Looks vs. Performance

I am having the hardest time making decisions for this year's bike.  Originally it was the 09' zx6r hands down, but now I've kind of made up my mind to go with one of the liter-bikes.  The only problem is that I have been reading the 09' liter-bike camparison(over 100 times now!), and the best bikes in the comparison also seem to have the ugliest colors/looks.  I really love the R1's looks but am not so keen on it's weight and lack of top-end power. How much should I let those two factors play into my decision?  Would I really notice the lack of top-end while riding on the street?  I will be doing some track days, but the majority of time on this bike will be hitting the streets and highways.  Obviously the Honda and Kawasaki are the bikes I really want, but I just don't know if I can live with their looks.  

I ride a late model ZX-10R and love it.  Honestly I love all the liter bikes and like what they all bring to the table.  The main driver for me was price and I feel I lucked out and also got a package that looked nice to me and performed nice as well.  I have made some performance and aesthetic mods since I've bought it, and it only improved upon what was already there.  I have also owned a ZX-6R.  There is no comparison in power between the 600s and the 1000s, at all. I'd go with a 1000 hands down, but be careful out there! If looks are more important than performance to you, go with the one that you feel looks best.  In all the reviews of the liter bikes of the last few years, the reviewers have both admitted to showing a bit of bias as well as realized that you are splitting hairs in comparison between the big four japanese liter bikes when talking about hard data.  It's the rider that makes the difference anyway, right?  Don't under-estimate your ability to adapt to the package that the bike brings whatever bike you choose. Most of the performance differences between bikes are very subtle and only make a difference if you, as the rider have trouble adapting to the bike.  As for the CBRs looks, I personally could care less. When I'm in the cockpit, I'm not worried about how it looks.  I'm concerened about the performance. And the CBR does it in spades.  I personally think the funky look of the CBR is kinda refreshing.  The R1's cutting edge technology is more than enought to push the envelope for me, as was the looks of it.  I just liked the price of the ZX better.  With a few mods on any bike, you can acheive the performance and look that you really want.  With that in mind, I'd go with the less expensive bike and use the difference to modify it to my liking. That's why I went with the ZX.  And Lord knows there is a ton of stuff in the aftermarket to consider when modifying your bike!  Whatever you choose, godspeed to you.  Be safe, and RIDE HARD!  I hope to see you out there, having fun and enjoying our sport!  

Right on man!  I like the zx10r alot too.  I like what you are saying about adapting to the package, and also that the comparisons are usually very close.  That is what I was thinking, but just wanted to hear it from someone else.  Thanks.  Also, if anyone else will offer input, keep in mind that I am definitely someone who will push the bike hard and spend alot of time reving into the double digits.  The top-end seems like it should be very important to me, but I can't really believe that the r1 will feel "weak" just because the magazine article says so you know?  I guess I'm just looking for someone who has ridden one to tell me that I won't be let down.  

You know... the L-twin Ducati 1098 felt weak when I rode it, because it made power in a different fashion the the inline four that I was used to, but after coming out of a corner and getting on the throttle, then looking at the speedo, the absence of the high-pitched scream of the inline fours was met with a triple digit readout.  The speed of the 1098 (and even more so the new 1198) is deceptive because of it's lower tone.  I think of this when I think of the R1 with it's more tractable power-making crossplane crankshaft and lower-than-normal-exhaust note.  I'd like to think since Spies did so well on it in WSBK and Valentino once again proved is mastery of the M1 MotoGP Bike from which the crossplane crankshaft derived, that Yamaha will sell a lot of bikes in this new year.  Rightly so, I'd say.  I'll also say that, should you choose the R1, I highly doubt that you would be let down.  I.M.H.O.  

Just remembered, I know a guy who has the 09 R1.  I'll pick his brain and let you know what he says about the top end power and weight.  

I'd appreciate that.  

Okay, I talked to my man with the R1 and he said that the top end power was a non-issue.  "It's a totally different bike."  He also said that it handled like a GSXR1000, but felt like a Ducati. I was looking at the weight figures and it seems as if the R1 is pretty close to the rest of the bikes, enough that it won't make that much of a difference.  Like I said before, it's the rider that makes the difference!  Sounds like a winner to me!  

Thanks for taking the time to talk with him.  I know that the Yamaha is going to be different, and it makes me a little nervous, but I think I can live with it even if it doesn't scream like a typical inline-4.  I really just wanted to hear that the bike wasn't a complete let down, and now I am realizing that it is just different.  I guess if I really don't like it, I can always trade it in for the Ninja.  Thanks again for your input.  

Your welcome, sir. Should you choose to get the zx-10r ninja, let me tell you... it is awesome!!!!  It is a bit touchy and requires a judicious hand with the throttle.  In comparison to other liter bikes, power comes on pretty hard and suddenly.  The power band is not as linear as the the likes of the GSXR 1000. Top end power is marvelous. 192 HP at the crank.  You like top end?  This very well may be the bike for you!  

I spoke with someone today who kind of changed my mind about the R1.  He says that if we were talking in dirtbike terms, the R1 would be like a 4-stroke whereas the zx10r would be more like a 2-stroke.  I've always been a 2-stroke guy, so after thinking in those terms, along with the better reviews and cheaper price-tag, I'm going with the Ninja.  No amount of good looks can really change the fact that you should be spending more time riding the bike as opposed to looking at it!  

That's an interesting analogy and actually is kinda close to what you might feel in the difference between the two bikes.  Like I said before, it's hard to go wrong with any of the bikes out there nowadays.  You'd have to look far and wide to find a "bad" bike.  Let me know if you are interested on any deals that I've found for ZX-10 mods.  I know of several reputable places online that can get you good prices on stuff specific for the ZX-10 (although they often have the same stuf for other bikes as well).  It may save you some time and money.  Let me know what you are looking for.  

Am planing to get a new bike myself but very confused betwen R1(09) AND GSXR 1000CC (09)  

What are you confused about?  

While I understand your dilemma, you've said you want the honda or the kawasaki based on looks. get what you want. and go for the 600! Plenty fast. I just brought one home today (green 2009) to play with my ZX-1100 (purple 1997). The 600 is much lighter, just as quick and almost as fast. You're talking a heartbeat worth of difference - so go with the looks that stop your heart.  

Actually, that is what I ended up going with!  I found an 06' R6 with under 700 miles!  I changed the oil and filter, drained and replaced the coolant, and the bike is like new!  I really am falling in love with both its looks and performance!