I picked up a copy of Fast Bikes at the local bookstore yesterday..... had to have it when I saw the '09 Gixxer full test and Literbike shootout for '09. Fast Bikes is another Brit bike magazine, great articles but a bit expensive at $12.99 a copy. Anyway this one had the '09 ZX-10 dead last, third place went to the new GSXR-1000, second to the R1 and the CBR 1000 mopped up for first. It looks like it's shaping up to be the year of the CBR again, I'm kicking myself in the butt for not waiting on an '09, the Repsol version would look awesome parked in my garage. Most surprising to me was the heavily revised Gixxer fairing so poorly, after Suzuki did a lot of work on the motor, suspension and chassis. I expected it to perform better. Anyway, this is just one mags opinion, they're all fast as hell and I'll be curious to see how the American cycle rag shootouts rank them.

Kruz

Fast Bikes is a Brit publication hence the news stand sticker price. Purchased several issues in the past. Good reads.

* Last updated by: Steven14 on 5/18/2009 @ 10:08 AM *

Yup and it takes several days to read all the way through it. An average American bike mag like Sport Rider I can plow through in about an hour, about 1/3 advertising.

Kruz

you're right kruz. the light and nimble cbr has taken the favorite spot again this year. i saw that repsol bike at the dealer the other day and it is a fine looking machine. maybe i can find a used one some day if they've got the oil leak problem fixed from 08.

The oil burning problem is fixed for '09 so your good to go Reeves. Not all '08s had the problem, mainly the higher powered Euro spec versions. I heard something about a run of soft piston rings was the issue. Very Un-Honda like but everyone drops the ball now and then. I rode the new CBR down to the Honda dealer Saturday to drool over the '09 Repsol. This dealer got only two for '09 and one sold before they could uncrate it. They are gorgeous but I really can't afford another bike right now, maybe next year.

Kruz

I just wanted to tease ya, Kruz.

Say Kruz?

A friend of mine and I were discussing bike brands and he made comment about a certain bike I rather not say. He has seen bikes go through his shop for decades, so he knows a piece of aluminum or two; being he ports heads and does the whole package from top to bottom.

I am listening to his opinion on the quality of bikes and I'm just wondering if you can give an opinion on both bikes you own now? Hear your take, for or against either brand you have or compare the last bike brand you let go.

Can you see a difference between both bikes or is there no distinct difference you could pin down. I mean, we were down to the sloppy way he described this to me that, and he shows me as an exaggeration point with his hands; that if you tilt the head; now line bore it straight; he has witnessed enough evidence to see how one would tag a piston being 'that close off square' it is in reference to the X to Y factor is Z bang, Z Bang!

I don't know how you would approach both bikes and look at the material used, but do you see a difference where one bike shows a better quality than the other? I would assume if the outside has some or so much quality to it, then the inside must match equally in the execution I would imagine.

We were also discussing how the factories approach racing. It was a pretty interesting conversation to listen to. I learned a lot.

It's almost dealer show time. Time to break out the new hardware. It may be a light turnout, butt I'm going to look at poo sea, I mean, look see.

HUB, if you mean Kawasaki vs Honda, there is not that great a difference. I've owned a few Hondas before and I can remember the day I picked up my 14, not knowing what to expect from a Kawasaki.. I was impressed....really impressed. Design, build quality, reliability, attention to detail and performance is very similar....too close to pick a clear winner. I think there is a little bit of a bad boy character to Kawasaki products though that Honda doesn't have. I've always thought of Hondas as being a bit too appliance like, totally competent and reliable but somehow failing to fire your passion center. Think Honda Accord vs Ferrari Testarossa. Which one would make your palms sweaty with anticipation and which one would you want to trust to carry you three thousand miles? Viva la difference!

Kruz

Me say wanna go yemawowoooo. ME-OW! DADDY LIKE!

-Matt