Im in the market for a new bike, probably will become a dedicated track bike. Torn between the new r1 and the new zx. Anyone ride em yet? Zx pros: really nice superbike style balance free suspension. 330mm brembos up front. All the wsbk input and hype R1 pros: i <3 the sound. Its supposed to put down more ponies. Reviews say its super flickable. 16lbs lighter compared to abs zx R1 is also a bit less expensive with the deals goin on, got quoted at 14.5 vs 16 for zx with abs
I definitely have to say Yamaha as well. I have always believed that have the best bikes, and still do.
On paper the ZX10 is a better bike and readier (is that a word even?? lol) for the track than pretty much anything else out there. In other words you don't have to do much to it to turn it into a track bike. But unfortunately, I have not ridden either of them. However, I would say the ZX10 is cheaper. It's more closer to an R1M, which is way more expensive, than to the base R1. I would be torn between the two for the same reasons you mentioned. The sound of the R1 is the main thing that attracts me to it....so if you can't decide, just for the the new RSV4 instead, it's the best option anyway
I'd balance that against having a Kaw build expert relatively close. If I were crazy enough to race a big bike, I'd be fine handing a Kaw to Farrell. He did a great job on my old 6R. ( and pretty darn reasonable $ too)
I have been debating this myself since reading about the 2016 ZX10. As mentioned, the ZX seems to be the better bike on paper and I absolutely LOVED my '09 ZX6R so I became a huge Kawi fan after tracking that bike. But the sound of that R1 is awesome and I'm sure it handles like a dream. Tough call. Sure wish I could ride both at the track prior to buying since one of those will also likely be my next upgrade. I'm sure anyone would be uber pleased with either. Nice problem to have, deciding between these two....
and here im deciding if i wanna eat this month or spend it on trackdays comin up ... foods overrated right
It sounds to me like money is not an issue for you so if I were you I'd go for the Aprilia RSV4. Or you could wait and get a Honda RVF1000 V4 that's supposed to be coming out next year. This bike should be sufficient in making everyone at the track envy you.
Im already pushin it with the ~15k for these bikes. isnt the rvf supposed to come in around 23? id cry even harder if/when i dropped it...
Perhaps unpopular opinion: Unless you are a very fast advanced level rider, it almost certainly won't matter. Current gen superbikes are all so good that you, not the bike, is almost certainly going to be the limiting factor. If you like one over the other, even for aesthetic reasons or something silly like that, just go for it, you will likely be just as fast on it as the other bike. Disclaimer: I have no idea how quick you are on the track so maybe this suggestion doesn't apply to you. I just like encouraging people to listen to their heart.
But with the RSV4 since it's not really a new model, you could get a used one already setup for the track. I've seen a few recently, one as low as $12k for a race-ready '12 or '13 RSV4 Factory. If I had the money that's what I would do for sure. Until I become filthy rich, I will never buy another bike brand new. I learned my lesson when I bought a new Ducati 1198. All that money, and then spent another 5k-7k to make it a proper race bike. Buying used but not "too used" is the way to go.
ive seen more rsv4 motors blown at the track then all other bikes combined, anyone know whats up with that
I just let a 15 r1 on ebay go, 2k miles, ecu flash, pipe, and new tires for 12.5k. With shipping, tax, and outbidding, i could have had that for less than 13.5. But i couldnt see it, as its in NY, which sketched me out a bit. Looks like i might just be doomed to pay the taxman on the new bits if i cant contain my excitement/lack of street legal motorcycle.
It very may well come down to listening to my ears... That crossplane though. As much as i like the ninja i think the r1 just strikes a chord with me. Well, as much as it can without having ridden either bike. ...but brembos and balance free forks D:
I've heard of some, but not that many. I've seen more R6's, GSXR's and ZX6R's blow motors than any of the less common brands....of course being less common is part of the reason too. Supposedly the RSV4's pre-2012 had some engine issues and were more susceptible to failing.
Sounds like a good deal. Should've went for it. I wouldn't be afraid to buy a bike like that sight unseen and have it shipped. I just bought 2 race bikes without seeing them first, both of which had been crashed recently, and they were cheap bikes, so the risk was much higher than a mint-condition 2015 bike. I was lucky in both cases I guess, because I got exactly what was said in the ads, no BS.
I have to disagree with you Steve. Of all the track bikes I've owned (BTW all European), this 2015 R1 is the hardest for me to convert to a track bike. Too many tiny fairing bits/pieces, modules, screws/push pins/fastners, and lighting. The front headlight assembly is a mother of a time to figure out and remove without throwing a ECU code. Best to have a race shop at least do the headlight assembly. You gotta also do some trimming of the OEM plastics to properly fit race bodywork.