Comparison test: Honda CBR 1000 RR Fireblade, Suzuki GSX-R 1000, Kawasaki ZX-10R, Yamaha YZF-R1

Others, real-world motorcyclists, at XNUMXth could only dream modestly and hope that one day we ourselves would experience such excitement. And now the past is the present. The game of the big four Japanese sires is clear: a pound of dry weight per horse and we have a winner!

The horsepower listed in their brochures is previously the same as the one listed in the technical data sheet for the GTI sports cars with two-liter engines. The longest they have had is the Suzuki, which they say has a whopping 178bhp! Kawasaki and Yamaha are slightly behind with 175bhp, while Honda is expected to produce 172bhp. If anyone thinks that this is not enough, we tell you what legendary GP racer Kevin Schwantz, star of 1000s racing, thinks about the new thousands: “The XNUMX cc superbike has too much power for me, my head and body just might use a motorcycle. I can have a lot of fun in the new XNUMX, while I have to be very careful with what I do on liter bikes. " Thanks for your honesty, Kevin! This is for those who think your engine has too few horses. But horses and weight loss figures have been and always will be the subject of heated debate in hotels. To make the readers of Avto magazine a privileged one, we are the only ones in Slovenia, and in fact, for the first time in the history of Slovenian motorsport, we are proud to offer you this excellent comparison test, which is a game of numbers and feelings. and adrenaline. Namely, we took all four bikes to the extreme (the bikes still had a lot of reserves) on the well-known Grobnik, which with its technically complex layout is a challenge for both beginners and experienced riders.

To immediately clear things up and face the truth, we have a scale that is the same for everyone, just like everyone was the same, that is, with a full tank of fuel and all other fluids ready to go. Measurements showed the GSX-R to be the lightest at 202 kilograms, followed by the ZX-10R and R1 at 205 kilograms and the CBR 1000 RR at 206 kilograms. The differences are very small and only deserve serious discussion if you are Berto Kamlek or Igor German, or else you'd better ditch that big beer and step on a pound around your waist at the gym. This is the cheapest, fastest, and by far the best tuning you can afford.

The power metering chart created by these four-row, four-cylinder, four-valve-per-cylinder engines (except for Yamaha, which has five) was borrowed from Akrapovic and is available to everyone on their website www.akrapovic-axhaust.com. Since they make their living selling tailpipes that improve power, torque and turn-on curves, we believe their measurement table is realistic, and given the fact that MotoGP bikes are measured on the same measuring cylinders, we have no doubts. characteristics of the device. authority. So, on a bike, this is the case:

Kawasaki is the most powerful with 163 hp. at 9 rpm, followed by Suzuki with 12.000 hp. at 162 rpm, Yamaha with 6 hp at 11.400 rpm and Honda with 157 hp. at 9 12.770 rpm. They found a similar thing in the British specialist magazine Superbike (the largest in Europe when it comes to sports bikes only) just to give you a feel for their size: Kawasaki can 152 hp, Suzuki 11.200, 164 hp, Yamaha 161, 3. hp and Honda 158 km.

Now you know what the numbers say, what they mean on the road and the race track, so you need to show everything you know below. In fact, those thousands are only marginally more useful on the road than the six hundred we compared to each other in Auto Magazine Issue 10. More powerful engines and larger dimensions also allow for a more comfortable ride on the road through more comfortable ergonomics. With all four, you can take a pleasant journey through your favorite turns. Leaving aside the fact that you will only try what they are really capable of, for which only a racetrack is suitable.

In short, Honda was our favorite for every day. It has a sporty, but at the same time quite comfortable fit and, above all, the most continuously increasing engine power when accelerating in high gear. When the speedometer reads over 100, the Fireblade only moves easily in sixth gear. Very close to the Honda Suzuki and Kawasaki, which are more aggressive in terms of engine performance, while the Yamaha is slightly more demanding if you want a supple ride from it. This is also our procedure when it comes to real estate appraisal on the road. That said, here is the winner of the Honda, which is the least demanding on a fast and smooth ride with a relaxed driving position, great brakes, suspension, good wind protection and the comfort that even these bikes have.

But the real thing is the race track, where four competitors have to give their best. For comparison, the motorcycles were shod in the same way, i.e. v Metzeler Racetec tyres. They have proven good for the average rider who has a series of consistent laps between 1.52 and 1.45 on the Tomb, while riders who ride below 1.38 have tarnished above the front wheel grip that likes to loosen on a hill.

We were most surprised by the Kawasaki, which in its most concise description sounds like “one big brutal bike.” Zelenec accelerates sharply to 5.000 rpm, then the rate of increase in power drops a little and starts again at 8.500 12.000 rpm, where it does not slow down to 20 rpm. Interestingly, all fellow racers (members of the Croatian endurance team) praised the bike for its aggressiveness. So, if you are one of the riders who can use this power, this is obviously the right choice. But for those who really can't afford to risk riding a motorcycle across the border, that we have to drive to work on a Monday and sick leave isn't the best end to a day in Grobnik, we had a few comments about the Kawasaki. Its brutal power will include better brakes for perfect harmony (they all have radial brakes with a four-position brake caliper, but Kawasaki also has four brake pads) that have more precise braking power metering and smooth operation throughout all XNUMX minutes. since we are at each exit from the pits on average along the track.

It has the most inaccurate and weak gear of all, lacking firmness and that wonderful feel that instills confidence in every gear. Despite its lightest weight and the shortest wheelbase of 10 millimeters, the ZX-1.390 R is the largest and heaviest, and it also has a bad habit of driving on fast, flat areas, especially when changing direction slightly, such as when entering the target aircraft and the aircraft before the Zagreb turn it most of all hooks on the rudder, although the vibrations are mitigated by the Öhlins rudder damper. To be honest, in Kawasaki we were sometimes even a little scared, because it was required of us to drive as scrupulously and thoughtfully as possible.

Its real opposite is the Suzuki GSX-R 1000. It already runs almost lightly in the hands, and if the engine didn't accelerate so hard and continuously, it would almost be replaced by the GSX-Ra 750. A bike in this class really runs like a light 3.000. The engine has a lot of power below 5.500-6.000 rpm followed by a small hole up to XNUMX rpm and above that there is one hard acceleration with a lot of usable power in any gear and in any engine rev range. When braking and moving into a corner, it is so undemanding and reliable that you can say without much thought that this is why it is the most sporty radical.

Apart from Honda, this is the only car in which we have never recorded a steering wheel wobble at high speeds on a level side and which always, even on bumps, remains calm, instilling confidence. A good transmission also has a function that allows you to see on the digital screen at any time what gear you are driving in. Suzuki also boasts the most transparent and complete gauges, followed by Honda and Yamaha in terms of transparency, while Kawasaki provides hard-to-read information while driving with beautiful gauges.

Honda, which in a nutshell can be described as the most unpretentious and friendly motorcycle for this type of recreation, also performed very well on the racetrack. Experienced riders who know the track down to the last meter and the traps, as well as beginners who are just discovering the sweetness of driving on the race track, can be very fast on it. The Fireblade is arguably the quietest, smoothest and most reliable motorcycle out there. Compared to the previous model, it has become much more aggressive in terms of engine and handling characteristics, as it does not lag far behind Suzuki in cornering ease and aggressive driving.

The brakes are undoubtedly the best in their class as they provide consistent, precise and most effective braking performance. All of this is also possible thanks to the excellent suspension, which best provides good tire grip. When it comes to horses, it lags behind the competition, but it has a nice feature: they are always available. Namely, Honda reigns supreme when it comes to engine flexibility and the engine's own response to throttle in any gear. For the same reason, it is easiest to do fast laps with it.

If we wrote that Honda is the favorite of a wide range of motorcyclists looking for sporting pleasures, we can say that Yamaha will be very popular with some and least liked by others. The reason lies in its combination, which is undoubtedly the most difficult to use. Racers who have no problem handling such a brutal monster consistently exceeding 10.000 RPM will otherwise have no comment and will only be impressed by how much the R1 loves to spin. Yamaha has a full three holes during acceleration, and each gives itself a boost of adrenaline.

The engine first spins sharply to 6.000 rpm, followed by a 7.500 rpm rebound, ending at 8.500 rpm, and then a peak starting at 10.500 rpm when things are going very fast. It is because of these features that the Yamaha driver must always be as careful as possible in what gear and at what speed he will corner (the R1 easily enters a corner and easily maintains the track), and then accelerate from it. into the plane.

In short, if you know how to be precise, and your brain maintains a positive threshold of perception of the environment, even at high speeds, then there will be no problem. Otherwise, the only consolation is the good brakes, the precise transmission and the rather quiet character of the bike, which is hindered only by occasional twisting of the steering wheel (less than on the Kawasaki). That being said, it seems most sensible for Yamaha to invest in accessories (exhaust, engine electronics) that smooth out all three power holes, because then the suspension also gets less work, and all of this eliminates, or at least alleviates, anxiety. motorbike.

When we draw the line and look at finances, we can only say that there have never been such high-end bikes for so little money. No problem, everyone in turn scored high, and where one loses a little, the other wins, and so on, so in the end they are very similar. However, the picture with the winner is clearest. Suzuki GSX-R 1000 is the best package at the moment. On the race track, he is as sporty as possible and at the same time friendly enough to please everyone; drivers for both sports and amateurs. With an incredible price of 2.664.000 million tolars, this is definitely the best choice. So there are not so many motorcycles for pure fifth graders!

It is followed by the Honda CBR 1000 RR Fireblade, which has everything a supercar should have. With its friendliness and ease of use (read: fast driving in any conditions), it almost surpassed the Suzuki, which is only a shade lighter and more aggressive. For the road and everyday life, as well as for anyone who values ​​only the highest precision and workmanship, Honda definitely comes first.

We decided who to give the third place between the two aggressive people, but in the end the slightly more friendly character of the Yamaha R1 won out. Compared to the green monster (ZX-10R), it is slightly quieter and lighter, but above all with better brakes and drivetrain.

Thus, Kawasaki finished fourth, which does not disappoint the bike (see Reviews). There was no such bike in this test! He got an ungrateful place just because of his grade. If we wrote which motorcycle has the most powerful engine, we would win. But the engine itself is not enough, because in the Auto store we evaluate the whole motorcycles.

Even if its shape was an incomprehensible step back for us in Paris last year, today it is no longer the case, as we are used to its rounded lines and large rear. Kawasaki was simply missing out on little things that might not bother many at all. The power versus mass game is over this year, and next year the maps will likely be reshuffled as we can expect refurbished Suzuki and Yamaha in the fall, following the tradition of recent years.

1.mesto - Suzuki GSX-R 1000

Test car price: 2.664.000 seats

Technical information

engine: 4-stroke, four-cylinder, liquid-cooled, 988 cc, 131 kW (178 hp) @ 11.000 rpm, 118 Nm @ 9.000 rpm, electronic fuel injection

Switch: oily, multi-disc

Energy transfer: six-speed gearbox, chain

Suspension: front fully adjustable USD fork, rear single fully adjustable center shock

brakes: front 2 discs Ø 310 mm, four rods, radial brake caliper, rear 1x disc Ø 220 mm

Tires: front 120 / 70-17, rear 190 / 50-17

Wheelbase: 1.405 mm

Seat height from ground: 820 mm

Fuel tank: 21

Dry weight / weight with all fluids and fuels: 166 kg / 202 kg *

Represents and sells: Suzuki Odar, doo, Stegne 33, Ljubljana, tel. №: 01/581 01 22

We praise

sports motor that prefers to spin

brakes

racing engine sound

ease of handling

price

We scold

foot position

2. mesto - Honda CBR 1000 RR Fireblade

Test car price: 2.699.000 seats

Technical information

engine: 4-stroke, four-cylinder, liquid-cooled, 998 cc, 126 kW (4 hp) @ 172 rpm, 11.250 Nm @ 115 rpm, electronic fuel injection

Switch: oily, multi-disc

Energy transfer: six-speed gearbox, chain

Suspension: USD fully adjustable front fork, fully adjustable rear, single center shock, Pro Link

brakes: front 2x discs with a diameter of 320 mm, four-link radial brake caliper, rear 1x disc with a diameter of 220 mm

Tires: front 120 / 70-17, rear 190 / 50-17

Wheelbase: 1.400 mm

Seat height from ground: 810 mm

Fuel tank: 18

Dry weight / weight with all fluids and fuels: 176 kg / 206 kg *

Represents and sells: Motocentr AS Domžale, doo, Blatnica 3A, Trzin, tel. №: 01/562 22 42

We praise

brakes, flexible motor, gearbox

most versatile usability

driving performance, stability, lightness,

reliability

production

price

We scold

it lacks a percentage of sportiness compared to the Suzuki

3.mesto - Yamaha YZF R1

Test car price: 2.749.900 seats

Technical information

engine: 4-stroke, four-cylinder, liquid-cooled, 998 cc, 128 kW (7 hp) @ 175 rpm, 12.500 Nm @ 107 rpm, electronic fuel injection

Switch: oily, multi-disc

Energy transfer: six-speed gearbox, chain

Suspension: front fully adjustable USD fork, rear fully adjustable single center shock

brakes: front 2x discs Ø 320 mm, 1-position brake caliper, rear 220x disc Ø XNUMX mm

Tires: front 120 / 70-17, rear 190 / 50-17

Wheelbase: 1.415 mm

Seat height from ground: 810 mm

Fuel tank: 18 l (3 l reserve)

Dry weight / weight with all fluids and fuels: 173 kg / 205 kg *

Represents and sells: Delta team, doo, Cesta krških žrtev 135a, Krško, tel. №: 07/492 18 88

We praise

brakes, gearbox

controllability

We scold

the engine is not working

too aggressive for beginners and less experienced drivers

4.mesto - Kawasaki ZX 10-R

Test car price: 2.735.100 seats

Technical information

engine: 4-stroke, four-cylinder, liquid-cooled, 988 cc, 128 kW (7 hp) @ 175 rpm, 11.700 Nm @ 115 rpm, electronic fuel injection

Switch: oily, multi-disc

Energy transfer: six-speed gearbox, chain

Suspension: front fully adjustable USD fork, rear single fully adjustable UNI-TRAK center shock

brakes: front 2x discs Ø 300 mm, radial four-position brake caliper, rear 1x disc Ø 220 mm

Tires: front 120 / 70-17, rear 190 / 55-17

Wheelbase: 1.390 mm

Seat height from ground: 800 mm

Fuel tank: 17

Dry weight / weight with all fluids and fuels: 175 kg / 205 kg *

Represents and sells: DKS, doo, Jožice Flander 2, Maribor, tel. №: 02/460 56 10

We praise

powerful and flexible motor

We scold

otherwise strong brakes would not work constantly

rough gearbox

anxiety on the plane

opaque meters

text: Petr Kavchich

photo: Boris Puščenik (Moto Puls)