Off The Record
Barry Burke Best Lap: Suzuki GSX-R1000 1:24:30
Age: 48 Height: 6' Weight: 175 lbs. Inseam: 33 in.
All of these bikes are great, which makes a decision difficult. I have to give a nod to the Ducati for being the best on the racetrack. The laser feedback and incredible motor are an absolute pleasure. On the street, however, the Duck is like an Italian supermodel: gorgeous but a lot of work. As for the 600s, I'll choose the Kawasaki, which is way more fun to ride than the Honda. The CBR works well but is better for less experienced riders.
And the overall winner? I have to go with the Yamaha. The big-bang motor is incredible, and the bike is a pleasure to ride on the street and track. The R1 might feel heavy in tight corners or while flicking from side to side, but with a little more time working with the suspension and the fly-by-wire throttle, it would be my pick for motorcycle of the year.
Matt Samples Best Lap: Honda CBR600RR 1:21:06
Age: 33 Height: 6'2" Weight: 195 lbs. Inseam: 34 in.
So tough to call! I didn't like the Honda until I got to the track and it shined as the easiest to go fast on. The Kawasaki's motor and sharpness were very racy. The Suzuki is my favorite all-rounder, and also gets the hooligan nod. The Yamaha earns props for pushing the game in a new direction and being my favorite on the street. But the Ducati 1198 is my winner. With more seat time I'm sure I could go fastest on it at the track, and it was a joy on the street. It turns in quick, is stable holding a line, loves to be ridden hard and is happiest at the edge of performance. The motor surprised me! The 2-3 thou more is no longer in a different price category, and you can't say the Italian bike is a smidge off the Japanese bikes in terms of performance either. And the sexiness is through the roof!
Ari Henning Best Lap: Honda CBR600RR 1:23:62
Age: 24 Height: 5'10" Weight: 175 lbs. Inseam: 33 in.
The R1's engine is undeniably impressive, but sheer power and charisma don't compensate for its bulk and cumbersome handling. The GSX-R had my attention, if only for its insatiable appetite for wheelies and power slides--way too much motorcycle for me! The 1198 was, of course, a stunner in all respects, but it takes commitment and determination to ride, even on the street. The CBR was the easiest to go fast on right off the bat, but it lacks the character that would make it attractive as an everyday rider. The new Ninja has everything I want in a street and track bike, and provided the best riding experience--which is what it all boils down to. The new engine is silky-smooth and strong, and the new, lighter package handles like a dream. Showa's Big Piston Fork is a step above the rest, and the Ninja's sharp, aggressive lines scream speed and style.
Aaron Frank Best Lap: Kawasaki ZX-6R 1:25:21
Age: 34 Height: 5'7" Weight: 145 lbs. Inseam: 31 in.
We get letters all the time asking what bike we would choose if we could only choose one bike to do everything, from commuting to touring, cruising to track days. We've even been discussing a story wherein each staffer would do just that--choose one bike--and then conduct the ultimate real-world shootout. I've already done that shootout in my head, though, and I've made my choice: Honda's CBR600RR. You wouldn't tour cross-country on the 1198. You could certainly choose a better commuter than the rump-roasting, gas-gulping R1, and committed trackaholics like the ZX-6R and GSX-R are hardly suited for cruising Main St. in Daytona Beach. Honda's beyond-broadband CBR is very well-suited for all of the above--and it still threw down the fastest lap at the Streets of Willow! If I could only have one, the Honda would be The One.
Brian Catterson Best Lap: Ducati 1198 1:23:32
Age: 47 Height: 6'1" Weight: 215 lbs. Inseam: 34 in.
I don't want any one of these motorcycles--I want to mix and match the best aspects of each. Give me a bike with the Ducati's traction feedback, the Honda's neutral handling, the Kawasaki's front-end feel, the Suzuki's screaming top end and the Yamaha's power delivery. Failing that, I'll invoke the process of elimination: The CBR and ZX-6R were on rails at the racetrack but lacked steam on the street. The GSX-R was more powerful than the proverbial locomotive but rattled like a coffee can full of loose hardware. The 1198 was as raucous and sexy as a Ferrari, but it had a mechanical problem that has to affect its ranking. Which leaves the R1--the only bike that's comparable to the 1198 in terms of performance, power and sound. Too bad it doesn't look more like the factory M1 racer, but unless they're paying you millions, would you really want "Fiat" on the side of your motorcycle?
Enjoyed this Post? Subscribe to our RSS Feed, or use your favorite social media to recommend us to friends and colleagues!