With all of the major Japanese motorcycle manufacturers having now updated their flagship litre sportsbikes, US based Sport Rider Magazine felt it was time to test them all head-to-head.
The new CBR1000RR and GSX-R1000 were joined by Kawasaki’s Ninja ZX-10R and Yamaha’s YZF-R1 for a track and road test to find the ultimate Japanese sportsbike.
On track the Yamaha and Honda were closely matched despite a difference in power, the latter’s agile handling allowing for higher apex speeds to counter the R1’s straight-line acceleration to help it set the fastest lap time. Just behind them the Kawasaki and Suzuki were also almost just as equally matched.
The Honda also shone on the street, allowing the team to tackle America’s famous twisty canyon roads with minimal effort. However, if you want serious speed and a bike that rewards you for a little more effort on your part, the R1 was the standout choice.
The overall results at the end of the test were as follows:
- Honda CBR1000RR – 91.5/100
- Yamaha YZF-R1 – 91/100
- Suzuki GSX-R1000 – 88.5/100
- Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R – 88.5/100
All bikes were fitted with Bridgestone’s Battlax R10 tyres and Sport Rider commented:
“The R10 front and R10 Evo rear performed superbly for our track test, providing good, consistent grip during 95-degree ambient temps and continual abuse by professional riders.
Steering is quick but neutral, with plenty of feedback due to the stiff carcass. Although Bridgestone recommends tyre warmers, we had no issues warming up the tyres riding out in near-100-degree temps.”
For the full breakdown of the test you’ll need to pick up a copy of August/September issue of Sport Rider.
Find out more about the Battlax R10 here.
