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What Liter bike for the track?

11K views 53 replies 21 participants last post by  jd41 
#1 ·
Ok - I've been taking the '06 ZX6R to the track for the last 4 years - continue to improve my riding and lap times so there's still a lot to learn, but I've been considering upping the ante. I ride with a buddy who's on a CBR1000 and we are pretty well matched, but he makes up a lot of time on the straights at Thunderhill where there are two long ones.

I'm surfing the WERA classified and am considering two different paths, either something a little longer in the tooth to keep the costs lower, or go newer hoping to get a fresher engine and other stuff that comes with newer bikes.

Up for consideration:

1) 2008 CBR1000R with 2500 miles on the odometer = bill of sale only - asking $3,300
2) 2013 ZX10R with under 2k - don't know the title status - asking $8,000

Both of them are pretty well track focused weapons - both have Ohlins cartridges and shocks, steering dampers, track bodywork, Brembo M/C, ECU mods/fueling, exhaust rigs, etc....


I'm leaning towards the CBR - $5k buys a lot of tires, gas and track days.

But what does the audience think? Is there enough "betterness" about a newer Kawi compared to the older CBR to overcome the cost difference?

Open for commentary .......
 
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#50 · (Edited)
As with any comparison of this sort, look at the easily obtainable numbers:

2008 CBR1000RR

Crank measured:

Max Power: 175 hp @ 12,000 rpm
Max Torque: 115 Nm @ 8,500 rpm

Honda CBR 1000RR


Dyno:

It appears the CBR1000RR is heavily top-end restricted in the US, so I will go by the UK numbers because you'd just be re-flashing it anyway.

Max Power (wheel): 166 hp @ 12,000 rpm
Max Torque: 108 Nm @ 8,500 rpm

I suspect that dyno reading is a little bit high, but oh well...
http://www.speedysgarage.net/hondacbr1000rrweb/1000RR_news/2008CBR1000RR/images/08vs07vs05dyno.jpg


2013 ZX-10R

Crank measured:

Max Power: 200 hp @ 13,000 rpm
Max Torque: 114 Nm @ 11,500 rpm

Kawasaki ZX-10R Ninja 2013

Dyno:

Again this looks top-end restricted, so even though the graph shows a max of 167 hp, realistically it will peak around 178 hp I think.

Max Power (wheel): 178 hp @ 13,000 rpm
Max Torque: 103 Nm @ 11,200 rpm

https://www.cycleworld.com/sites/cy...x_/public/2016-kawasaki-zx-10r-dyno-chart.jpg


So the ZX-10R probably has about 15 hp over the CBR1000RR, but take a look at the torque curve on the CBR...it holds peak torque over a 3,000 rpm range from 8 - 11,000 rpm. Holy shit son!

Yes on the long straights the ZX will win, but then comes the corner and I can only see the CBR just bolting out of each corner pulling several CAR lengths over the ZX with that kind of torque response and by the time the ZX catches up, it's time for the next corner. Good luck!


If someone has lap times at the same circuit done by a pro rider on both the bikes in similar conditions, it would be useful.
 
#52 · (Edited)
The Yamaha R6 + 401cc of high octane fortitude is the best track combination you can get.

But, of the two you listed - the CBR wouldn't even be in contention. The electronics on the Kawi can save your life, if that matters to you.

My rationale is that it's a newer, more track focused design / platform with a ton of aftermarket and spares, and the resale value will be great as well.
 
#53 ·
I'm back asking the herd again!

OK guys - I read through a lot of your input earlier this year, and in typical fashion was frozen into inaction :)

I ended up staying on my ZX6 this year and had some really fun and fast days (both are relative of course). Fast for me meant new personal bests at Laguna Seca, Thunderhill and Buttonwillow and getting into the low end of the A group times that Keigwins used to publish as recommended.

But here we are nearing the end of another season and I'm still thinking of bumping up the displacement, though now I'm kind of focused on a GSXR 750 as a better move. A 20-30 HP bump in a bike that is the same size and weight of a 600 seems like a good compromise.

What does the assembled group of smart guys here think? Is there a significant bump in real and perceived acceleration? For anyone who's ridden both GSXRs and the Ninja on the track, how would you characterize handling changes? And what do you know/think about reliability of the motor and drive train? Nothing jumps out at me regarding any frequent and specific mechanical concerns from surfing the Gixxer forums with the exception of overheating regulator/rectifiers.

Love to hear any comments!
 
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