2009 r1...

[madbikeboy]

I've been repeatedly looking at the R1 as an alternative to the GSXR1000 K8 / GSXR750 K8, and carefully thinking about which to buy for some time.

The 2008 R1 is a stunning piece.

So, given that the R1 from this year is stunning, why on earth did they make it look cross-eyed this year. Tacky looking frame, stupid headlight arrangement, ugly assed exhaust... The only thing going for it is the big bang firing order...

The Fireblade is awesome, but butt ugly.

I'm never going to buy a ZX10R, but it sure is pretty in comparison to the ugly trolls of Honda and Yamaha...

Who the fuck signs off on these designs?

[raftn]

I've been repeatedly looking at the R1 as an alternative to the GSXR1000 K8 / GSXR750 K8, and carefully thinking about which to buy for some time.

The 2008 R1 is a stunning piece.

So, given that the R1 from this year is stunning, why on earth did they make it look cross-eyed this year. Tacky looking frame, stupid headlight arrangement, ugly assed exhaust... The only thing going for it is the big bang firing order...

The Fireblade is awesome, but butt ugly.

I'm never going to buy a ZX10R, but it sure is pretty in comparison to the ugly trolls of Honda and Yamaha...

Who the fuck signs off on these designs?


Have to agree with you there, some times i am left wondering what the hell they were thinking. Although the blade is growing on me, but as for the other not so sure.

[James Deuce]

How can you (clooective "you" there - please don't take it personally) even look at the '09 R1 and regard it as attractive? The '04 R1 marked a definite positive change in quality and styling from a Japanese manufacturer, which they've progressively ruined as time has gone on. Things like headlights that are merged beautifully into the lines of the nose fairing, and underseat exhausts and mufflers that blend with the surrounding bodywork to make design statement as a whole have turned into bloated parodies, while a cleverly minimalist fairing over the top of beautifully finished engine and frame components look like slats of plastic stuck on the outside of a furnace. That swingarm makes me want to vomit.

The Honda looks like a quality piece of kit, for mature people (not necessarily age related) with taste that extends past loud graphics and sparkly paint. The R1 looks like a bitsa made by Kevin and his mates after one giant doobie too many, and painted by Roger with a spray bomb quirted through a piece of cheesecloth.

<img src=http://www.bikez.com/pictures/yamaha/2004/21125_0_1_2_yzf-r1_Image%20credits%20-%20Yamaha.jpg> <img src=http://www.33rebels.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/04/2008-yamaha-yzf-r1-web-1.gif>

Suzuki have made the same mistakes with next year's GSXR750.

1. Melted fairing? Check!
2. Oddly styled tailpiece? Check!
3. Slightly more bulbous headlights? Check!
4. Made no effort whatsoever to style the "mandated ugly" Euro 4 compliant muffler? Double freaking check!

<img src=http://www.motorcyclists-online.com/moto-essais-articles/images/illus/2008SuzukiGSXR750rev_01.jpg>

I'd take the 07 any day

<img src=http://www.hardchargerracing.net/cmsAdmin/uploads/GSXR750K6BLK01A.jpg>

I know you don't look at the mantelpiece whilst stoking the fire. So that makes this:
<img src=http://www.rubbermag.com/news/0707/imgs/070709_buella.jpg>
functionally superior to any of the other bikes I've posted pictures of, simply because every piece of design on that bike is designed with superior function in mind. It's designed to be ridden by a much larger array of people than any of the other bikes listed, and as a consequence I can confirm that it works and works well, as I got to spend a couple of hours with one.

[ckai]

I didn't know what you guys were talking about with regards to the '09 ugly factor. I remember that the '08 was a reasonably nice looking bike so thought you guys were probably being a little harsh. No one could ruin something like that (although Subaru did a pretty good job several years ago - sorry, cage reference).

Sooooo, I went interweb trawling. Found a lovely 360 degree view, look alright from the side. Nothing that bad. Spun around to the front...


I feel a little light headed... stomach churning...acid feeling in throat...

Maybe if I tilt my head a little...oh...my...that's no help at all. It's like some jailhouse bandit gave it a "who's your daddy" and it was a little more than it could handle.

[R6_kid]

FWIW the 08 ZX10R and CBR1000RR are nice looking bikes once the standard road crap is removed.

[Qkchk]

FWIW the 08 ZX10R and CBR1000RR are nice looking bikes once the standard road crap is removed.

Still, the CBR1000 lookes like a 'parked up against a wall to do a burnout' gone wrong. Similar to chasing parked buses..

[BIGBOSSMAN]

FWIW the 08 ZX10R and CBR1000RR are nice looking bikes once the standard road crap is removed.

Here here, how about this ZX10R?



Oh yeah, it's for sale :(

[slofox]

Here here, how about this ZX10R?

http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/album.php?albumid=255&pictureid=9392

Oh yeah, it's for sale :(

It's cack green too.......

[BIGBOSSMAN]

It's cack green too.......

Better than your 'tractor red'...

[wbks]

Why the hell would you be so assured you wouldn't buy a zx10r?
Btw the '04 R1 is way better looking but the '09 isn't that bad looking IMO, still looks alright.

[prettybillie]

I've been repeatedly looking at the R1 as an alternative to the GSXR1000 K8 / GSXR750 K8, and carefully thinking about which to buy for some time.

The 2008 R1 is a stunning piece.

You traitor - your marriage proposal is declined! mwahahahahaha

[Gremlin]

You want an RC8 with akra system...

Your bank manager will love you long time, but at least it looks good...

[NZsarge]

It's a given these days that the cans will need binning and it would be fair to say this wont ever be known as the best looking R1 in history but wait until you see one in the flesh, I think at least it would be a bike that would be a conversation starter.
I reckon the '04-'06 was the best looking and one of the best looking bikes ever and next best would be the '07-'08. I don't reckon there's been a crook looking R1 yet.

[SixPackBack]

It's a given these days that the cans will need binning and it would be fair to say this wont ever be known as the best looking R1 in history but wait until you see one in the flesh, I think at least it would be a bike that would be a conversation starter.
I reckon the '04-'06 was the best looking and one of the best looking bikes ever and next best would be the '07-'08. I don't reckon there's been a crook looking R1 yet.

The R1 09 looks no better in the metal, particularly that fat ass:crazy:

[Coyote]

The '09 R1 is a brilliant looking bike. Shut the fuck up.

[NZsarge]

The R1 09 looks no better in the metal, particularly that fat ass:crazy:

All due respect mate, i'll think i'll leave it 'till I see it myself.
But the cans have to go that's for sure, nice slim set of Akra's or Arrow's would be a big improvement I reckon.

[James Deuce]

All due respect mate, i'll think i'll leave it 'till I see it myself.
But the cans have to go that's for sure, nice slim set of Akra's or Arrow's would be a big improvement I reckon.

I'll try and dig out the picture I've got of an 09 with the GTYRs on. Looks fekking horrible. Why? Because they dangle out in space. They don't look part of the bike, they look like a tacky add on.

[SixPackBack]

Piccies:cool:

[pritch]

Some of the earlier R1s are some of the best looking bikes ever.
While the new one with the "crossplane" crank may not be as pretty there must be a certain kudos if you were the first kid on the block to have one...

I just hope the journalists don't whinge about vibration. There is a balancer shaft but there may be more vibes than in a normal UJM.

More power to Yamaha for having the guts to try something different.

[slowpoke]

I know you don't look at the mantelpiece whilst stoking the fire. So that makes this:
<img src=http://www.rubbermag.com/news/0707/imgs/070709_buella.jpg>
functionally superior to any of the other bikes I've posted pictures of, simply because every piece of design on that bike is designed with superior function in mind*coughbullshit!cough*. It's designed to be ridden by a much larger array of people than any of the other bikes listed, and as a consequence I can confirm that it works and works well, as I got to spend a couple of hours with one.

Eric Buell may be a clever fucker but he's got the aesthetic's IQ of a Maths Professor: all socks and sandals, stripes with paisley and no bloody idea. The old XB12R was a good looking bit of kit but this is just hideous. You mightn't have to look at it while you are riding it but you still have to approach it at some stage and I couldn't do it without walking backwards lest my eyes light upon it and I'd feel inclined to dig them out of my head with a spoon. Or only ever ride pre-dawn after removing the light in the shed so you don't accidently turn it on.

He's too concerned with looking and being different rather than doing what works. He may think outside the square as far as Jappa's etc are concerned but he seems equally trapped in his own self-designed square. Of course if you like socks and sandals, stripes with paisley etc have I got a bike for you.....!

Aaaaaaah, that's better, rant over.

Oh yeah, 04-06 R1 for best lookin' R1 ever, 09 for worst. Instead of looking svelte and stylish the 09 just looks tacky, like a Korean design team has taken over where an Italian one left off.

[limbimtimwim]

Just get a 1098 and shut up.

[James Deuce]

Bigoted rant that I'm not allowed to do with Ducati, Benelli, MV, or and other over rated Italian "icon" that isn't only ugly it's also hideously impractical, over. (Not realy SP's rant I know, but you get the point)

Oh yeah, 04-06 R1 for best lookin' R1 ever, 09 for worst. Instead of looking svelte and stylish the 09 just looks tacky, like a Korean design team has taken over where an Italian one left off.

Ride it. Then it makes sense. Standing round looking at it misses the point, as I'm sure it does with the R1. The Aesthetics aren't visual aesthetics on the 1125R. They're entirely engineering oriented. Vastly more important aesthetics than making a bike attractive to a hairdresser. You simply shouldn't let engineers have free rein because this is what they'll do. Design something that is about mass centralisation, aerodynamics, handling, and full noise drive. It will also have superb ergonomics. Pure design sometimes gets in the way of that last bit.

I haven't ridden a sportsbike since my RC30 that didn't need significant body english to make it handle nicely. Like the RC30 the Buell can be ridden however you want to. Sit in the seat, hang off, doesn't matter. It'll still wrinkle tarmac and torture tyres without running wide. Quite nice that last bit. Neutral big throttle opening handling is quite desirable in my book.

The CR looks like a cross between a Firebolt, Pamela Anderson's boobs and the Predator's helmet, but still somehow looks menacing.

I agree with your last paragraph with one caveat. The '06 headlights were all wrong and started the R1 on the road to looking cheap and tawdry. IMO of course. Not that it matters.

[DMNTD]

Oh well...I've decided that I'll be grabbing a black '09 but obviously I'll play with it somewhat in order to make it aesthetically acceptable.

[wbks]

Just get a 1098 and shut up.Vtwins are ghey...But it's looks almost make up for the engine configuration to touch et

[DMNTD]

Vtwins are ghey...But it's looks almost make up for the engine configuration to touch et

LOL!!!!!!!! Yeah mate...I'd much rather trade mine for yours :yes:

[wbks]

The ZX10? Or the 250? 'Cause I'll take a zx10 over a 1098 any day...

[Forest]

Just get a 1098 and shut up.

The 1098 is so bland, it makes the 999 look good.

I love Ducatis but the 1098 styling is almost entirely forgettable.

[boomer]

The ZX10? Or the 250? 'Cause I'll take a zx10 over a 1098 any day...


That just proves your ignorance.

[wbks]

Haha...Ignorance over bike tastes? lol Put me in the special class, I don't like ducati

[boomer]

Haha...Ignorance over bike tastes? lol Put me in the special class, I don't like ducati


You're obviously a superficial sorta guy.. i don't need to say any more.

[wbks]

Haha so superficial I would prefer a mint modded rg500 over a brand new bike... But anyway. I kinda thought calling someone ignorant because of bike taste is an oxymoron

[AllanB]

Weird - I was just thinking today that the current and upcoming set of ultra sports bikes are leaving me dead and totally uninterested. Maybe I'm getting old but a Lotto win would not see any of them in my shed.

Part of the motorcycle appeal to me is its physical stance - now my personal 'like' may well be your dislike but it if does not have that 'look' or the potential to easily alter it to obtain 'my look' then my money (restricted as it is) is not going down. No matter how fast, nimble etc the reviewers claim it to be.

AS for the 1125 Buell - its radiators look like a fat woman in a tight bra - far too much slopping out over the straps.

[naphazoline]

I've been repeatedly looking at the R1 as an alternative to the GSXR1000 K8 / GSXR750 K8, and carefully thinking about which to buy for some time.

The 2008 R1 is a stunning piece.

So, given that the R1 from this year is stunning, why on earth did they make it look cross-eyed this year. Tacky looking frame, stupid headlight arrangement, ugly assed exhaust... The only thing going for it is the big bang firing order...

The Fireblade is awesome, but butt ugly.

I'm never going to buy a ZX10R, but it sure is pretty in comparison to the ugly trolls of Honda and Yamaha...

Who the fuck signs off on these designs?

i agree 'bout the ugly thing,but from all accounts,that new blade sounds like a hard act to better.

when i heard about the "big bang" r1,i checked out a few articles on it.what they had to say, in an aussie sports bike shoot out,left me a bit turned off.
which was a bummer,as i really wanted it to beat the rest,especially after i heard that engine.:cool:

5 out of 12 test riders set their best laps on the new blade.the next best bike was the gixxer 1k.and only two set their best laps on that.
all of them agreed,that the blade was the best on the road.

it seems to me,that more and more sports bike manufacturers,aren't paying enough attention to styling,but i think if i had the chance to ride/own one of the uglies,that i'd soon find it in my heart to live with their looks :2thumbsup

anyone got an ugly they don't want?:drool: :lol:

[slowpoke]

Ride it. Then it makes sense. Standing round looking at it misses the point, as I'm sure it does with the R1. The Aesthetics aren't visual aesthetics on the 1125R. They're entirely engineering oriented. Vastly more important aesthetics than making a bike attractive to a hairdresser. You simply shouldn't let engineers have free rein because this is what they'll do. Design something that is about mass centralisation, aerodynamics, handling, and full noise drive. It will also have superb ergonomics. Pure design sometimes gets in the way of that last bit.

I haven't ridden a sportsbike since my RC30 that didn't need significant body english to make it handle nicely. Like the RC30 the Buell can be ridden however you want to. Sit in the seat, hang off, doesn't matter. It'll still wrinkle tarmac and torture tyres without running wide. Quite nice that last bit. Neutral big throttle opening handling is quite desirable in my book.

The CR looks like a cross between a Firebolt, Pamela Anderson's boobs and the Predator's helmet, but still somehow looks menacing.

I agree with your last paragraph with one caveat. The '06 headlights were all wrong and started the R1 on the road to looking cheap and tawdry. IMO of course. Not that it matters.

Ooooooh you had to mention the RC30 didnt you? Impractical or not I'd take one in a flash over virtually any current bike.

Maybe you had to go to Korea to understand my reference regarding styling. When I was there you could get these shrunk down "copies" of R1's and GSXR's complete with 125/250 engines, twin shocks and steel frames painted to look like alloy. Obvious copies of iconic Japanese sportsbikes but wrong on so many levels.

Don't get me wrong I love clever engineering as much as you do but I actually get the feeling the Buell has been over-engineered. Your RC30 had a purity of design and purpose that this seems to lack, rather than each component doing one thing and doing it well he has each component doing two jobs and each of them compromises the other.

I hear you on the overrated Italian stuff too. I've done the no-lock low speed paddle at gas stations on my 916SP, and dropped the fucker when the revenue raising spring loaded side stand flicked up, and looked down at my trembling clutch hand forearm after being caught in Perth's rush hour traffic etc etc. I'm glad I experienced it but I wouldn't go there again, not at that money anyway.

[BIGBOSSMAN]

i agree 'bout the ugly thing,but from all accounts,that new blade sounds like a hard act to better.

when i heard about the "big bang" r1,i checked out a few articles on it.what they had to say, in an aussie sports bike shoot out,left me a bit turned off.
which was a bummer,as i really wanted it to beat the rest,especially after i heard that engine.:cool:

5 out of 12 test riders set their best laps on the new blade.the next best bike was the gixxer 1k.and only two set their best laps on that.
all of them agreed,that the blade was the best on the road.

it seems to me,that more and more sports bike manufacturers,aren't paying enough attention to styling,but i think if i had the chance to ride/own one of the uglies,that i'd soon find it in my heart to live with their looks :2thumbsup

anyone got an ugly they don't want?:drool: :lol:

Dude, the 09 R1 hasn't been released to journalists yet - those articles feature the 08 R1. Still pretty good, but the revised motor/frame geometry and other fruit on the 09 should make it more than competitive.
On the track, of course...

[naphazoline]

Dude, the 09 R1 hasn't been released to journalists yet - those articles feature the 08 R1. Still pretty good, but the revised motor/frame geometry and other fruit on the 09 should make it more than competitive.
On the track, of course...


oh....sorry. my bad :o

it's cool if it's competitive on the track,but it would have to be awesome on the road to,if it wants to top some of the other brands.

[Coyote]

We all know I have the nicest looking bike around. Now everyone, please shut the fuck up.

[wbks]

With the sickest paint job nig

[dipshit]

Weird - I was just thinking today that the current and upcoming set of ultra sports bikes are leaving me dead and totally uninterested. Maybe I'm getting old but a Lotto win would not see any of them in my shed.

You guys think you have problems. Should have tried being into bikes in the early 90s when bikes went through their ugly, fat and plastic stage...

http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=100160&d=1215806816

http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=100159&d=1215806816

http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=100158&d=1215806816

http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=100157&d=1215806816

The 09 R1 is sex on wheels in comparison.

[BIGBOSSMAN]

oh....sorry. my bad :o

it's cool if it's competitive on the track,but it would have to be awesome on the road to,if it wants to top some of the other brands.

No worries, to be fair I wasn't exactly rapturous when the '08 ZX10R was released but with a couple of mods it's a stunning looking motorcycle and great to ride.
Slap the Akrapovics on the new R1 and it'll be a real looker I bet.
My next bike? Hmmm

[DMNTD]

No worries, to be fair I wasn't exactly rapturous when the '08 ZX10R was released but with a couple of mods it's a stunning looking motorcycle and great to ride.
Slap the Akrapovics on the new R1 and it'll be a real looker I bet.
My next bike? Hmmm

I reckon I'll be going for another shorty out the side again :apint:

[AllanB]

You guys think you have problems. Should have tried being into bikes in the early 90s when bikes went through their ugly, fat and plastic stage..

I hear you there - I kept my 1980's bike throught that period!

There was the whole day glow and pink graphics stage too .....shudder.

[nudemetalz]

Well I spent a weekend on the Guzzi Griso 8V and that looks awesome. Not too overstated. The styling flows from the front to the back with everything working well together (well maybe that indicator switch is an exception...).
The latest Japanese superbikes just seem to only get slight differences in the styling from year to year, with nothing major happening.
Where's the leading link front end, or fluid drive or 2 wheel drive or......

Okay,...so I like Guzzi's...let me have it !!!!!:weird::rolleyes:

[BIGBOSSMAN]

I reckon I'll be going for another shorty out the side again :apint:

This would look totally horn

http://paddocktalk.com/news/html/modules/ew_filemanager/08content/motogp/fiatyamaha/launch/motogp-yamaha-fiat-rear-453.jpg

[NZsarge]

I'll try and dig out the picture I've got of an 09 with the GTYRs on. Looks fekking horrible. Why? Because they dangle out in space. They don't look part of the bike, they look like a tacky add on.
The Akra's look ok.. The thing I dont like about the new 'Blade is it's all too monoform and it's just ended up looking bland and boring.

Piccies:cool:
Akra's look sweet to me.

I reckon I'll be going for another shorty out the side again :apint:

Yeah that'd nice too.

[naphazoline]

I reckon I'll be going for another shorty out the side again :apint:


i was thinking of doing that to my blade.(06)

i don't suppose you'd know where i could get some info on this,or even some pic's of the same model blade with a shorty out the side?
id like to see what it looks like first,and what the tail looks like,before i decide to go for a side job.

[prettybillie]

Just get a 1098 and shut up.

Stay with the GSXR!!! I'll beg!!!!

["D" FZ1]

We had a pre production 09 YZF-R1 on our stand at Big Boys Toys. They look cool in the flesh and when you fire it up thats a whole different story.

[vifferman]

Stay with the GSXR!!! I'll beg!!!!
Sounds like you're negotiating from a position of weakness there! :confused:
Go back and edit your post to say summat like, "Stay with the GSXR, or you're in big trouble, Mister! :nono:"

[limbimtimwim]

The 1098 is so bland, it makes the 999 look good.
I love Ducatis but the 1098 styling is almost entirely forgettable.Indeed, I agree.

But he want something different, so I offer the 1098.

The poor guy is basically saying "I'm looking for something different, but I'm only going to look at inline 4 japanese sports bikes".

Which are, of course, the best* you can get. But he wants different.

Maybe that 4 cylinder BMW proper sports bike thingy is the answer..?

*Best is what? No one knows.

[imdying]

The latest Japanese superbikes just seem to only get slight differences in the styling from year to year, with nothing major happening.Have you seen the new blade?


Where's the leading link front end, or fluid drive or 2 wheel drive or......That same could be asked of Motoguzzi...

[nudemetalz]

Hey,..they've now moved to 4-valve heads (if not quite OHC) !!!!
Now that is MAJOR !!!! :gob:

[madbikeboy]

Stay with the GSXR!!! I'll beg!!!!

I'll always keep at least one GSXR... :) I got back on Scoot this morning, and felt instantly at home on her. Everything is in the correct place, and she's dialled in so perfectly. I take liberties knowing that she will protect me from myself.

[madbikeboy]

Sounds like you're negotiating from a position of weakness there! :confused:
Go back and edit your post to say summat like, "Stay with the GSXR, or you're in big trouble, Mister! :nono:"

PB is right, I should keep Scoot. She's an evil bitch that leads me astray, she's rasty and loud, expensive and difficult - but I love her so. Scoot, not PB.

[madbikeboy]

Indeed, I agree.

But he want something different, so I offer the 1098.

The poor guy is basically saying "I'm looking for something different, but I'm only going to look at inline 4 japanese sports bikes".

Which are, of course, the best* you can get. But he wants different.

Maybe that 4 cylinder BMW proper sports bike thingy is the answer..?

*Best is what? No one knows.

Okay, I've considered taking the piss. Instead, here's a serious response.

The 999 to me, well, it's more desirable. The 1098 felt like someone took all the design features that everyone wanted, did focus groups, and ended up with something like a 916 modernised. Which is perfect for all the punters who wanted that. I like the 999 better, it's brave. The 1098 is probably the better bike, but it's a focus group process (aka chickenshit).

BMW? I own a BMW car, it's so bland. I'm selling it.

The poor guy is saying:
The K8 GSXR750 is ugly, and the 1000 is physcially smaller. I don't really get on with it.
The FireBlade is a thinking man's bike, but it's kind of sterile, and surely, it is ugly.
The ZX10R is a life insurance policy waiting to happen, I like them in the same way that I think fucking the bosses wife would be neat. Not a long term plan.
The R1, for me the only logical alternative, is ugly.

The RC8 is too expensive, and the fueling sucks.
The SuperDukeR is better than sex, but I'd last minutes on it before losing my licence and I can't add a bag for carrying the lappie (necessity)
The Speed Triple is great, haven't ridden the new R, but it's down on real power.

I'm not interested in a Cruiser, Harley, Buell - just too slow.

I don't want a mid life crisis, and touring bores the shit out me.

I have an old bike (CBX), I have a race bike (k5 600), and I like the thrill of a litre (oddly, orange juice comes in a litre pack as well, and it's not that much fun until you mix it with Vodka).

Can you see the logic?

[scracha]

Current styling sucks the big one. Bring back the geniuses who came up with ZX7's, exup 1000's and urban tiger fireblades. When they build a bike sexier than a 748 I'll be first in the queue to buy one.

[NZsarge]

Okay, I've considered taking the piss. Instead, here's a serious response.


The R1, for me the only logical alternative.


R1 it is then. :niceone:

[naphazoline]

Current styling sucks the big one. Bring back the geniuses who came up with ZX7's, exup 1000's and urban tiger fireblades. When they build a bike sexier than a 748 I'll be first in the queue to buy one.

i'm afraid as long as there's wind tunnel testing,that the chances are,they're all going to get doused in a cup of ugly :crazy: (sports bikes at least)

[madbikeboy]

R1 it is then. :niceone:

well, yes, but the new one is uglier than a Racist with a sneer.

[slowpoke]

i'm afraid as long as there's wind tunnel testing,that the chances are,they're all going to get doused in a cup of ugly :crazy: (sports bikes at least)

Apart from looking at cooling/airbox intakes etc wind tunnels are pretty much unemployed when it comes to sports bike design......thank god too, otherwise we'd all be riding around on Hayabusa derivatives. Those things are the motorcycling equivalent of Helen Clarke in her hey day: lots of power but physically painful to look at.

[noobi]

You could cross breed two or three bikes with ideal characteristics together to get one bike with all the idea traits and few or none of the horrible traits?

:buggerd:

[naphazoline]

Apart from looking at cooling/airbox intakes etc wind tunnels are pretty much unemployed when it comes to sports bike design......

i read somewhere,that's how some of the modern sports bikes got their cut down side farings from. ( the new blade might have been one of them,but i can't remember)

if you ask me,the side view is the worst thing about the new blade,and a couple of the others too.

[NZsarge]

R1 it is then. :niceone:


well, yes, but the new one is uglier than a Racist with a sneer.

Don't forget, sometimes ugly is cool.
I'm still leaving my final opinion on it until I see one in the flesh etc....

[R6_kid]

You could cross breed two or three bikes with ideal characteristics together to get one bike with all the idea traits and few or none of the horrible traits?

:buggerd:

I think they call that a Honda.

[noobi]

I think they call that a Honda.

A bike with everything you would want and nothing you wouldn't

[AlBundy]

The ZX10R is a life insurance policy waiting to happen, I like them in the same way that I think fucking the bosses wife would be neat. Not a long term plan.


Funniest thing I've read today...

[BIGBOSSMAN]

The ZX10R is a life insurance policy waiting to happen, I like them in the same way that I think fucking the bosses wife would be neat.


Funniest thing I've read today...

I've been happily fucking the bosses wife for almost 2 years now with no nasty side-effects or rashes. It's fucking great! :niceone:

[naphazoline]

I think they call that a Honda.

:niceone:
well,it's obviously worked.
the 08 blade beat everything in it's class,to be the sports bike of the year in an aussie mag.(australian motorcycle news)
it was pitted against the 08 models of the;
cbr1krr(1st on track,1st on road)
zx10(6th on track,2nd on road),
r1(3rd on track,6th on road),
gsxr (2nd on track,4th on road),
1098s(5th on track,3rd on road),
ktm rc8(7th on track,7th on road),
mv augusta 312r (4th on track,5th on road).

they were tested on the road and track,and (as the results above show) the blade came first, (convincingly i might add) in both catagories.

glenn allerton's best lap time,at eastern creek,of 1:35:8930,(which was set within an hour of the set up period)was well over a second better then then next closest time of 1:37:0620,which was set on the gixxer.

according to their measured tests,the blade weighs in the lightest of the lot,at 195kg wet,and was first equal in the speed trap ratings,alongside the gsxr,and the mv.
add to this,the fact that it's got similar physical dimensions to a 600,and that 5 out of 12 test riders set their best lap times on it,certainly points to a winning combination.

as for the road test,it was stated to be unanimously voted by all 12 test riders,as, "the best bike,with no doubt in anyones mind". "doing everything well,in all conditions,at all speeds".
"everyone who gets on the honda loves it.this bike lifts the superbike bar on the road"
(their words not mine)

now....just for the record,i'm not a die hard honda fan,(even though i own one,it wasn't my first choice of brand) but i think there's no denying it's a more then capable package.

if i had to make a compromise in the looks department,this bike would most definitely be my 1st choice.
no good having a pretty bike,if you're not happy with it in others areas.

[madbikeboy]

I've been happily fucking the bosses wife for almost 2 years now with no nasty side-effects or rashes. It's fucking great! :niceone:

Sooner or later, if you play, you pay.

[AlBundy]

:niceone:
well,it's obviously worked.
the 08 blade beat everything in it's class

Including shittest oil consumption for any modern motorcycle... First hand experience with Mentalfacility... He's not the only one...

[naphazoline]

Including shittest oil consumption for any modern motorcycle... First hand exerience with Mentalfacility... He's not the only one...

i can't argue with that,(and i don't want to anyway :) )but these guys that test the bikes,didn't just keep them for a day or 2.
they also had 2 of each bike.
now if this oil thing was an issue with all of the 08 RR's,it would have been proven during their testing,and they would run these bikes harder then an average user don't you think?

[AlBundy]

i can't argue with that,(and i don't want to anyway :) )but these guys that test the bikes,didn't just keep them for a day or 2.
they also had 2 of each bike.
now if this oil thing was an issue with all of the 08 RR's,it would have been proven during their testing,and they would run these bikes harder then an average user don't you think?


I don't know many details. A mate has the 07 Blade and was on CBR.net or something and got all his info there. There are a lot of guys with issues. How long it takes to manifest, I don't know... Maybe they'll fix it for 09... One would hope so...

[naphazoline]

I don't know many details. A mate has the 07 Blade and was on CBR.net or something and got all his info there. There are a lot of guys with issues. How long it takes to manifest, I don't know... Maybe they'll fix it for 09... One would hope so...


yeah man...i agree.

if honda's new blade is as good as they say it is,they'd be wise to sort any issues A.S.A.P. if they want to be taken seriously as a credible sports bike contender.

[SPman]

Oh well...I've decided that I'll be grabbing a black '09 but obviously I'll play with it somewhat in order to make it aesthetically acceptable.
Like - run over it with a roller !

They look worse in the flesh than in the photo!!!
I prefer the 98 Red and white model.....

[BIGBOSSMAN]

Including shittest oil consumption for any modern motorcycle... First hand exerience with Mentalfacility... He's not the only one...

Poor guy's been through the wringer with his '08 Blade, he's on his second one now so hopefully things have been sorted out.
They're nice bikes, but there are grumblings from afar regarding the oil usage. I think Mental's one was using half a litre per month!
As for the Ninja, well its been terrific - no issues whatsoever.
To be honest I don't know why they're regarded as such a widowmaker, my old RG500 was an asshole of a machine in comparison with its lightswitch powerband and next to useless 130 section rear tyre.
The ZX10R is just another insanely powerful 1000cc motorcycle, use your cranium while riding and it won't spit you off :Punk:

[R6_kid]

The ZX10R is just another insanely powerful 1000cc motorcycle, use your cranium while riding and it won't spit you off :Punk:

From reading most of MBB's ramblings I am yet to be shown that he understands this idea.

[Gremlin]

From reading most of MBB's ramblings I am yet to be shown that he understands this idea.
not very many do at all... normally it takes a crash course *snigger* to understand

[Nutter34]

The ZX10R is just another insanely powerful 1000cc motorcycle, use your cranium while riding and it won't spit you off :Punk:

I agree, though I only have the 06... Still, it's all about controlling the wrist action...

[MentalFacility]

Poor guy's been through the wringer with his '08 Blade, he's on his second one now so hopefully things have been sorted out.
They're nice bikes, but there are grumblings from afar regarding the oil usage. I think Mental's one was using half a litre per month!
As for the Ninja, well its been terrific - no issues whatsoever.
To be honest I don't know why they're regarded as such a widowmaker, my old RG500 was an asshole of a machine in comparison with its lightswitch powerband and next to useless 130 section rear tyre.
The ZX10R is just another insanely powerful 1000cc motorcycle, use your cranium while riding and it won't spit you off :Punk:

Yeah I’m on my second bike, on 2k now, oil level seems to be good. No shit on the exhaust either.
Also, do u remember how i was complaining about vibrations? That was coming from the engine, and since 2 cylinders didn’t work properly, it sent the whole engine balance shaft out of cycle.

The new bike is awesome, except for the bit when it got CRASHED..

Well I had some real BS with the blade, but if u are lucky to get the one with no trouble, it would probably be the best bike you’ve ever ridden.

[BIGBOSSMAN]

Well I had some real BS with the blade, but if u are lucky to get the one with no trouble, it would probably be the best bike you’ve ever ridden.

For those unlucky enough NOT to have ridden the Ninja of course...

[MentalFacility]

For those unlucky enough NOT to have ridden the Ninja of course...

Wonna swap bikes for a short ride?

[BIGBOSSMAN]

Wonna swap bikes for a short ride?

Why not? I mat be out on the weekend for a fang up north (pssst don't tell the cops!).
Sunday is looking like a better day, let's txt each other.

Ridin' time again!!

[MentalFacility]

Why not? I mat be out on the weekend for a fang up north (pssst don't tell the cops!).
Sunday is looking like a better day, let's txt each other.

Ridin' time again!!

Ill try to save some petrol money. Its bloody christmas that takes so much spending

[AlBundy]

Found on another litre bike site...

Vid of 09 R1... Sounds good...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qkMRDyMTCgw&eurl=http://zx-10r.net/forum/showthread.php?t=67983

[madbikeboy]

From reading most of MBB's ramblings I am yet to be shown that he understands this idea.

MBB, in his senile dementia like state with drooling and rambling, understands what it's like to live with bikes that want to spit you down the road - I've owned strokers, and evil bitches that really were trying to kill me for laughs, and I'm old enough to have seen enough bikes come and go with names like Widowmakers...

Now that I'm a little older and perhaps slightly wiser, I want a bike that has high limits, but when that limit is approached, the bike gives some warning of the impending hospital stay.

The GSXR's, and perhaps even more, the CBR's, have always been good for this, they tend to have a softer edge. The ZX10R has felt to me to have a much narrower edge to the limit, and it's easier to fall into the abyss. Maybe it's feedback, which both the CBR's and the GSXR's do well.

It's interesting to note, that the test ZX10R at SuperBike magazine has been swapped more times than a date at a police party. Wickedly fast bike, no mistake, but not for me.

Keep this in perspective, most of the litre bikes now have more power than Mick Doohan had to play with - and I can assure you he's a better rider on his worst day than I will ever be...

[Paulus]

Early days for the new R1 in WSBK testing but it looks like it has some speed:

http://www.mcnews.com.au/NewsArchives/2008/December/World_SBK_Test_Kyalami.htm

[limbimtimwim]

The 999 to me, well, it's more desirable. The 1098 felt like someone took all the design features that everyone wanted, did focus groups, and ended up with something like a 916 modernised. Which is perfect for all the punters who wanted that. I like the 999 better, it's brave. The 1098 is probably the better bike, but it's a focus group process (aka chickenshit).Totally agree. Right now I own a 999. It's a little bent. And if it gets written off, I want another one. It's an utterly superb bike to ride on the road. The 1098 is a better bike though. Nimble like I couldn't believe. Actually the only 1098 I've ridden was a 1098R, I have no idea what the normal ones are like.
<snippy> Can you see the logic?Had a go on an RSV-R? Don't like the looks much, but it's all wheelies and enthusiasm.