Just an observation, but it seems that most of the two wheeled media over here in the UK slate the 1krr when comparing it against the Gixer, ZX and R1. The statement that it is too heavy, turns too slowly, and feels boring and underpowered on both the road and track really doesn't do the bike justice. In my opinion, the GSXR is the bike that would definitely run over the Blade in terms of performance, but the others? I don't believe so.

Is the perception of these bikes within the media similar over there across the pond?

 

not from what ive seen,

my friend races moto gp, and does track every time its here, and CHOOOSE a 1krr... he also has a tracked out 636, 600rr, and a gsxr1k... he likes his 1krr for street and track... says he wouldnt trade it for the world.

 

Who is your friend?

 

We all have to remember that these bike tests and reviews are done by previous professional racers. They know how to point out the very miniscule flaws of a bike which the majority of motorcycle riders wouldn't recognize. There are small differences in the litre bikes but it all comes down to the rider.

QuiK

 

Most comparison test are just nit picking the bikes..there are no bad ones...but the other bikes do have more power, and they weigh less, ect...

 

My friend just picked up a GSXR1k 05. After a week or so of riding it he says he dosent like the bike. He said it is way too lite and unpredictable. He prefers his 03 gsxr1k over the 05. I told him he should have went with a 1krr. Whats a few pounds, hell, go on a diet.

 

A lot of the poundage can also be taken off by common aftermarket changes anyhow. I mean, the difference of taking off all the rear end garbage and a new pipe took off about 15 lbs of weight from my bike. Every change I have made from turn signals (losing the stalks to flush mounts), pillion cover vs. seat, lighter rider seat, taking the tool kit out of the rear (in town riding only recommended), lighter fasteners, reflector removal, etc.., all take weight off. I have also lost 15lbs myself recently and that of course, makes a difference.

I read a lot of posts here and see people upset that they cannot reach the same velocities, trap speeds, 1/4 miles etc..,. of the test riders but look at a lot of those guys--they are skeletal in stature (6'1 and 165 lbs or 5'9 and 135lbs). Plus they always test at sea level on an ideal track temp with ideal tire temps and a lot of clutch thrashing. They, after all only have the bikes for a few days for a comparison review and really don't care about longevity.

I say, buy the bike you like, learn to ride it well, have fun, and don't worry about the next faster bike...every year there will be a faster bike....it's called marketing and competition for a profit.

 

I agree with that, they were all saying the zx-10 was an animal before the gixxer came out, but in reality i comes down to riders more than extra 7HP.
Where you at James?

 

I've heard some mag writers praising the extra weight saying it makes the bike more stable and the next guy says it's a pig compared to the GSXR. Like was previously said, buy what you like and ride the wheels off of it.

P.S. I dusted a Ducati today -- I think it was a 788??? Not sure -- went by too fast[8D] He couldn't even keep up in the twisties ... hee hee hee. I thought the Ducks were sposed to be badass twisters

 

Ducs are badass but you just proved it's the rider not the bike.