Back to Back Comparison II : CBR1000RR-5 vs. GSXR1000-K7
Discussion
Dave picked up his new Gixer Wednesday and after 150 miles of 'running in' (Ahem!) we swapped over and I was let loose.
Lets just say that whoever slated the blade in the media needs a good kicking. After swapping to 15/41 gearing, there really is nothing in the two bikes, power wise at any speed. The way the power is delivered is lovely on Gixer ver smooth with a slight top end rush. The blade delivers in the same manner but the lower gears aren't as tall and you have to up shift a lot sooner. This makes the Gixer better for wheelieing as you can run out second gear for longer. I only tried mode A, so I cannot comment on how the other modes feel.
As for braking, they both feel similar although the initial bite on the Suzuki is a little fluffy; I put this down to new pads maybe.
The riding position is so much more comfortable on the Suzuki. The blade is arse up with a lot of weight on the wrists, which can cause distress on long distance work. The Suzuki feels really good as you sit more in the bike rather than on. The standard screen offers loads of protection and it feels a lot more slick through the air than the blade. Even though you are made to feel you are lower down, the peg clearance is great and adjustable if necessary.
Handling, where the blade takes some effort to get it on its side, the Suzi turns really quick and without as much effort countersteering. There is a down side that the front doesn't feel as stable as the blade on slower bumpier corners and twitches when you start to get on the power. Get it on a smooth open fast right or left hander and you find yourself straight on your knee and tracking the line impeccably.
It looks the dog's nuts in black. I also think the Black TiNi forks look awesome.
Overall, very nice, would I trade my blade for one.... No. It is a great bike but not that much more than the CBR. Maybe Honda will bring out a V4 next year when I come to upgrade.
Lets just say that whoever slated the blade in the media needs a good kicking. After swapping to 15/41 gearing, there really is nothing in the two bikes, power wise at any speed. The way the power is delivered is lovely on Gixer ver smooth with a slight top end rush. The blade delivers in the same manner but the lower gears aren't as tall and you have to up shift a lot sooner. This makes the Gixer better for wheelieing as you can run out second gear for longer. I only tried mode A, so I cannot comment on how the other modes feel.
As for braking, they both feel similar although the initial bite on the Suzuki is a little fluffy; I put this down to new pads maybe.
The riding position is so much more comfortable on the Suzuki. The blade is arse up with a lot of weight on the wrists, which can cause distress on long distance work. The Suzuki feels really good as you sit more in the bike rather than on. The standard screen offers loads of protection and it feels a lot more slick through the air than the blade. Even though you are made to feel you are lower down, the peg clearance is great and adjustable if necessary.
Handling, where the blade takes some effort to get it on its side, the Suzi turns really quick and without as much effort countersteering. There is a down side that the front doesn't feel as stable as the blade on slower bumpier corners and twitches when you start to get on the power. Get it on a smooth open fast right or left hander and you find yourself straight on your knee and tracking the line impeccably.
It looks the dog's nuts in black. I also think the Black TiNi forks look awesome.
Overall, very nice, would I trade my blade for one.... No. It is a great bike but not that much more than the CBR. Maybe Honda will bring out a V4 next year when I come to upgrade.
Matt, glad you are enjoying the Gixer.
I agree on the build quality. Some of the castings look iffy on the Suzuki and would suffer if left throughout a winter. Most don't ride these sorts of bike all year round so I suppose it isnt anything to worry about.
My RR5 is 3 years old next year and I will be looking at swapping it before the MOT is due. Consdiering a 1098 but do not think it will have the pace of the litre bikes overall.
I agree on the build quality. Some of the castings look iffy on the Suzuki and would suffer if left throughout a winter. Most don't ride these sorts of bike all year round so I suppose it isnt anything to worry about.
My RR5 is 3 years old next year and I will be looking at swapping it before the MOT is due. Consdiering a 1098 but do not think it will have the pace of the litre bikes overall.
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