2016 R1 vs ZX10R

[jh2586]

EDIT: I know both of these bikes' capabilities far outweigh my skill, which is why I want input on both track AND street riding. Also, I want your opinions on aesthetics. I personally prefer the looks of the Ninja but the R1 doesn't look so bad either.

After much thought, I have decided to further my riding skills on frequent track days once I move to FL this Friday. My budget has opened up quite a bit and so I am giving the new liter bikes a shot. I am pretty much set on these two (I don't care for the S1000RR's styling). There aren't too many head-to-head reviews on the Yami and kawi so maybe I could pick your brains a bit on here. I'm not sure how many of you have had seat time on both to compare but I figure it's worth a shot.

From what I read online, the R1 is probably more confidence-inspiring on the track, but perhaps the ZX10R is better suited all around. Whichever I choose, I'd be using it for about 50% street 50% track. What say you?

 

[Reli]

Neither bike has an edge cosmetically IMO, they're OK but kind of generic.

The real question is, do you want crossplane or not. You should, IMO. Just for the sound and feel.

 

[auntiebling]

If you're looking to further your track skills why is appearance a factor? Moving to florida? Busa, turbo, bolt on swingarm extensions. Done

 

[duck_rider]

Think you've heard right. The R1 is the better bike in handling and power at the expense of comfort. The Ninja will be more comfortable around town.

I think you should reconsider the S1000rr if you want a good bike around town and on the track. It competes with the R1 but is much more comfortable. Who cares how a bike looks if you're on it, especially on the track.

 

[jh2586]

Neither bike has an edge cosmetically IMO, they're OK but kind of generic.

The real question is, do you want crossplane or not. You should, IMO. Just for the sound and feel.

I do like the idea of that CP4 on the R1 even at the expense of higher and smoother revs. More torque is always nice.

If you're looking to further your track skills why is appearance a factor? Moving to florida? Busa, turbo, bolt on swingarm extensions. Done

If you look at my edited post, I will be doing 50% street and 50% track. Nothing wrong with wanting to look good while at the track right? And all jokes aside, I will NEVER own a Busa/ZX14 and stretch it. I am not a straight-line man, I love twisty roads (which unfortunately, save the track, is non-existent in FL)

Think you've heard right. The R1 is the better bike in handling and power at the expense of comfort. The Ninja will be more comfortable around town.

I think you should reconsider the S1000rr if you want a good bike around town and on the track. It competes with the R1 but is much more comfortable. Who cares how a bike looks if you're on it, especially on the track.

I think the Ninja has more top-end power, but you're right, throughout the revs the R1 has it beat except at extreme redline vs redline. The S1000RR is hideous AND the main factor for me is I'm still not open to the idea of trying out a European bike as I am very skeptical of their reliability and overall cost of maintenance. I could just be ignorant, but that is why I am asking on here.

 

[Karbon]

The big bang I4 is the funnest motor this side of a revy vtwin or a v4.

 

[ZCrow]

I would take the R1 over the ZX-10 on all fronts. But, I think you are making a tragic mistake if you are thinking about buying a new bike to take to the track even if it is only 50% of the time. My view is, never track a bike you can't crash and walk away from without regret. If or more likely, win you crash, it it is going to be a lot more painful on your budget if it is a $17-$20K bike.

It would be cheaper, a better set up and more sustainable to have a second track specific bike or at least an used R6 for the track. Hell, just checking the BARF forums there are usually plenty of track/race bikes for 1/3 to 1/2 the cost of what you are considering. Which means more track days and more money to recover when it does hit the ground.

I think your current path ends in a lot of tears and wasted money.

 

[auntiebling]

If you look at my edited post, I will be doing 50% street and 50% track. Nothing wrong with wanting to look good while at the track right? And all jokes aside, I will NEVER own a Busa/ZX14 and stretch it. I am not a straight-line man, I love twisty roads (which unfortunately, save the track, is non-existent in FL)

i did read the edited thread, it didn't make much sense to me. thanks for the condescension

your added prose above stitches your logic together though. if your parameters are that any liter bike you buy will be more capable than your skills ever will be, and you prefer to look pretty at the track but can't call an aesthetic winner between the kawiasaki and yamaha, go with the dealer in your new hometown with the best reputation for the Service Department.

 

[boilovepho]

What everyone else said. I think the r1 would have a better resell value as well. The zx10r is not to be messed with after flashing the ecu.

 

[byke]

The kawi is using 30yo three spoke wheels. What's next, a free VCR with every bike purchase? I'd go with Ackbar.

 

[Hooli]

What everyone else said. I think the r1 would have a better resell value as well.

Um, not after that massive transmission recall.

Actually, that might work in a buyer's favor...used R1's should have a huge depreciation. Might be able to pick up one for a song. arty

 

[jh2586]

i did read the edited thread, it didn't make much sense to me. thanks for the condescension

your added prose above stitches your logic together though. if your parameters are that any liter bike you buy will be more capable than your skills ever will be, and you prefer to look pretty at the track but can't call an aesthetic winner between the kawiasaki and yamaha, go with the dealer in your new hometown with the best reputation for the Service Department.

I don't understand why you seem to think that you can only purchase a bike for one single purpose

I don't claim to ever push these bikes to their absolute limit, in fact, I probably wouldn't even ever attempt to do so. But I am looking for something that I can take to the track a fair amount of times per year as well as ride in the street (commuting, leisure riding etc..)

Sorry if my reply came of as condescending?

 

[Smash Allen]

In a track shootout on youtube it was found that the kawi is not as consistent in its application of lift control as compared to the yamaha. Also, the yamaha has less intrusive slide control which makes for more confidence opening up the throttle on turn exit.

I would buy a '15 R1 pre-recall and find a mechanic who has done quite a few and has a good reputation for doing it, you can find them on the r1-forum.

 

[afm199]

Both very fun bikes.

However if you want to improve your track skills, I'd suggest starting out with something like an SV650 or 05 GSXR600/750.

170 Hp literbikes are NOT easy to ride, and they require a technique that has to be meticulously learned in order to get any speed at all.

Not to mention, when, not if, you crash the bike, the SV/GSXR will be a lot cheaper to fix.

 

[Smash Allen]

Don't listen to afm199 he doesn't know what he's talking about! Just keep the bike in third and don't use your brakes for a few sessions in C

Just kidding, mostly

If this was a thread asking about how to get faster on track, ya go sv650.

This is a thread asking for comparisons between r1 and zx10r

 

[byke]

If only there were some modifications that would make these bike easier/safer to use on the street. Oh well.

 

[Smash Allen]

If only there were some modifications that would make these bike easier/safer to use on the street. Oh well.

triggered

 

[Reli]

If only there were some modifications that would make these bike easier/safer to use on the street. Oh well.

This would require the rider to be "in the know ,,, "

 

[Hooli]

In a track shootout on youtube it was found that the kawi is not as consistent in its application of lift control as compared to the yamaha. Also, the yamaha has less intrusive slide control which makes for more confidence opening up the throttle on turn exit.

I would buy a '15 R1 pre-recall and find a mechanic who has done quite a few and has a good reputation for doing it, you can find them on the r1-forum.

From what I've read the R1 has the most "transparent" suite of electronics, even more effective that the BMW's. Riders do claim that the S1000RR does have a better auto-blipper downshifter (which is not standard on the Yamaha btw). Nearly all R1 owners have had the service work performed...I guess they don't want to fear having their transmissions grenading.

If only there were some modifications that would make these bike easier/safer to use on the street. Oh well.

Lol.

triggered

Order received, shots fired.

 

[louemc]

Both very fun bikes.

However if you want to improve your track skills, I'd suggest starting out with something like an SV650 or 05 GSXR600/750.

170 Hp literbikes are NOT easy to ride, and they require a technique that has to be meticulously learned in order to get any speed at all.

Not to mention, when, not if, you crash the bike, the SV/GSXR will be a lot cheaper to fix.