i would just like to know why the zx9r wasn't included. its stock horsepower is just as much as the 954 but with 54 less cc's. with the $1100 dollars you save on the 9r you could buy an exhaust and easily drop 20 or more pounds, add an extra 7 or so horsepower and have money to spare. You would also have a comfortable bike. And if you REALLY wanted to level the field. add a 98 cc MUZZYS big bore kit and you will smoke em all. By the way I own a '02 9r and the 954's and R1's still cant hang light to light!!!!!
2002 Openclass Shootout, Part I
i would just like to know why the zx9r wasn't included. its stock horsepower is just as much as the 954 but with 54 less cc's. with the $1100 dollars you save on the 9r you could easily drop 20 or more pounds, add an extra 7 or so horsepower and have money to spare. You would also have a comfortable bike. And if you REALLY wanted to level the field. add a 98 cc MUZZYS big bore kit and you will smoke em all. By the way I own a '02 9r and the 954's and R1's still cant hang light to light!!!!!
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As indicated within the context of the story, the Kawasaki ZX-9R was not included in the test due to scheduling conflicts. We have no doubt that the ZX-9R is the ultimate motorcycle for your needs. However, to reiterate, the Kawasaki ZX-9R could not make our test due to scheduling conflicts.
Understanding this, stay tuned for when we finally do get our hands on the new ZX-9R as we'll be doing exactly what you stated. We'll hopefully be fixing it up and seeing what it'll do.
Understanding this, stay tuned for when we finally do get our hands on the new ZX-9R as we'll be doing exactly what you stated. We'll hopefully be fixing it up and seeing what it'll do.
IMO, you should just call this test 1 liter sport-class MOTY
Honestly .. I don't see why you don't just include the Bimmer or the VFR ...
Yes, motorcycling is bigger than 0-60 times or how long a wheelie you can ride. However, must you now be judging all bike tests on the "mystique of motorcycling" scale ?
Is there still a place for a category where the bikes sole purpose for being, its lineage and the uber technology that we are all lucky to have access to can be appreciated over windscreen height ? Where a thickly padded seat is a bonus rather than a requisite ?
Alas obviously Im alone in my version of the "open-class" world.
Last year you crowned the R1 as winner because it was not too fast (Suz) or not too slow (Hon) but just perfect ... with this years quicker R1 and same Gix it pretty much HAS to be the Honda ... lets just hope they don't make the CBR faster for next year or Kawi might just have a chance to win one of these after all.
Honestly .. I don't see why you don't just include the Bimmer or the VFR ...
Yes, motorcycling is bigger than 0-60 times or how long a wheelie you can ride. However, must you now be judging all bike tests on the "mystique of motorcycling" scale ?
Is there still a place for a category where the bikes sole purpose for being, its lineage and the uber technology that we are all lucky to have access to can be appreciated over windscreen height ? Where a thickly padded seat is a bonus rather than a requisite ?
Alas obviously Im alone in my version of the "open-class" world.
Last year you crowned the R1 as winner because it was not too fast (Suz) or not too slow (Hon) but just perfect ... with this years quicker R1 and same Gix it pretty much HAS to be the Honda ... lets just hope they don't make the CBR faster for next year or Kawi might just have a chance to win one of these after all.
Maybe you guys could include an actual measurement of wet weight in future spec sheets.
Now, now, Ron. Go easy on them, a couple of bathroom scales add up to a serious financial committment.
English refresher needed?
bare with you? Please forgive me if I decline your invitation.>>I don't get to write these news thingies very much so bare with me.
Virtual weigh-in indeed.
So, you were able to dyno the bikes but not able get a "ready to ride, full tank of gas" weight in the comparison chart? Neither are there measurements of the seat, bars, pegs triangle nor the seat height (all typical of the specs usually provided e.g., by RoadRacing World). Considering that this test is likely not to be decided by power, one would think that first measurements would be the ergonomic factors shown in a convenient side by side comparison chart. Gosh, what's the world coming to?
So, you were able to dyno the bikes but not able get a "ready to ride, full tank of gas" weight in the comparison chart? Neither are there measurements of the seat, bars, pegs triangle nor the seat height (all typical of the specs usually provided e.g., by RoadRacing World). Considering that this test is likely not to be decided by power, one would think that first measurements would be the ergonomic factors shown in a convenient side by side comparison chart. Gosh, what's the world coming to?
Any performance difference between any of these bikes in the real world is most likely to come down to the riders. You should be happy in any case. Incidentally, every change made to the bike dings away at the warranty - I'd expect the warranty to essentially evaporate if a big bore kit is installed. You might not care, I would. I'm bored with fiddling with bikes, I just want to ride them. If I have to change a given bike to make into the bike really I want then it's the wrong bike for me. YMMV...
Exclusion of the ZX9R is the height of moto-elitism. The latest Cycle World takes the same path as you do. But look at their own numbers for the 954 and the 9R. The 9R weighs 34 lb more, has 7 less hp, yet BEATS the 954 in 1/4 mile, 0-60, and top speed.
When you add in better ergonomics, wind protection and lower price, the only conclusion that makes any sense is that the 9R is not in your shootout because you don't want it to show up the three track pigs that its stylish to rave about.
When you add in better ergonomics, wind protection and lower price, the only conclusion that makes any sense is that the 9R is not in your shootout because you don't want it to show up the three track pigs that its stylish to rave about.
Re: English refresher needed?
Ha Ha Ha! Maybe he forgot to turn on spell checker...wait, bare is spelled correctly! Sublimal message...?
You be the judge!
Ha Ha Ha! Maybe he forgot to turn on spell checker...wait, bare is spelled correctly! Sublimal message...?
You be the judge!
If that's true, then Kawasaki has been done great injustice! I'm all-Honda, but damn, if the 9R beats the 954 with smaller cc's, heavier weight, and is less expensive, then K deserves more than a "scheduling conflict"!
Couldn't wait for K, huh MO? Had K been in the shoot-out, I would've seriously considered the subscription BS!
Couldn't wait for K, huh MO? Had K been in the shoot-out, I would've seriously considered the subscription BS!
Did you have to rejet, and did that fix the low-speed carb. glitch?
Well said & right on target.
yes, i rejetted and there was not a low rpm bog to begin with or after. I installed a Hindle exhaust. great sound, great performance!!
Thank god someone else notices these things!!! but you have to consider that Honda has like 10 pages of ads in that magazine, we can't expect them to be totally honest can we? I mean come on, it might affect 954 sales. It's ok, i'll be happy spending my extra $1000 dollars and spanking the black frame silver swing armed (tacky) 954's and R1's.
You tease(s)! I was happily reading along when the article just ended! Ack. I don't want to read about the weigh-in. I want to read the test.
Let's not go off the deep end here. I've not noticed that MO plays the ad revenue game like CW or Motorcyclist. That's how you get those paid trips to Japan, etc. Wait a few years when the manufacturers start to realize that the Internet has a strong influence on the bike buying public. When we see the MO guys being wined and dined like the CW jerks, then you will know.
I'm willing to take hackfu at his word for now. It's a bit premature to start seeing conspiracies. We'll see what they have to say about the K down the line.
I'm willing to take hackfu at his word for now. It's a bit premature to start seeing conspiracies. We'll see what they have to say about the K down the line.
Hmmm. Why not just call this the "Big Three Clone Japanese Open Class Shootout?" What's "open" about it?
And howcome everyone's already made up his mind, anyway?
And howcome everyone's already made up his mind, anyway?
rsalas wrote:
"with the $1100 dollars you save on the 9r you could easily drop 20 or more pounds, add an extra 7 or so horsepower and have money to spare. You would also have a comfortable bike. And if you REALLY wanted to level the field. add a 98 cc MUZZYS big bore kit and you will smoke em all. "
Yes, and if your mother had the right equipment, she'd be your father. But she doesn't and she isn't.
These are tests of the bikes as they come from the factory. Tests of the bikes as what they are, not what they can or could be.
"with the $1100 dollars you save on the 9r you could easily drop 20 or more pounds, add an extra 7 or so horsepower and have money to spare. You would also have a comfortable bike. And if you REALLY wanted to level the field. add a 98 cc MUZZYS big bore kit and you will smoke em all. "
Yes, and if your mother had the right equipment, she'd be your father. But she doesn't and she isn't.
These are tests of the bikes as they come from the factory. Tests of the bikes as what they are, not what they can or could be.
1 - 20 of 131 Posts
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