Liter Bike Review 06'

Good article in June 06' Sport Rider. Based on overall scores R1 second overall but favorites of the test riders were ZX-10R and GSX-R1000. Anyone own or ridden the Kawasak ZX-10R? That bike consistently scores high or #1 on all of these tests. R1 power delivery to rear wheel less than all others. My biggest beef with this bike since day 1 (clutch, power delivery, fuel map). R1 had best scores for looks, eronomics, suspension, weight and handling. No surprise there. On the track R1 makes up time on twisties but loses on straight away with second fastest lap time (numbers very close). Horsepower and torque lower than all other bikes with a hole in power and torque curves at 7000 rpms. The only one with this noticeable hole, why? As tested the new stock R1 06' (not as advertised) had less hp than the R1 05'. R1 roll-on acceleration performance sucked compared to other bikes. Quarter mile placed 3rd out of 4. One of the closing comments was "with a bit more hp the R1 would be a potent package." Amen!

Im always disapointed with the One in these tests - Low numbers / Crappy power curves... But still - Mine runs like a mofo - looks perfect - would not buy any other.. Expect big change next year - 07 should be killer...

Must be that time of the year. Cycle World just came out with a crappy review of the R1. Why do I let it bother me? Does Yamaha tune into or see this stuff? They called the R1 a really big R6. WTF? In this article ZX-10 number 1, Gixxer unofficial 2nd and Yamaha and Honda battling for 3rd. Somone is get paid off. They said ZX-10 numbers were low for 1/4 mile, they couldn't keep front tire down cus of brute power. Ohh please, let me see that to believe it. It's geared to do 100 mph in 1st. They also said ZX-10 does burnouts in corner coming out of turn. Yeah right. My bike is better than stock probably 160+ at rear wheel. I never raced it at a track or put my pink slip on the line but I also never had something called a Gixxer or ZX-10 out on street get in front of me either. The dealer where I bought my bike can't keep the Suzuki on the floor, overstocked on the R1 and have 2 marked down 06 R1 LE bikes since beginning of year. I'm a die hard Yamaha fan but they better seriously wake up!

What do you expect in 07? and how major of a new bike do you think it will be, to be honest I just don't see if changing that much. as for the current R1, I'm happy with it and on the track I still dont get close to getting all out of her...

mines 05 . i ripp gixxers new aholes from stand still and roll ons in any gear------period

I'm going to find a way to get on a zx-10. Find out what these test riders are talking about. When I'm done it will be a heap of smoldering metal, plastic and rubber. I still laugh when I read lines in article "zx-10 lit up rear tire almost at will, with ease, burnouts coming out of turn." If it was that good everyone would own a zx-10.

Dude, the ZX is bad ass. If you dont respect it, it will bite you - hard. You're already talking like a fool, with no understanding of the bike.

Originally posted by eros I'm going to find a way to get on a zx-10. Find out what these test riders are talking about. When I'm done it will be a heap of smoldering metal, plastic and rubber. I still laugh when I read lines in article "zx-10 lit up rear tire almost at will, with ease, burnouts coming out of turn." If it was that good everyone would own a zx-10. No, everyone would not own one. There will always be dumbasses who think they have the best bike on earth(even though they have never ridden any others) because they own it, despite what any dyno's, mags, other riders, lap times, race results, etc say. Hell... if they did try to ride anything else, they would most likely turn it into a heap of smoldering metal, plastic and rubber.

Originally posted by eros I'm going to find a way to get on a zx-10. Find out what these test riders are talking about. When I'm done it will be a heap of smoldering metal, plastic and rubber. I still laugh when I read lines in article "zx-10 lit up rear tire almost at will, with ease, burnouts coming out of turn." If it was that good everyone would own a zx-10. Manufacturers will outdo each other every couple of years mate. Everybody gets a "turn" to be the topdog. If they didn't outdo each other, we'd still be riding 2nd World War Harleys and Nortons. Also be careful of that heap of smoldering metal, there may just be a smoking pile of flesh and bone next to it!

It's interesting that the '06 ZX is getting decent reviews here int he US, but it has been trashed almost universally in UK magazines. Bike had the gixer 1st, blade 2nd, R1 3rd and ZX last (I think that's correct, I am doing this from memory). PB had R1 1st (yeah!), GSXR 2nd, Blade 3rd and ZX last. SuperBikes was similar, with the GSXR 1st and the R1 2nd, etc. Not that it matters either way, to be honest, but it's rather interesting... ;)

Originally posted by 1hander mines 05 . i ripp gixxers new aholes from stand still and roll ons in any gear------period I've had both an 05 and 06 R1, looks are deadly, top end over 8500 is sweet. But I now own a 2006 GSXR 1000, and man does it rock. No pun intended, the R1 low end is just shitty. It does ride smoother however above 9000, the Gixxer vibrates more I think, maybe because of the Trc pipe I don't know. But come on slipper clutch, rear seat delete, flush lights and still rocks with no changes from last year??!!! It really boils down to personal preference. I personally don't like my balls being CRUSHED up to the tank, on the Gixxer it feels very FREE (LOL). Someone else may get on a Gixxer and disagree. I think biker dealerships should allow test drives so we can find out what really suits us, not just on looks. I lost 1600 trading in my R1 Raven, but damm was it worth it!!!!!:rock

Good point Kermit. They all 1 up each other every couple year. We'll see what 07 or 08 brings. An update like they did with R6 would be nice. More hp and slipper clutch is really all it needs. I've owned every toy Yamaha makes. Dirt bikes, jet boat, ATV and wave runner. Even owned a jet ski rental back east and we only ran Yamaha for durability and performance. This is a first sportbike coming off of a Buell and Harley Sportster (scooter). But, I've never owned a bike that required so much attention. I've owned it a year and already replaced clutch. Dynojet Power Command is a requirement not an option even if it's all stock. Low end torque sucks but roll-on acceleration and high end performance is a blast. Guess it's personal preference.

So what is the best thing we can do to beef up the torque? I have an 06 R1 and it feels only slightly heavier in the power category than my 02 GSXR 750! What is the best mod to do? pipes and power commander?

Everyone is going to have different answer about beefing the bike up. Most of the performance add-ons out there are for looks, adding a couple hp or making the bike a little more responsive. But to answer your question probably slip-on exhaust, power commander, race clutch spings and plates, v-stack, 16T front sprocket and free flow air filter should do it. For me, my concern is what Yamaha is going to do for next year. If they come out with another run of the mill 04-06 type bike, I'm switching teams. The bike needs more power!!! and better power delivery, slipper clutch and gittin rid of that stupid hole in the torque and power curve. I'm trying to decide whether to trade-up or buy a ZX10 now as a second bike or just wait till Fall to see what Yama does. By that time any left over ZX10s will probably be marked down.

My bike rocks! But I ride with an 05 and an 06 gsx-r 1000's and one puts out 163rwhp and the other 168rwhp and let me tell u they are fast! All are bikes have pc, gearing, full ti exhausts, ect. But after 4th gear the gsx-rs just keep pulln tell they get about 3 bikes on my. It has to do with the rides because I can kill the one on the track and the other beat my by .10 in the 1/4 and I was getting spin in 2 and 3. On the road they cant pass me tell 150 to 155. and any roll-ons I take them. (gearing a little steeper) But I have rode them bought and if Yamaha doe not have a big change screw the looks Im jumpn ship!

All, I switched teams. I now own a ZX-10. The dealer actually let me test drive it. it took less than 2 miles and 2 minutes to figure out what was going to be my next bike. As expected there are some trade offs. ZX has some weird ass exhaust system that's goin to get replaced very soon. ZX has the smallest wheel base of all the liter bikes and it's noticeable. The rear sprocket on ZX is only a 39T and the chain is a 5.25. Surprising but made up by internal gears. There is a sense of riding on top of the ZX. On the R1 you feel like your in the center of gravity or riding inside of the bike. BUT the performance of the ZX outweighs everything. You can tip toe around town and when you want power, did you say POWER?, this thing is a frickin monster and it's so smooth up to 13000 rpms. ZX is coasting when the R1 is screaming to keep up. I've owned both bikes now including a Buell. No more R1 for me unless they wake up out of their coma and make a bike that has a more up to date motor, slipper clutch, no problems and MORE POWER, PLEASE! Yo'all I feel your pain but I'll always be a die hard Yamaha fan, I guess. I've owned every toy they make. The real reason I traded up was because of the cut out, hesitate, running rough problem with the R1. There is a 80 page thread on the forum about this issue and Yamaha is looking the other way. I talked to several techs and it seems like the problem is either the throttle position sensor, fuel pump and/or some coil over the spark plugs that's arcing (i'm not a mechanic, ok). R1 also runs way too hot. Feels like my ball are roasting on a rotisserie. And I don't have time for all this s**t. I just want to ride. Dude I just want to ride...................................... Amen.

Hi, at this time I have a 2004 ZX10R with header, race head gasket, sprockets, pc and other tricks and 2006 R1 LE (that I bought for looks, but I can not keep both bikes), that will soon put on a header, pc, 15 front sprocket, graves stacks and see what else I can do with her, and I have to tell you; If you are looking for a fast bike this ain't it, my ZX10R will kill this bike with only 3/4 trottle used. I really hope to wake her up with these mods, if not I will buy the cylinders off a 2004-6, buy the je or wiseco 13.5 to 1 pistons, sent the cylinders for boring and replating and with this I believe I can make her very close to my ZX10R.

Originally posted by alexis632 Hi, at this time I have a 2004 ZX10R with header, race head gasket, sprockets, pc and other tricks and 2006 R1 LE (that I bought for looks, you said it best when you bought the r1 for looks, the 04 zx might have a little more power but the guage cluster and the front end kill it its ugly i like the 06 zx alot better as far as looks go. i wonder what they will do for 0 on the zx 10???

I've had my 06 ZX10 for 3 months now and would have to say overall that I like it better than the R1. The ZX is a smaller lighter bike with a much better power delivery and throttle response. I did like the R1 for the longer heavier feel and rider position. It is a fast bike at the upper end of the rpm range but didn't have the torque and power delivery in the lower rpms. There are trade offs but overall I prefer the ZX as a street bike.

They all go way too fast unless your on the track. The 05-06 GSXR1k feels the fastest with minor mods, the ZX10R's feel like a 600, the R1 looks like a work of art. No CBR1000RR's out there, the new one rips, but feels like driving a car...

Only a jackass would say he needs more power.....you show me your racing liscense then I'll say you can handle the power of any liter bike. As is they all are within 5-10 hpwr of each other. It's like buying a car, when it's all said and done its perspective and personal preferences more than raw numbers. Saying that you need a faster bike with more than the current R1 makes you look like an ASS:butt

i have a 99 r1, my best friend just bought the 06' zx10r. i will say that the 10r is faster. it actually handles better thru the twisties to. but on the other hand, my old ass r1 rides much better. we ride usually 100 miles at a time, and on mine it's no problem. the 10r has to take breaks at least 3 times because his hands go numb. power is one thing, twisties is another, but for an overall package, the r1 (at least mine) is much better

oops:p

Originally posted by CornerKiller Only a jackass would say he needs more power.....you show me your racing liscense then I'll say you can handle the power of any liter bike. As is they all are within 5-10 hpwr of each other. It's like buying a car, when it's all said and done its perspective and personal preferences more than raw numbers. Saying that you need a faster bike with more than the current R1 makes you look like an ASS:butt :iamwithst Originally posted by CornerKiller Saying that you need a faster bike with more than the current R1 makes you look like an ASS:butt :lol :lol soooo true

No matter what there's always gonna be improvements and people in general always want to get the best.The problem is few people are capable of riding any liter bike even close to its limits. When you test ride any bike around town, you feel the stronger low and even midrange and assume it's better than the R1.But if you read any test you'll see that the 04-06 R1 is more comfortable and when it matters(above 8000 rpm) it can take on any other bike. For me the R1 is perfectly "weak" down low and screams up top. I'm still far from riding it to its full potential and I don't think I'll ever be capable of, so who cares if the other has more low end or 5 hp more? For street riding I don't need more power and for the track I can't handle more...I'm still learning. So i guess the 2004 R1 is fine for me and sometimes I think I should go back to a 600 so I can learn easier and take the bike closer to its limits.It should be a lot of fun :)

Dude, the ZX is bad ass. If you dont respect it, it will bite you - hard. You're already talking like a fool, with no understanding of the bike. agreed. My buddy I ride with has a 06 ZX-10, black, actually nice bike, probably would own that if there was no R1, I hate gixxers. His stock on the dyno was 157.5, stock 05 R1 on same dyno 5 min. later was 147. The ZX-10 does have the brute and raw power that the 1 is lacking, but I hear nothing but good things about R1's suspension. Think about this, 1 pound is 1/10 of a second in lap times, but what good does brute power do you if you dont have the suspension to ground it??:machinegu gixxers

its all who you ask and who is riding them. A guy I ride with bought a ZX-10 because it got the best reviews and put a ton of money in setting up for trackdays. Another guy a few months later got a hold of a 05 R1 with slip-ons only. I say they are close to the same riding skill in twisties. And when they when to the track, the R1 was quicker in turns but lost in the straights but not my much. They said it was pretty much the same bike to bike. Just depends on the rider more than the bike. The way I look at it, I like the R1 looks way more then to give them up before someone did a review that said its not the best. Plus they dont look at the long run, whos going to last the longest. Just how fast it is out of the box.

Someone once said that the first criteria in buying a bike is that it has to make you love just lookiing at it. Mine does that....especially in her trackclothers.YUMM-A

Only a jackass would say he needs more power.....you show me your racing liscense then I'll say you can handle the power of any liter bike. As is they all are within 5-10 hpwr of each other. It's like buying a car, when it's all said and done its perspective and personal preferences more than raw numbers. Saying that you need a faster bike with more than the current R1 makes you look like an ASS:butt :thumbup Well put!!! Even 600cc bikes are more than enough for most of us on the Streets!!! It all boils down to Perspective and Personal preference (as already mentioned on previous posts) and of course, the need to justify why you have the bike that you have!

As much as I hate to admit it from my view point this is the way it is. I have a 05 Raven R-1 with power commander and Two-Brothers exhaust cabon fiber. Sounds great. I also have a 06 GSXR 1000 with 2,000 miles bone stock and where I notice it the most is from about 3,500 to 9000 RPM range the GXXR seems to me like it has a lot more. I really don't care for the looks of the GSXR, but it does have a gear indicator witch is nice, but I am keeping my R-1 also. I know that we don't need anywhere near the power either has, but for some reason it bothers me a little when the R-1 with the Mods still doesn't have the pep of the GSXR. I am taking the R-1 and putting it back on the dyno to see if there is a problem someplace, but this is my second one and I really don't think there is. Don't get me wrong I really like my R-1 it just bothers me that they sell for more and can't stay with the GSXR. If the Dyno finds something wrong then my opinion will change. I will keep you posted.

Someone once said that the first criteria in buying a bike is that it has to make you love just lookiing at it. Mine does that....especially in her trackclothers.YUMM-A Have to agree with you on that statement! Every time I look out in the garage, the '06 R1 50th and silver '06 CBR1000RR are both beautiful bikes! Even the 919 is a fun machine! Neither one of the liter machines will ever see their potential on the street and you could probably throw a blanket over both of them on a track, and even given all the mixed reviews, the '07 Repsol CBR1000RR will be a awesome addition to the stable in January. So regardless of what you ride, if your pulse picks up every time you look at it, then it is a good bike. :scoots:

Have to agree with you on that statement! Every time I look out in the garage, the '06 R1 50th and silver '06 CBR1000RR are both beautiful bikes! Even the 919 is a fun machine! Neither one of the liter machines will ever see their potential on the street and you could probably throw a blanket over both of them on a track, and even given all the mixed reviews, the '07 Repsol CBR1000RR will be a awesome addition to the stable in January. So regardless of what you ride, if your pulse picks up every time you look at it, then it is a good bike. :scoots: :bow Amen to that!:flex:

I have a friend that owns a gas station and a 2006 ZX-10. He was so eager to race me that he shut down his gas station to race me. I am sure it was the rider, but my 2000 R1 spanked him. He pulled off in the first three gears, but I flew by when I clicked down to fourth.:tocoo: But he let me ride it and it does have a good smooth power delivery and is very lightweight. I like it, but wouldnt give up my r1 for it.

I am with you I don't think there is better looking bike going than the R-1 it just has great lines to it and everyone that looks at it says the same thing. I guess in this world there is nothing that is perfect!

I have an 03 R1 and I love it! it has awesome looks and plenty of power for me. No matter what you ride there will always be someone faster- who cares?!?! All you boys who need to have the fastest bike, put your egos in your back pocket and just ride!!

Only a jackass would say he needs more power.....you show me your racing liscense then I'll say you can handle the power of any liter bike. As is they all are within 5-10 hpwr of each other. It's like buying a car, when it's all said and done its perspective and personal preferences more than raw numbers. Saying that you need a faster bike with more than the current R1 makes you look like an ASS:butt :iamwithst I really don't know most of you, but I don't think that 99% of the people on this forum ca realize the full potential of ANY 1000cc sportbike. I have ridden with them all and smoked many 1000cc sportbikes on much smaller and older bikes, but I was just a better rider on more technical canyon courses. I've had my R1 for a short time now and I am literally having to relearn the way I ride because it is so different (much more power and believe it or not, it seems way more stable). Look at some of the GP and AMA riders out there, like our beloved "Doctor". He was on an obviously shaky platform this year, but damn near pulled it off because the guy is just phenomenal on a bike. (I've seen the guy land a high-side; how the heck do you do that?) All in all its preference, but hey if you want to keep chasing specs and spending go ahead. You are just financing the research going into my next bike that I won't buy for a few years. Keep spending!:bow

I must admit I's like a crack at a ZX10....but I will not be getting rid of my 06 any time soon.

its true it depends on the rider as well. i thought its an awesome review 4 me the 07 R1....with the waiting but decided to get an 06R1 spl ed. and add an 07 repsol...instead of getting the R1LE,,i rather get two bikes...u may ask why i need 2 bikes i buy because of the looks,,then the comfy riding on the streets then i look cool and look like a pro.. people who they see riding sportsbikes they dont look for the performace number in ur forehead or stamp on the bike...they look for looks,, for them who are afraid and not able to ride sad to say not able to experienced heaven on two wheels...so whatever bike u ride it doesnt really matter what the specs....what matter is u enjoy whenever u saddle up......comprende compadre....better pick--my bikes this weekend ill post a pitcure ......

I'm in the same boat kinda. Don't need 2 bikes but what the hell you only live once and ya gotta have something to ride if the other is in the shop or something. I'm leaning towards a Repsol myself, why, just like you said, looks. I think they all perform well, well beyond what most of can use on the streets, so looks and comfort. And of course the grin factor. The problem is I don't know which is more comfortable on the streets or has better ergos or user friendlyness. R1 or CBR. The Gixxer just doesn't appeal to me and the Kawi is ok looking but the R1 and CBR definitely look the best to me. The ducati and aprillas look great too but no chance in getting one of those, so its yamaha or honda for me. May have to get an R1 and spend the rest of the money that I would save from buying a repsol and get accessories. But then again the CBR finishes above the R1 in most reviews and comparisons.

Hey VelvetSteel. I have both the '06 YZF R1 SP and '06 CBR1000RR sitting in the garage. Both bikes are incredible! If it was a choice between the two, the CBR is probably the best all around machine. The R1 is still awesome but the CBR is a better balanced bike in the twisties. The '06 CBR is getting traded in for the '07 Repsol in the next couple weeks so the garage is going to look pretty good with the R1 SP sitting next to the new Repsol and then the toy selection gets even more interesting in March when the '07 Ducati 1098 S Tricolore comes in!

wow old racer 27,, u have the toys i want i wish i have some more money to spend on 1098S red for me...i wonder how do u buy lottery to win it...but ill wait till next year maybe they may modify some bugs ill wait for those first rider on their review...but man sure is ferrari on two wheels same thing does seats two...buying this 1098 is just a state tax that will costs me buying a sports car ferrari...sure is cheap not for me working my asss everyday..this all the three bikes i really like while im still alive...a costs of an M3 for three bikes....oh yaaahhhh

Only a jackass would say he needs more power.....you show me your racing liscense then I'll say you can handle the power of any liter bike. As is they all are within 5-10 hpwr of each other. It's like buying a car, when it's all said and done its perspective and personal preferences more than raw numbers. Saying that you need a faster bike with more than the current R1 makes you look like an ASS:butt I agree totally. I owned an '05 ZX-10r and have spent about 3800 miles on a '06 CBR1000rr and then there is my own '05 R1(track) and '06 R1 street and they are all very close in terms of power. Yes, the 10r has more low-end torque, but it looks cheaply made, is very uncomfortable and is ugly. With a full exhaust and PCIII the dip in the torque curve of the R1 is not only gone but boosted. Drop a tooth on the front sprocket and have fun keeping the front wheel down. Lets get real guys, they are all more powerful than we could ever hope to take advantage of. It all really boils down to comfort and looks. Thats my .02

ohh yeehh!!!! got my 06R1 yellow bumble bee, man hard to find this 50th anni. ed...paid $11300.00 OTD...took it for a ride from san diego to la,,,wow sure like the ride, minor vibration on handle bars for less fatigue like it,,seat a bit hard maybe still new... power wise... really good enougth. like it better than any 600cc....cant wait on that 07 repsol...feb.28. i still like the 06 R1 the look, color etc..its collectable item too!!!! compare to 07R1....indeed its in my garage now,,,waiting to be riden..

Hey all I haven't checked in for a while. I been healing. I put my ZX down, totalled the f'ing thing. Bend forks, handle bars, sub frame, trailing arm and probably the frame. Fairing on the left side gone, nothing left of it. And I actually walked away with my arms over the shoulder of 2 friends. Worst of it was a 3rd degree separated left shoulder. All the shit in the past I said about the R1... wow there's a reason why Yama designs the bike the way they do. It may not have the grunt of the Kawi but it's a real performer above 7-8 rpms. R1 is more confident in a turn and kinda feels like you climb inside of it when gettin on it. The Kawi is shorter, lighter, more power but more head shake, very nervous and feels like ur sittin on top. Lose your concentration on that bike and it will bite you and I know. Someone said to me in a post long time ago, it's what you like and what you want. Maybe the Kawi is a fraction of a sec faster but who gives a shit. Wish Yama offer a 1300 or 1400. My next bike is probably a Busa or ZX-14.