WHY HONDA CBR1000rr BETTER THAN YAMAHA YZF-R1
Had the opportunity to test ride both of the '12 models today, courtesy of a test ride day put on by the local dealer. First time on a thou', coming from my Street Triple R.
Both bikes were a lot easier to ride than I was expecting. Both had light clutches, however the engagement was a little nicer on the CBR (bit of a longer feeling engagement on the R1).
CBR felt a little more comfortable at 100, with the R1 feeling like it aimed a lot more wind at my head off the fairing (I'm not short, 6'3"). The R1's seat felt a little wider, but there didn't seem to be a massive difference in comfort apart from that.
The first thing that I did notice when I sat on the R1 was the heat coming from the exhaust - definitely wouldn't be enjoyable in summer (especially a Queensland summer) however I'm used to a bit of heat from the triple's exhaust.
Both bikes were quick - bit hard to really test that out with unmarked cars prowling and a guided test ride with 20 other bikes, but there was plenty of poke. The CBR felt like it had a little more roll on power cruising at 100 in 4th/5th. Riding the R1, it felt much happier in 4th at 100 than in 5th or 6th.
The R1 seemed to be a little bit less smooth on the road than the CBR in soaking up bumps, but again there wasn't a massive difference.
The brakes on the CBR, for what I saw of them, felt pretty awesome. Plenty of stopping power, plenty of feel in the lever. The R1's lever felt a bit stiff comparatively.
Noise? The R1 wins hands down here. It truly sounds like it wants to start a fight, with anything, anywhere. Listening to the bike take off with someone else on it didn't seem like much, but the second you're on it, it takes on a new character. Couldn't get enough of the sound/feel of that motor. Great cracking sound from the exhaust when you gave it a bit, too. The CBR sounded, well a bit boring in comparison. Had a nice note sneak in as the RPM rose, but nowhere in the same league.
Both bikes were a lot easier to ride than I was expecting. Both had light clutches, however the engagement was a little nicer on the CBR (bit of a longer feeling engagement on the R1).
CBR felt a little more comfortable at 100, with the R1 feeling like it aimed a lot more wind at my head off the fairing (I'm not short, 6'3"). The R1's seat felt a little wider, but there didn't seem to be a massive difference in comfort apart from that.
The first thing that I did notice when I sat on the R1 was the heat coming from the exhaust - definitely wouldn't be enjoyable in summer (especially a Queensland summer) however I'm used to a bit of heat from the triple's exhaust.
Both bikes were quick - bit hard to really test that out with unmarked cars prowling and a guided test ride with 20 other bikes, but there was plenty of poke. The CBR felt like it had a little more roll on power cruising at 100 in 4th/5th. Riding the R1, it felt much happier in 4th at 100 than in 5th or 6th.
The R1 seemed to be a little bit less smooth on the road than the CBR in soaking up bumps, but again there wasn't a massive difference.
The brakes on the CBR, for what I saw of them, felt pretty awesome. Plenty of stopping power, plenty of feel in the lever. The R1's lever felt a bit stiff comparatively.
Noise? The R1 wins hands down here. It truly sounds like it wants to start a fight, with anything, anywhere. Listening to the bike take off with someone else on it didn't seem like much, but the second you're on it, it takes on a new character. Couldn't get enough of the sound/feel of that motor. Great cracking sound from the exhaust when you gave it a bit, too. The CBR sounded, well a bit boring in comparison. Had a nice note sneak in as the RPM rose, but nowhere in the same league.
So which would I get? I don't know. The CBR seemed like the better bike, if I go with my brain, but the sound/feel of that R1 makes me want to do naughty things. Tough choice.
Comments
Post a Comment