The Metzeler M3 radials only sweetened the mix, providing more stick than I could use on the street along with a wonderfully compliant, feedback-intensive feel. Combine all that newfound chassis goodness with the ZRX's grunty, flexible engine, excellent throttle response, reasonable ergonomics and early '80s Superbike aesthetics and you're left with the type of all-around streetbike that makes you smile every time you ride it.
So far I've left the engine completely stock. With roughly 115 rear-wheel horsepower and near-whisper-quiet operation it's got plenty of grunt and can be ridden quickly all day and night without being offensive. But there's no secret to what works on these things in terms of bolt-on horsepower. The ZRXOA is in universal agreement on several exhaust systems (Muzzy, Akropovic, Kerker, Hindle, Ti-Force, Holeshot, D&D, Yoshimura, etc.) and jet-kit (Ivan's Performance, Factory Pro, Dynojet) combinations, along with the Ivan's airbox mod or K&N pod filters. These pipe/jet-kit combos, said one member, are "as close to plug-and-play as you can get," and are good for a 10-15 instant horsepower boost if installed correctly. Not enough goose? A Ted's ignition advancer (see the ZRXOA web site for details) and a set of ZZR1200 cams add another 5-10 horsepower. That boosts rear-wheel output to about 135 bhp, which is serious bang for the buck.
I may go the pipe/jet-kit/cams route for a future long-term report. But I might also skip that entire step and give Rob Muzzy a call about one of his turbo kits. If you're gonna add power, you might as well go whole hog. I'm thinking that'll quiet some of that ZRXOA sniping.
MV Agusta F4 1000 S
* Ringleader: Cat
* MSRP: $21,495
* Miles: 2500-3453
If you tuned in last month, you'll recall our long-term F4 1000 S was damaged in shipping. Fortunately, the good folks at Pro Italia Motors had the replacement mirror and windscreen screws we needed to get up and running in time for a tire intro two days later. There we discovered that to change tires, one needs not only the rear stand that comes with the bike, but also a 55mm 12-point socket for the rear axle nut (a 2 31/416-inch socket will work), a spindle on which to balance the rear tire (bigger than for a Ducati) and a front stand that works both with the drop-away axle clamps and the solid bottom triple clamp. Complicating matters further is the presence of two arrows on the rear wheel-a red one pointing one way to remind you of the left-handed threads and a cast one pointing the other to denote tire rotation. All of which is a roundabout way of saying the MV is still wearing the Michelins we shagged at Barber Motorsports Park last October.-Brian Catterson
BMW K1200S
* Ringleader: Carrithers
* MSRP: $16,945
* Miles: 0-1880
We didn't get along at first. At its debutante world-launch ball in Munich, my K1200S test unit arrived with convulsive fuel injection and all the driveline refinement of a '49 Chevy dump truck. Production versions weren't perfect either, but the new K concept was intriguing enough for another go. Who else puts 150 rear-wheel horsies in a package that's comfortable and sporty enough to strafe all the twisty bits between here and San Francisco or Sedona or Markleeville? Nobody. So I ordered up a long-term unit. Hey look, there's a BMW-shaped hole in the garage.
Not so fast. During its tenure at another esteemed publication, rats or an editor with a rodent's brain had a go at the bike's ABS wiring. I was informed of this by various red lights while whistling into a fast second-gear left on Mulholland Highway. Maybe 2 seconds later there was a distinct lack of power in the EVO power brakes. God kept me upright. And a little Spray 'n' Wash fixed my underwear. No blood, no foul. This K12S-a replacement-is fine, thanks. It's still not perfect, but I have 10,000 miles to work on the rough edges.-Tim Carrithers
Ducati Multistrada 1000 DS
* Ringleader: Everitt
* MSRP: $11,995
* Miles: 1488-2017
It's been awhile since we last spoke about the Multistrada. In short, Squire Candreia (master of all he surveys down in the posh, well-lighted Motorcyclist garage/Bat Cave) cured my handlebar dilemma by making a stock Aprilia Tuono 'bar and clamps work nigh on to perfection. Likewise, Mr. Candreia also bolted up a partial Arrow exhaust (from Options Italia, www.optionsitalia.com), but it didn't seem to like the ECU and freer-breathing airbox lid left over from the Ducati Performance Accessories Power Kit. Off with the bodywork again to replace those stock components. I have an open invitation to Ken Zeller's Evoluzione Cyclesports dyno to see what combination of pipe and parts generates the most-and most desirable-ponies. Next time, then.-Charles Everitt