Need help unbiased!!

In the market to buy a liter bike, most likely new and in Jan.. I don't like the feel of the R1 but the rest feel good. Overall I like the look of the 1000RR but have no problem with the GSXR 1000 or the ZX-10. I thought there was to be some major changes on the 1000RR for 06' but this doesn't appear so. Performance wise the GSXR and the ZX-10 are the powerhouses but I don't have to be the fastest just a great overall riding experience. The problem is, every web site I go to is Biased to the bike they own. I expected that but I need an unbiased opinion esp. if you've ridden more than one of the bikes. I'd prefer an 05'or 06' only.Thanks.  

Honda made some changes for '06 to the 1000RR, if you look at a picture of an '06 next to one of an '04-05 you'll see the subtle tweaks, they tweaked the engine & frame as well, not sure if they messed with the suspension or brakes much.  Suzuki only changed color schemes, Kawi did a decent sized update similar to Honda for '06 on their 10R.

What exactly didn't you like about the feel of the R1?  That might help people give you a sugestion.  Any of those four will give most riders a "great overal riding experience".  Which one you're going to like better, you're really the only one who can decide that.  

What is/was your last bike?  If you can get a test ride, or think you can tell by sitting in the dealer, go with that "feeling".  I can tell you I have the Honda, and have a warm fuzzy confident feeling when riding it.  But I'd get an R1 if I was replacing it.  I just have an aversion to the styling of Kawi's since they adopted the central air intake.  

Zx-9 was my last bike. No  test rides. Supp. the GSXR's have a 10% greater resale value. I like the 1000RR and the Gixxer the best. Love the Racing green but the rest of the bike lacks in the looks area.Found the 06' Gixxer OTD for $10,400 from a dealer 2 hours from me. My local dealer said no way on touching that price and gave me that implication that service would be questionable if I didn't buy my bike from them. That Pi$$es me off  

I have a ZX-10R.  I love this bike.  I like the way it looks.  It looks wicked, evil.    The Ti color looks great IMO.  It is fast as hell....  A number of dealors at selling left over '05s for $2k under msrp.  If you are looking at maybe an '06 ZX-10R.  Check out this link:  http://zx-10r.net/forum/showthread.php?t=14366  Scroll down a little for a scan.  

I think the R1 looks great.  Not a fan of the underseat exhaust...  Also all the mags talked about a lack of midrange power for a liter bike.  That turned me off on getting one.  I do love the Shift Red color.  

1000RR.  Looks ok to me.  I read somewhere where Honda is hoping that the new '06 version has the same sort of splash that the '05 600RR had over the '03/'04 version.  So you can expect more power and 10 to 20 less pounds.  Again I am not a fan of the underseat exhaust.

K5.  It won most if not all of the magazine tests in '05.  The muffler...  Well, everyone has their own opinion on that.  When I sat on it at the bike show, it felt cheeply made.  I don't know.  Again, just an opinion that I had back in February.  It made for one heck of a race bike.

Again get which ever one floats your boat.  If you like the Honda get it.  Same goes with the Suzuki/Kawi/Yamaha....  

And don't worry about the central ram air duct.  It is there because that is where the greatest air pressure is.  More air=more power.  Honda put it in the middle on the RC51, Aprilia put it there on the RSV bikes, and Yamaha put it in the middle on the '06 R6.  And Kawi still makes the best ram air systems of anyone.

And not sure about resale...  I'd think that the Honda would have a slightly higher resale value.

Chris  

I don't think you should have to worry about service from your local dealer if you buy your bike someplace else, why would they turn away money?  I'm pretty sure everybike that comes in hasn't been bought there.

If you've taken off the subframe of the CBR, you'd really not be a fan of the underseat exhaust.  I can see them trying to find a marketable reason to go with a GSXR600/750 or new R6 style exhaust.  There are so many fasteners, and the extra heat shield crap, thye could easily drop some weight.  I don't think they've done anything that extreme for power gains/weight loss, 10-20 lbs, more like 1-2. Maybe if they went back to a full Ti exhaust like the 954RR.  

Oh yeah.
I forgot to tell you, Chris, my mind is still made up  
I have wavered a little, but only in my choice of color. The next bike nominee remains unchanged.
Tee-hee....  

Well I personally own a few R1'S so I'm kinda biased I guess, but in my opinion, if your not looking for the fastest bike out there and want some great power, handling and a little comfort(relatively speaking) and really cool looks.....take a hard look at the CBR1000RR, the ONLY reason it hasn't rated higher in some magazines is the speed factor! It is a VERY nice ride, not as fast as the other liter bikes but you didn't sound like you planned on racing it, then who gives a damn about a few extra pounds and a few tenths of a second 1/4 times? Other than me that is! I have riden a 1000RR and it is a great bike in my opinion, good luck and ride safe!  

Good to hear Casey.    Still looking at '07?  I road mine for the last time this year yesterday.  We were in the mid-50s.  It is amazing how cool/cold air aids power.  


Chris  

No what is amazing is someone who is so unsatisfied with a ZX-10R's power that they have to add an aftermarket can and a power commander, then notice an additional difference in power when the temperature drops 20 degrees...WHAT THE...

Q. How much power do you NEED???

A. ALL OF IT!! BWAAAA HA HA HA HAHAHAHA!  

A friend of mine use to have an '01 R1, totally stock and around 130hp at the rear wheel.  The 1000RR will have anywhere from 145-155rwhp (depending on dyno), it weighs a little more than an '01 R1.  That R1 was the first I4 literbike I road, and DAMN that thing was fast.  I've ridden an '04 R1 and an '03 GSXR1000, they weren't ridden back to back with the '01 R1 so I can't directly compare but all 3 were insane.  Of the three the '04 R1 might be my "least" (and i hate to say that) favorite of the 3 simply because it's geared the tallest and had the weakest powerband below 7-8k rpms (where you spend the majority of your time on the street).  I am biased towards those blue '01 R1s though, for me they're right up there with a red 916 in the looks department.  

Actually the power is/was fine.  It was just too quiet.  My '95 6R had a stock exhaust, and it was louder than the 10.  That is why I went the slip on route instead of a full system.  I also added the PC so that I could play with the fuel injection.  The bike probably didn't need it, but the money wasn't an issue so I got it.  I am thinking of getting a 1/5 turn throtle for it this Spring.    Should make things a little more exciting.




Chris  

Good luck with that.
I hope that thing doesn't plant you in the ground like a golf tee.  

The T509 stares at me, with those two giant, sad eyes, every day as I walk past it to climb in the truck. It screams...."WHY WON'T YOU RIDE ME? SCRAPE THE ICE OFF MY SEAT AND CLIMB ON, YOU SELFISH B*%&$@#D!"
I feel kind of bad, as I back out of the driveway, coffee in hand, heater blazing away, Jeremy Camp turned up to 11.
But not really.
I mean, who wants to ride a talking motorcycle? It's kind of creepy.  

Ever thought of the RC51? Good handling and a very addictive v-twin!    

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Ever thought of the RC51? Good handling and a very addictive v-twin!  

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