Suzuki GSX-R1000 | Price: $13,799

Ergos
Even with the footpegs in the high position the Gixxer still has ample legroom, and its short seat-to-bar distance makes for a fairly upright riding position. Its only drawback is a hard seat.

Dyno
The Suzuki’s smooth, soaring power curves are more impressive on paper than they are in the real world. Tall gearing makes the Gixxer feel sluggish down low, but it’s a beast above 8000 rpm.

Tech Spec

Engine type: l-c inline-four

Valve train: DOHC, 16v

Displacement: 999cc

Bore x stroke: 74.5 x 57.3mm

Compression: 12.9:1

Fuel system: EFI

Clutch: Wet, multi-plate slipper

Transmission: 6-speed

Measured horsepower: 155.2 bhp @ 11,800 rpm

Measured torque: 75.7 lb.-ft. @ 10,000 rpm

Corrected ¼ mile: 10.16 sec. @ 142.00 mph

Top-gear roll-on, 60-80 mph: 2.49 sec.

Fuel mileage (high/low/avg.): 33/31/32 mpg

Frame: Aluminum twin-spar

Front suspension: Showa 41mm Big Piston fork with adjustable spring preload, compression and rebound damping

Rear suspension: Showa shock with adjustable spring preload, compression and rebound damping

Front brake: Dual Brembo Monobloc radial four-piston calipers, 310mm discs

Rear brake: Nissin one-piston caliper, 220mm disc

Front tire: 120/70ZR-17 Bridgestone Hypersport S20F

Rear tire: 190/50ZR-17 Bridgestone Hypersport S20R

Rake/trail: 23.5º/3.9 in.

Seat height: 31.9 in.

Wheelbase: 55.3 in

Fuel capacity: 4.5 gal.

Weight (tank full/empty): 447/420 lbs.

Colors: White/black, black/silver

Available: Now

Warranty: 12 mo., unlimited mi.

Contact: American Suzuki Motor Co. P.O. Box 1100 Brea, CA 92822 714.996.7040 www.suzukicycles.com

Yamaha YZF-R1 | Price: $14,490 (As Tested)

Ergos
Smooth power, soft suspension, great wind protection and spacious ergos are ruined by jerky throttle response and enough radiant heat to roast your backside, thighs and feet.

Dyno
From the saddle you’d never guess the YZF-R1’s power curves look like a pair of roller coasters. The midrange feels strong, but power plateaus at 10,000 rpm, making it seem sluggish on the track.

Tech Spec

Engine type: l-c inline-four

Valve train: DOHC, 16v

Displacement: 998cc

Bore x stroke: 78.0 x 52.2mm

Compression: 12.7:1

Fuel system: EFI

Clutch: Wet, multi-plate slipper

Transmission: 6-speed

Measured horsepower: 146.8 bhp @ 12,000 rpm

Measured torque: 75.1 lb.-ft. @ 10,000 rpm

Corrected ¼-mile: 10.37 sec. @ 138.25 mph

Top-gear roll-on, 60-80 mph: 2.97 sec.

Fuel mileage (high/low/avg.): 35/28/32 mpg

Frame: Aluminum twin-spar

Front suspension: YHSJ 43mm fork with adjustable spring preload, compression and rebound damping

Rear suspension: YHSJ shock with adjustable spring preload, high/low-speed compression and rebound damping

Front brake: Dual Sumitomo radial six-piston calipers, 310mm discs

Rear brake: Nissin one-piston caliper, 220mm disc

Front tire: 120/70ZR-17 Dunlop Qualifier II

Rear tire: 190/55ZR-17 Dunlop Qualifier II

Rake/trail: 24.0º/4.0 in.

Seat height : 32.9 in.

Wheelbase: 55.7 in.

Fuel capacity: 4.8 gal.

Weight (tank full/empty): 475/446 lbs.

Colors: White/red, blue/white, black

Availability: Now

Warranty: 12 mo., unlimited mi.

Contact: Yamaha Motor Corp. USA 6555 Katella Ave. Cypress, CA 90630 800.962.7926 www.yamaha-motor.com