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Motorcycle Online has an interesting recent online comparo of their three sportbike shootout winners: 2003 ZX636B vs. RSV Mille R vs. GSX-R1000.
Generally, they conclude the ZX is “easiest to go fast on,” and “most fun on tighter tracks.” And let’s not forget, “easiest on the wallet!” Fastest lap of the day was turned on the ZX (California Speedway, Fontana CA). John Burns, MO editor, turned his slowest lap times on the ZX, however. Hmm.
Bottom line is guys with more track time favored the Beast Bike. It scared the crap out of 2/3 the testers. The Gixxer has more absolute potential for faster laps due in part to the humongous power advantage, assuming you can put it to ground. The Suzuki’s a marvelous motorcycle, though it won’t suffer amateurs without biting back, hard.
The Mille felt “underpowered” to these guys. I can relate: yes, it’s roughly 111 rwhp with significant low-end grunt, but weighs about 490 lbs full of gas. The ZX isn’t far behind in hp, with an honest 75 lb weight delta. I’ve owned both, and ridden each at the track: the weight difference cannot be understated. The Mille’s ultra-stable chassis is one thing, pushing the front through turns and being outrun on the straights by fast 600s another. Take that as you will: YMMV.
-=DRB=-
Generally, they conclude the ZX is “easiest to go fast on,” and “most fun on tighter tracks.” And let’s not forget, “easiest on the wallet!” Fastest lap of the day was turned on the ZX (California Speedway, Fontana CA). John Burns, MO editor, turned his slowest lap times on the ZX, however. Hmm.
Bottom line is guys with more track time favored the Beast Bike. It scared the crap out of 2/3 the testers. The Gixxer has more absolute potential for faster laps due in part to the humongous power advantage, assuming you can put it to ground. The Suzuki’s a marvelous motorcycle, though it won’t suffer amateurs without biting back, hard.
The Mille felt “underpowered” to these guys. I can relate: yes, it’s roughly 111 rwhp with significant low-end grunt, but weighs about 490 lbs full of gas. The ZX isn’t far behind in hp, with an honest 75 lb weight delta. I’ve owned both, and ridden each at the track: the weight difference cannot be understated. The Mille’s ultra-stable chassis is one thing, pushing the front through turns and being outrun on the straights by fast 600s another. Take that as you will: YMMV.
-=DRB=-