Rode a ZX12, CBR1000... next a ZX10 and a Busa

Shifty · Post by **Shifty** » Thu Jan 12, 2006 2:44 pm

Wasn't feeling up to work today, but after a while I felt a little better so I decided to go out for a look at a few bike shops as I'm toying with trading up from the VTR (before anyone says it's too soon... I've done over 12,000km on it already).

Firstly let me start by saying that I will not be buying an R1. They weren't particularly high on my list anyway but I wanted to ride one to see if it was a genuine option I had discounted unfairly. Being quite honest and up-front with the sales guy I said I wasn't looking to buy a bike on-the-spot but was instead trying to narrow down my list of possibles and wanted to see if the R1 fit the bill.

As soon as he heard he couldn't sell me a bike on-the-spot the discussion was over, but he said very kindly that when I was ready to buy he was happy to talk numbers and then let me ride one. So how is it that I'm supposed to decide what I want, before buying it, if I'm not allowed to ride it? And what makes them think I'll come back and buy a bike off someone that's been so "helpful" in reaching the decision. Thank you, Yamaha, I'll spend my money elsewhere.

Earlier in the day, I had been at a Honda dealer and spotted a few bikes that took my interest (and many, many more that didn't!). The short list came down to the FZ1, ZX12R and the CBR1000. The FZ1 was cut from the list as it is a little bit 'old man' and is also due for a major update shortly which means the arse will fall out of the prices soon enough.... and I'd rather not be on any such boat when it sinks.

The sales guy was very helpful and did not pressure me unnecessarily (despite an overuse of my name once every 30 seconds), and with all truth told I was shortly out for a ride on the ZX12R with him leading on the CBR1000.

Ho-ly shit. The ZX12R is great, and what a doddle to ride! It's lazy, light, steers quick and is well behaved. In short, it's the complete opposite of the 'bad boy' feedback received from my lightly-fettled VTR. Possibly my two biggest complaints are the seat height (more a combination of seat height and a wide bike meaning that at 5'7" I was tiptoeing a little) and the fact that it feels slow. The only real indication that it's accelerating at all would be the rocketing speedo needle and the ever-so-slight lightening of the front wheel. I could absolutely live with one of these things and it's by no means the demon I was imagining. The brakes were great (late model with radial mounts) too, and the suspension brilliant for someone of my weight with a bit of extra adjustment left just in case.

So, we finished the loop back to the shop and swapped bikes. The CBR is much-maligned for being the most 'pedestrian' bike in the ultra-uber-super-duper-mega-psychobike category but I must say I really enjoyed it and it would be a great step up for anyone coming from a 600. To say that it shits all over the 636 in every aspect is a complete understatement, with heaps of urge down low and good acceleration in the top end... though as with the 636 the tight short bars meant that any natural agility was masked through the extra effort needed to get it to turn (compared to the ZX12 which was far more willing).

Probably my biggest disappointment is that neither bike was anywhere near the 'arm pulling' sensation I'd expected, although perhaps with some up-close scenery or other reference point (perhaps a slow moving 636?) the feeling of speed might be more impressive. The ZX10R & Hayabusa are next on my 'test ride' list but I've had difficulty finding one where the dealer will let me ride it without all but signing my life away.

MickLC · Post by **MickLC** » Thu Jan 12, 2006 2:48 pm

The Hyabusa will be a dissappointment if you're after arm-wrenching acceleration......but wait till you ride the ZX10R :twisted:

Shifty · Post by **Shifty** » Thu Jan 12, 2006 3:03 pm

I don't know, I just expected more... remember how fast your first 'big' bike felt? The step from 30hp to 80hp was a real thrill, so I was hoping the step from my current 110hp to 170hp would have been something similar.

Perhaps just such a good package that it copes with the extra acceleration so well, I suppose it's not really reason for complaint but it's definitely less exciting than the similar rate of acceleration provided by the CBR1000.

As far as the ZX10R goes I've heard they're a handful, I'll know when I ride one if it adds to the fun factor or if it's too much of a good thing.

Stereo · Post by **Stereo** » Thu Jan 12, 2006 3:13 pm

VTR1000 - because Kawasaki don't make a sports twin! and neither do honda LOL

chameleon · Post by **chameleon** » Thu Jan 12, 2006 3:44 pm

Shifty wrote:Probably my biggest disappointment is that neither bike was anywhere near the 'arm pulling' sensation I'd expected, although perhaps with some up-close scenery or other reference point (perhaps a slow moving 636?) the feeling of speed might be more impressive.

I've only been on my 1100 for a few days but I have noticed one thing. At around 6000rpm the engine "really" starts to pull. :twisted:

But it could just be my imagination.. Did you get a chance to wind that 12R out with the bike shop guy riding shotgun in front of you?

HemiDuty · Post by **HemiDuty** » Thu Jan 12, 2006 4:23 pm

You really should try to get someone to let you ride an R1 Shifty, just so you know what they are like.

But yeah in the end get the 10. You know you will love it....

Shifty · Post by **Shifty** » Thu Jan 12, 2006 6:01 pm

VTR1000 - because Kawasaki don't make a sports twin! and neither do honda LOL

Actually I'd love nothing more than an SP2 - and I'm sure a lot of people would agree - but it's just not a practical bike... what with the most expensive price tag of any jap bike and fuel range lucky to touch 160km!

I'm in no hurry to change bikes as I love the Firestorm, but having had it for a while there are a few things that I would like to change and it is just not economical to do so (spending $4000 in modifications on a $10000 bike hardly seems sensible), for that money I could put myself on something that is better to begin with.

I've only been on my 1100 for a few days but I have noticed one thing. At around 6000rpm the engine "really" starts to pull. But it could just be my imagination.. Did you get a chance to wind that 12R out with the bike shop guy riding shotgun in front of you?

Being on a Kawasaki site I can only assume you're referring to a ZRX1100. Not a bad little bike but as with the ZX12R I found that the acceleration was disappointing, particularly so on the ZRX. Today the ZX12R was in the optimum power band more than a few times, but just didn't go as hard as I'd expected.

Perhaps I'm one of those people that end up turbocharging a Hayabusa?

You really should try to get someone to let you ride an R1 Shifty, just so you know what they are like.

But yeah in the end get the 10. You know you will love it....

I already did try

But yeah I will have a bash on each of the litre-class bikes and see how I like them, just a matter of time & wrangling.

The 10 and the Hayabusa I've both wanted ever since the day they were released, so I'd say its natural I'll gravitate to one of those.. though the 12 really has shaken up the system.

Barrabob · Post by **Barrabob** » Thu Jan 12, 2006 6:13 pm

If the 12r doesnt go hard enough for you shifty your in trouble, try replacing the back protecter with a parachute.

Just need the turbo kit from alex at lae he has a project 12 with turbo and nitrous and watched a video where it put out 265hp and he seems to think it needs bigger injectors.

Lucas · Post by **Lucas** » Thu Jan 12, 2006 6:39 pm

Mick C wrote:The Hyabusa will be a dissappointment if you're after arm-wrenching acceleration......but wait till you ride the ZX10R

Mick your just bias
My mates got a 2000 Busa ......... ok so there all the same
this the unrestricted model with the 360kph speedo
It's been tuned by Balls ............... it really starts to boogie around 6500-7500 ......... mate when you pick up the front on one of these you just go ........FARK

but have to admit ........ the 10R is the go ........... Genuine Busa Eater
ok i'm bias too hehehehe

Lawnmower Man · Post by **Lawnmower Man** » Thu Jan 12, 2006 7:28 pm

Get it over with and buy the ZX12 :twisted:

... you know you want to ...

camel · Post by **camel** » Thu Jan 12, 2006 8:16 pm

Shifty,

I was in a similar predicament to you. I had a 1998 Firestorm, and loved it for all it's low down gut wrenching torque. However the longer rides became a bit annoying due to the v twin character (vibration). So I went looking around. The ZX-12R has max torque of 134 nm at 7500 (the firestorm 0f 97nm at 7000). The 12R has max hp at 10500 (Firestorm at 9000) so in reality they are not too disimilar with a relatively broad spread of power. As a result you'll find the 12R more tractable to live with on a daily basis (as it seems you ride on a daily basis).

Your apparent disappointment with the 12R not going as hard as you think, I believe is due to a number of issues. Firstly the Storm has a beautiful V twin rumble that turns into a firebreathing roar. If you are doing over 150km/h - you know it due to this thunderous rapture. Comparatively the 12R is like a stealth fighter - silent and the only time you know about the speed is when you look down to see your speedo and think, f$%^ that's too fast!

The Storm has a small fairing, and gives plenty of "feedback" (buffetting) from the headwind - again making my rides a little more tiring. The 12R is fully faired, and slips through the wind more easily.

Don't get me wrong - the VTR is a GREAT road bike and I still miss mine a bit. But I think you are really dismissing a 12R too easily - as it is a FANTASTIC road bike.

Good luck wih your test rides and whatever you choose - enjoy it, after all it's just a motorbike! :wink:

Gosling1 · Post by **Gosling1** » Thu Jan 12, 2006 8:17 pm

Lawnmower Man wrote:Get it over with and buy the ZX12 ... you know you want to ...

So sayeth the Man !! and I agree 110% - the 10 is a great *quick* bike, but a bit *nervous* and *twitchy* on anything other than really smooth roads............and the 'Bus :roll:

Good luck mate - ps, the deal with Yamaha is a crock, I wanted a MT1 *really* badly, and the pricks at Action wouldn't even start the 1 model they had :shock:

- wanted a *huge* deposit as well..........get fcuked, I put a rocket up the Yamaha Oz site, its a bloody joke really - I guess they are pretty comfortable with sales figures...... :roll:

Jonno · Post by **Jonno** » Thu Jan 12, 2006 8:23 pm

Shifty, rev that 12R to 10k (optimum. Genuine 170rwhp))mate then tell us it wasn't arm pulling, it too is a proven busa killer it missed out on the cult status the Busa got because KHI marketed its release wrongly.
(BTW you wont have a chance to look at the dials you will be too busy keeping yourself on the bike).

The 10 and the 12 have simular HP different weight and torque and are completely different machines for different type of riding.
Go 12R for long rides and general stuff and 10R for the weekend blat, trackwork and just an insane good time all the time :twisted:

Anyway who said the words V twins and sports bikes should be used in the same sentence

If I had the money I would have both. Go try a Blackbudgie too so you know how good it was 5 years ago, it and the busa are old tech. At least the 12R was updated through the years. :wink:

Jonno · Post by **Jonno** » Thu Jan 12, 2006 8:27 pm

hehe and you managed to get the 12R owners to come out of the wood work too :lol:

Good work. The 12R will teach some things kindly :wink:

smee-again · Post by **smee-again** » Thu Jan 12, 2006 8:37 pm

Well shifty if the 12R is not fast enuff then you could always add one these to it for around the $300USmark

Kawasaki Sportsbike Riders Club - Australia - Online Forum

Rode a ZX12, CBR1000... next a ZX10 and a Busa

Rode a ZX12, CBR1000... next a ZX10 and a Busa

Re: Rode a ZX12, CBR1000... next a ZX10 and a Busa