streak
12-24-2008, 07:01 AM
Maybe it was foolish to include the BMW. Although a fast, balanced, supremely equipped and suitably imposing motorcycle, it isn't built with the same objectives as the others. There's more focus on function and practicality than all-out performance. Of course, this means the KI200S is bloody useful, be it for long commutes, intercontinental exploration or as use-it-and-forget-it, all-weather transport. But unless you do rack up miles, the usual BMW smattering of quirks, plus the handling, ride and response specifics of the inline four could mean you never really come to terms with it if your riding is a few hours on a Sunday morning. It doesn't have the instant hit or easy access of the others, and the front¬end is a bit odd if you ride fast. Maybe next year's even faster, even cleverer KI300S will redress things. It'll have a normal indicator switch for a start.
It'd be nice to think that someone high up in the Kawasaki food chain is a Bike reader, as everything we said spoilt the ZZRI400 when it appeared has been amended on this revamped machine. It now has the rich, immediate bottom-end thwack you expect of such a gargantuan displacement, ~. taking brain space away from the task of delivering all that horsepower smoothly and instead letting you explore sweeter steering and tauter handling than the Hayabusa can offer. The ZZR carries its weight well and the riding position helps in making it feel light and manageable too. It's not quite a direct replacement for the old ZX-I2R sportsbike, but it's the sharpest device here.
These are the mothers and fathers of performance all inconceivable power, phone-number speeds and Hummer-embarrassing presence. But the Busa still stands proud. No other bike gets near its locomotive pull from tickover to the red line its engulfing sensation of strength; or the way it makes whooshing about at three figure speeds as taxing as remembering to breathe. You soon forgive mildly wandering handling when pushed because the Suzuki's knockout blow is veiled with such diplomacy. Dawdling about on tickover is effortless, the ride sumptuous. There are proper bungee points. Good mirrors. It even has the biggest tank range. And then there's what it stands for, the air of supremacy. That does it for me.
148
Second opinion
I don't think I'd invest in a BMW K1200S. I don't like its fuelling characteristics. If you were never to fire through the gears it'd be fine, you wouldn't suspect anything was amiss, but what's the point of all the performance if you don't ever use it?
The ZZR is a close second, as the speed and acceleration compare well with the Suzuki. And I think it handles really well for its size, better than the Busa on some roads. But if I owned one I'd definitely change tyres as soon as was financially practical. It'd save on laundry costs.
The Suzuki is my winner. It combines speed, staggering acceleration and comfort in a package that keeps the rider cocooned and protected, not only from the elements but the sheer mechanical effort that's needed to make a bike go this fast. It doesn't just do what it's supposed to, it does it very well.
If I were to take a Hayabusa home with me, I'd fit a slightly higher screen to take some of the windblast away, and experiment with different tyres to find out which ones are most suitable for fast road riding. And maybe fit a lighter, better looking, aftermarket exhaust. But nothing more.
It'd be nice to think that someone high up in the Kawasaki food chain is a Bike reader, as everything we said spoilt the ZZRI400 when it appeared has been amended on this revamped machine. It now has the rich, immediate bottom-end thwack you expect of such a gargantuan displacement, ~. taking brain space away from the task of delivering all that horsepower smoothly and instead letting you explore sweeter steering and tauter handling than the Hayabusa can offer. The ZZR carries its weight well and the riding position helps in making it feel light and manageable too. It's not quite a direct replacement for the old ZX-I2R sportsbike, but it's the sharpest device here.
These are the mothers and fathers of performance all inconceivable power, phone-number speeds and Hummer-embarrassing presence. But the Busa still stands proud. No other bike gets near its locomotive pull from tickover to the red line its engulfing sensation of strength; or the way it makes whooshing about at three figure speeds as taxing as remembering to breathe. You soon forgive mildly wandering handling when pushed because the Suzuki's knockout blow is veiled with such diplomacy. Dawdling about on tickover is effortless, the ride sumptuous. There are proper bungee points. Good mirrors. It even has the biggest tank range. And then there's what it stands for, the air of supremacy. That does it for me.
148
Second opinion
I don't think I'd invest in a BMW K1200S. I don't like its fuelling characteristics. If you were never to fire through the gears it'd be fine, you wouldn't suspect anything was amiss, but what's the point of all the performance if you don't ever use it?
The ZZR is a close second, as the speed and acceleration compare well with the Suzuki. And I think it handles really well for its size, better than the Busa on some roads. But if I owned one I'd definitely change tyres as soon as was financially practical. It'd save on laundry costs.
The Suzuki is my winner. It combines speed, staggering acceleration and comfort in a package that keeps the rider cocooned and protected, not only from the elements but the sheer mechanical effort that's needed to make a bike go this fast. It doesn't just do what it's supposed to, it does it very well.
If I were to take a Hayabusa home with me, I'd fit a slightly higher screen to take some of the windblast away, and experiment with different tyres to find out which ones are most suitable for fast road riding. And maybe fit a lighter, better looking, aftermarket exhaust. But nothing more.