these bike and be able to exploit it on the road but you would have to argue the road is not the place to be riding that hard.
As it's been for sometime now take tests like these with a grain of salt and enjoy your riding on whatever it maybe. In other words, buy your favorite bike, not what someone else thinks.

I agree with your comments whole heartdly, the average person would not even be able to tell the difference between most of the bikes, and even newer models. Just because a bike is 2 kgs lighter and has 3 more BHp it is so much better than the bike previous. At times i think these journalist have to justify there existance some how. All that said it was an interesting read. But find the bike you like and love and that is all that matters. Unless you are on a track there is a limit that you can ride a bike at on the road.:scooter:

[bladerider97]

Is the Duc 1098S the fastest, isnt there an R model?

The R model is quicker and would more than likey clean up this test, but it is more of a race replica than an everyday sportsbike. And the price puts it out of most peoples league. Not sure of a NZ price but based on the overseas price it is almost 3 times more expensive than the 1098s which retails here for around $38k

[rocketman1]

I read the results with no surprise.
What to buy???
There are a few major considerations that are as usual missed out in these reviews, and any one who has got their feet on the ground, and has owned a few bikes will tell you. It all comes down to price!!, reliability and resale values.
This is why the Suzuki and the Honda will be the top sellers again & again.
There are those that rightfully will choose European models, just because of status or desire, but will pay for the trip, I have no problem with that.
To me it all comes down to common sense, and experience, if you have been around long enough to have gained some.

[Mort]

I rode the 2008 Blade (I have a 2007 blade). Its definately a step up . Its a fantastic bike.

If I had the cash I'd buy one.... no question. And if I had even more cash would I buy a Duke or a KTM...?

No. I'd still buy the Blade. Its that good.

[scorry]

I rode the 2008 Blade (I have a 2007 blade). Its definately a step up . Its a fantastic bike.

If I had the cash I'd buy one.... no question. And if I had even more cash would I buy a Duke or a KTM...?

No. I'd still buy the Blade. Its that good.

Good to hear from someone that has actually ridden one and loves it.
Might have to try one out myself.

[MD]

I read tonight on another forum from an Aussie that the latest AMCN hit the shops with the 600 AusTest track & road results.
Should I spoil the fun for those that want to read it in the full magazine or not?
I'll check if it's in the shops tomorrow first.

Also the poster said that AMCN have pulled out of Masterbike-hence creating their own home version. Which is a bugger because I don't think any other magazine on sale here covers it?
EDIT- just re-read the article and they do say "say goodbye to masterbike..."

[humphrt]

Oh post the 600 test too.
Sometimes i think that the litre beasts are just way too much for the road, i mean who out there can actually push a litre bike to the limit on the road, they is all fuckin mad :devil2:

Well i guess thats the appeal...:headbang:

[Sanx]

Looks like I might have to go to the servo at lunchtime then...

[Damantis]

$21,995 off trade me

Shit, If I had 22k to spend on a bike, I'd get a 3-5yr old cbr and customise it to suit. . . then spend the rest insuring it for the next 3 years:D:D, . . . and buy a crate of irish whiskey!!!:2thumbsup
, But that's just me. :beer: