It has been a couple years since we last did a Japanese literbike shootout, because, frankly, the field has been quite stagnant for a while (save for Kawasaki's total revamp of the ZX-10R last year). It took them another year, but Honda, Suzuki and Yamaha have all tweaked their respective contenders for 2012 - the CBR1000RR, GSX-R1000 and YZF-R1, have significant changes, while Kawasaki returns for 2012 with the same traction-control-equipped machine it introduced last year, confident of its chances.
Having ridden all of the players at their respective intros, we knew it was time to once again pit them against one another for Japanese literbike supremacy. Read the respective stories for details on the upgrades, because here we're evaluating how they compare to one another. With the CBR's improved suspension, the GSX-R's re-worked engine and upgraded brakes, and the addition of traction control to the YZF-R1, the ZX-10R has some stiff competition this year.
If hype is all that's needed to win shootout comparisons, Ducati's new 1199 Panigale would have this in the bag. We're out to prove that this year's literbike field is closer than most would think. Welcome to Motorcycle.com's 2012 literbike shootout, Part One.
Instead of a mega test with every contender, we decided to split the shootouts, first with the four Japanese literbikes, followed by a separate test with the Euro brands. The winners will face off in a head-to-head battle in part three.
Some colorful quotes from the article...
"the Gixxer doesn't tingle my testicles the way the R1 does."
"The Gixxer feels familiar, like having friend sex with an ex-girlfriend,"
i like TC and the safety aspect that it brings to riding. also, that TC is probably the way of the future, but i can't get past that things are starting to get to electronics heavy. which is why i like the 2012 gsxr 1000 and even the fireblade (does burn oil though ) and how they stayed the way they are. i know they will eventually join everyone else and add TC, but for now i like the rawness of the bikes the way they are. plus, the gsxr is a great looking bike.
all the electronics are going to be good for is driving up the cost and make people think that they will be saved when in a tight spot...with the systems from bazzaz,dynojet you could have it all on any bike so why make a big deal if a bike dosent come with it stock..
Wow Back in 09 when I was shopping for a new 1000 it was down to the Gixxer and the R1. Still glad all I made the right choice they freakin hated the R1!!!
Almost wish they did the test or with the R1 and ZX-10 Unleashed Ecu's might get some different results. Top end on the CBR is corked up too due to noise regs.
all the electronics are going to be good for is driving up the cost and make people think that they will be saved when in a tight spot...with the systems from bazzaz,dynojet you could have it all on any bike so why make a big deal if a bike dosent come with it stock..
What he said^^^^^^Check out this 2012 GSXR1000 Video^^^Nuff Said
Great article, although I think that the BMW S 1000RR should have been included in the comparison even though it is a little more expensive and is a European brand. I don't think it should be thrown in another part later with the other European bikes due to it also being an inline 4, and the 4 bikes tested are its direct competition.
Great article, although I think that the BMW S 1000RR should have been included in the comparison even though it is a little more expensive and is a European brand. I don't think it should be thrown in another part later with the other European bikes due to it also being an inline 4, and the 4 bikes tested are its direct competition.
THE BMW IS NOT JAPANESE...
It will be tested with the MV Agusta / Aprilia / and Ducati...
Then IF it wins that test it will face the ZX-10R for Bike Of The Year...
P.S. The MV is an inline 4 and the Aprilia is a V4 only the Ducati is a V-Twin so i see no problem with the test...
Great article, although I think that the BMW S 1000RR should have been included in the comparison even though it is a little more expensive and is a European brand. I don't think it should be thrown in another part later with the other European bikes due to it also being an inline 4, and the 4 bikes tested are its direct competition.
your right...the bmw should have been included because bmw finally made a good bike.... after they scraped all of there own designs and copied JAPANESE technology...
all the electronics are going to be good for is driving up the cost and make people think that they will be saved when in a tight spot...with the systems from bazzaz,dynojet you could have it all on any bike so why make a big deal if a bike dosent come with it stock..
Not even close.
The aftermarket systems are very tedious and time consuming to setup. Been there, done that. My engine builder and I spent 2 days at Roebling Road setting up the Bazzaz TC on my 675.....which I ultimately turned off because it was affecting my drive out of corners.
Even a properly setup aftermarket TC system doesnt utilize lean angle sensors, wheel speed sensors, etc.
In other words, the TC systems that come stock on BMW, Aprilia, Ducait and Kawi are much better than any $600 system you will buy in a store.
If you are talking about a $10,000 Motec unit or some shit, that is a different story.
Re: 2012 Japanese Superbike Shootout - Video
^^^Check out this 2012 GSXR1000 Video
Re: 2012 Japanese Superbike Shootout - Video
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