streak
12-24-2008, 06:25 AM
There's a car magazine testing at Bruntingthorpe, popping and banging their way up the two-mile strip in an assortment of turbo Fords. Over the din of a spoiler-clad Fiesta creations hitting costly blow ups and Z4lkm/h potential. Impressive stuff.
Well, it is until we wheel the Hayabusa out, Bruce warming the back tyre by smoking it through the first three gears prior to hitting 96km/h in 2.8s and battering the 296km/h limiter. It sets a standard for top gear roll-on performance, while the brakes surprise us by stopping the bike in the least distance.with reliability thrown in for free.
The ZZR runs the Suzuki close with the same restricted top speed, but ultimately it doesn't have the same endless, fluid thrust of the Hayabusa. It just lags behind by the odd smidgeon here and there. And the ABS is over eager, giving the worst stopping distance.
As for the BMW? Fast, yes, but the revvier power and fuelling characteristics make it harder to launch, and it loses out on top speed. Lower gear ratios let it beat the ZZR's roll-on time, though.
144
CHICANE SECTION
ZZR and K1200S riding positions give the best leverage. Hayabusa wallows slightly when pushed, while BMW is composed but doesn't inspire. full confidence. ZZR chassis feels the most nimble,'turning sweetly, but footpegs and fairin'g go down quite easily.
FAST LEFT
All bikes remain calm and stable banking at 193km/h, but the Suzuki and Kawasaki have enough power to sway the bars driving out in third gear. BMW's odd front end reacts well but doesn't quite feel right turning in at speed. Busa feels nicer at this higher pace.
TIGHT RIGHT
Trail the brake on the way in, apex over a sharp rise in the tarmac, exit over bumps. BMW feels clunky but remains composed; the Suzuki wobbles and struggles to apply 184bhp on the exit. But it's the Kawasaki's sporty chassis that is the nicest to stick in hard and trust it won't misbehave.
Well, it is until we wheel the Hayabusa out, Bruce warming the back tyre by smoking it through the first three gears prior to hitting 96km/h in 2.8s and battering the 296km/h limiter. It sets a standard for top gear roll-on performance, while the brakes surprise us by stopping the bike in the least distance.with reliability thrown in for free.
The ZZR runs the Suzuki close with the same restricted top speed, but ultimately it doesn't have the same endless, fluid thrust of the Hayabusa. It just lags behind by the odd smidgeon here and there. And the ABS is over eager, giving the worst stopping distance.
As for the BMW? Fast, yes, but the revvier power and fuelling characteristics make it harder to launch, and it loses out on top speed. Lower gear ratios let it beat the ZZR's roll-on time, though.
144
CHICANE SECTION
ZZR and K1200S riding positions give the best leverage. Hayabusa wallows slightly when pushed, while BMW is composed but doesn't inspire. full confidence. ZZR chassis feels the most nimble,'turning sweetly, but footpegs and fairin'g go down quite easily.
FAST LEFT
All bikes remain calm and stable banking at 193km/h, but the Suzuki and Kawasaki have enough power to sway the bars driving out in third gear. BMW's odd front end reacts well but doesn't quite feel right turning in at speed. Busa feels nicer at this higher pace.
TIGHT RIGHT
Trail the brake on the way in, apex over a sharp rise in the tarmac, exit over bumps. BMW feels clunky but remains composed; the Suzuki wobbles and struggles to apply 184bhp on the exit. But it's the Kawasaki's sporty chassis that is the nicest to stick in hard and trust it won't misbehave.