2009 MCN Literbike Shootout @ SportBikeBlog
Read after you watch: I have yet to ride any of the new literbikes but I have spent some time sitting on each one. In my personal opinion, the GSXR was arguably lightest between the legs and felt most functional (although the ZX10 was also extremely light; furthermore, this could be because I come from a feather-light K6 GSXR600 and a very heavy-feeling 04 R1). Otherwise, I thought the CBR was most balanced and thus didn't think it would take the crown; however, upon sitting on the new R1 and revving it up (though I wasn't allowed to ride it), I must say that that the motor was impractically strong. Not only was the bike heavy (as its predecessors) between the legs and awkwardly light in the rear, the engine revs felt almost too strong for practical use. I couldn't imagine comfortably riding it through town, though, I could imagine raping the tarmac at the track. Despite its fame/name, I've disregarded all Ducatis/V-twins.
All in all, these are some speculations and it would be great to see what others are thinking. I would have loved to see the Return of the King but it seems like Yamaha has earned its crown. Would you agree? Any one (test) ride any of these bikes on the street?
Read after you watch: I have yet to ride any of the new literbikes but I have spent some time sitting on each one. In my personal opinion, the GSXR was arguably lightest between the legs and felt most functional (although the ZX10 was also extremely light; furthermore, this could be because I come from a feather-light K6 GSXR600 and a very heavy-feeling 04 R1). Otherwise, I thought the CBR was most balanced and thus didn't think it would take the crown; however, upon sitting on the new R1 and revving it up (though I wasn't allowed to ride it), I must say that that the motor was impractically strong. Not only was the bike heavy (as its predecessors) between the legs and awkwardly light in the rear, the engine revs felt almost too strong for practical use. I couldn't imagine comfortably riding it through town, though, I could imagine raping the tarmac at the track. Despite its fame/name, I've disregarded all Ducatis/V-twins.
All in all, these are some speculations and it would be great to see what others are thinking. I would have loved to see the Return of the King but it seems like Yamaha has earned its crown. Would you agree? Any one (test) ride any of these bikes on the street?
