| Cheers & Jeers |
| Bike/Score |
| | HONDA | KAWASAKI | SUZUKI | YAMAHA | VERDICT |
| Engine | 8 | 7 | 9 | 10 | R1 smothers big bikes, GSX-R all others, ZX-9R's a jet or two from stomping them all |
| Drivetrain | 9 | 8 | 9 | 9 | Kawasaki gearbox not quite as slick as the others, GSX-R a tad lashy in lower gears |
| Ride | 8 | 9 | 8 | 8 | Cushier suspenders of ZX-9R most pleasant, CBR not too far behind |
| Handling | 9 | 7 | 9 | 8 | Yes. Honda's the sharpest street-tool here, GSX-R rules the circuit |
| Ergonomics | 8 | 9 | 6 | 7 | ZX-9R very good. CBR not so bad, GSX-R fine if you're under 5-foot-8 |
| Value | 9 | 7 | 9 | 9 | Cousin ZedX-9R looks country in this slick brushed-alloy crowd |
| Fun factor | 10 | 8 | 9 | 9 | How much adrenaline can you stand? CBR and GSX-R are quick, light and powerful |
| Overall* | 10 | 8 | 9 | 9 | On the street, nimble literbikes rule; it's the CBR by a nose hair |