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| Motorcycle Message Board - Motorcycle USA > MotorcycleUSA.com! > Bike Reviews > 2008 Superbike Smackdown V | Forum Quick Jump
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bmadson
MCUSA Scribbler
      
Date Joined Jul 2005
Total Posts : 1038
| Posted 3/31/2008 11:34 AM (GMT -8) |   | | Five motorcycles of the highest performance - we get the best from Suzuki, Honda, Kawasaki, Yamaha and Ducati for a little test we call Superbike Smackdown. You've waited patiently, now enjoy, here is the 2008 Superbike Smackdown V. | | Back to Top | | |
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GAJ
Registered Member
Date Joined Jul 2007
Total Posts : 4763
| Posted 3/31/2008 1:36 PM (GMT -8) | | Really, really nice job.
I won't ruin the story for others by revealing the 'winner' but it's obvious there is no 'loser' in the bunch if you gotta have a missile in the garage. | | Back to Top | | |
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Jaime
Registered Member
Date Joined Nov 2003
Total Posts : 33
| Posted 3/31/2008 2:03 PM (GMT -8) | | Another "Oscar winning" comparo - what a blast to read!
You know, back in the late '80's when Maico came out with the "banana" swinarm(ed) 490MX bike I mumbled to myself..."this is it, it can't get any better, MX bikes cannot be improved anymore"...
Obviously, technical advances never stop, but this time, instead of being blatantly ignorant, I will pose a question - just how much better can these puppies get?
Will we be doing 200+mph with 300lbs 1000cc superbikes making 300 horses (showroom bikes, that is)???
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Evans89
Registered Member
Date Joined May 2005
Total Posts : 321
| Posted 3/31/2008 2:37 PM (GMT -8) | | Nice write up. I'm not at all surprised at the outcome. I think that the future is going to have more bikes that are really close to the moto-gp hardware, as much as is possible. One company has showed how it's done, can't wait for the rest. 
These are the good old days! | | Back to Top | | |
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GAJ
Registered Member
Date Joined Jul 2007
Total Posts : 4763
| Posted 3/31/2008 3:15 PM (GMT -8) | |
Jaime said...
I will pose a question - just how much better can these puppies get?
Will we be doing 200+mph with 300lbs 1000cc superbikes making 300 horses (showroom bikes, that is)???
Well, the latest version of Motorcyclist, in their test of the 1098r, said that mere mortals can ride these hyperbikes on the track, under control, with such things as traction control, which they rave about on the 1098r.
Mind you, they say a rider should never have need for it on the street, (their words, not mine), but on the track it evidently cut down on the number of crashes endemic of moto journalists testing liter bikes and losing the rear end under power.
So, for those who are in the market for such missiles, especially if they want to really 'use' them in a track setting, these are indeed the best of times, likely only to get better/safer/easier to explore their limits.
For the rest of us? Trickle down tech is almost always a good thing...especially if they give us an "off" button, (don't ask me how I know).
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NinjaForLife
Registered Member
Date Joined Dec 2006
Total Posts : 31
| Posted 3/31/2008 3:47 PM (GMT -8) | | Your videos in this article all f**king sucked because they were mostly music videos from a shitty band. Not everybody wants to hear f**king obnoxious music when watching your videos, but everyone wants to hear the bike. Please cut out the useless "wanna-be-cool" music.
The magazine medium is dying because the internet allows so much more, especially videos. However, you just ripped that out of your advantage. Seriously, that was extremely annoying. | | Back to Top | | |
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flickmeister
Registered Member
Date Joined May 2004
Total Posts : 1021
| Posted 3/31/2008 6:17 PM (GMT -8) | | Brilliant! Great job gentlemen. This may be the best written, most complete comparo I have ever read. Said everything it needed to, was extremely well written with a good, solid, descriptive and concise style. No junk, just the facts presented in the best manner I can remember reading anywhere. You coverd every aspect of riding: street to track, handling, motor, chassis, brakes, dynamics, etc. I also liked having the lap times and a good description of the riding credentials of your testers. You offered a great range of skills, from top-shelf racers to highly skilled, experienced street riders. You didn't have a lot of tables of points, or weird charts to show how the bikes ranked, just good, solid prose. Much appreciated. Thank you.
In my opinion, you have set a new standard for both internet publications and printed mags. Congrats gentlemen. Terrific job! The only problem you may have is that we know what you are capable of, so if you don't meet, or exceed your new standard, you know what we will put you through. I really enjoyed the ride. After putting about 160 miles on a friend's 1098R, it's still the only bike I'd give up my '06 Gixxer Thou' for. Cheers, Jack
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jon
Registered Member
Date Joined Aug 2004
Total Posts : 4569
| Posted 3/31/2008 6:22 PM (GMT -8) | | | Great write up guys. I'm with you on how close these bikes are. That's why I don't get some of the "which bike is right for me questions. | | Back to Top | | |
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Rapids996
Registered Member
Date Joined Jun 2006
Total Posts : 7
| Posted 3/31/2008 10:21 PM (GMT -8) | | Again, very good article. However and this is somewhat hard to due in this type of review but it can be done with just a wee bit more effort is how about a list of typical maintenance costs of all the bikes? I would think it would be a great addition to any future review that you lads do as well. I think what your readers never find out till its to late is just how much does it costs for a typical valve adjustment and how often do you have to get it done? And if I do happen to go rubber side up and bruise a few bits like blinkers, mirrors, fender etc. what would it costs say to replace them on average.
Again, great write up and great site! About one of the very best on the net!
Cheers,
Rapid | | Back to Top | | |
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YellowDuck
Registered Member
Date Joined Mar 2003
Total Posts : 4130
| Posted 4/1/2008 6:40 AM (GMT -8) | | Look forward to when I have time to read the whole thing thoroughly, but looks like a great job.
The torque curve graph (which one has to dig for) doesn't leave much doubt as to who has done the best job on the motor this time around. Not even close, really. The Honda about splits the difference between the other fours and the Ducati in the midrange, and for all of that gain gives up just a few ponies at 12,500 rpm. Good on Big Red for figuring it out, and boo to MCUSA for listing "low peak hp" as a downside to the Honda. Who cares what the bike does at redline (especially a litre bike, where full WOT at 12,500 in first and second is useless on the street, and in third is so far beyond "go to jail speed" that it just doesn't matter)? Really, nice to see them building true performance, instead of just spec sheet bragging rights.
It is ugly though. Worse in person than in the pictures even.
Cynicism is what passes for insight among the mediocre - Joe Klein | | Back to Top | | |
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GAJ
Registered Member
Date Joined Jul 2007
Total Posts : 4763
| Posted 4/1/2008 10:43 AM (GMT -8) | |
jon said...
Great write up guys. I'm with you on how close these bikes are. That's why I don't get some of the "which bike is right for me questions.
I thought MUSA made it clear that all the bikes were very close, but that two were essentially "track only" bikes vs. the others which were friendlier on the street but still capable of blazing speeds at the track.
So if a person asks us "which thou is best for the track and which thou is best for the street" the lists of 3 might be quite different.
Having your ass on fire  due to exhaust heat at street speeds doesn't seem to be a real plus for any bike, but that's just me.
Also, you guys thrashing the Honda's looks; whaddya think about the B-king's looks  ? Now there's a freakish looking vehicle. | | Back to Top | | |
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sands
Registered Member
Date Joined Jun 2006
Total Posts : 35
| Posted 4/1/2008 11:45 AM (GMT -8) | | | The videos need some major changes...I'd much rather hear the bike than the music..And I'd much rather see clear action shots instead of fast forward clips and fuzzy video. | | Back to Top | | |
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Frederick
Registered Member
Date Joined Apr 2007
Total Posts : 3
| Posted 4/1/2008 2:30 PM (GMT -8) | | | ZX-10R 0-60 in 3.69sec? Maybe at high altitude with a fat rider. | | Back to Top | | |
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jon
Registered Member
Date Joined Aug 2004
Total Posts : 4569
| Posted 4/1/2008 3:58 PM (GMT -8) | |
GAJ said...
jon said...
Great write up guys. I'm with you on how close these bikes are. That's why I don't get some of the "which bike is right for me questions.
I thought MUSA made it clear that all the bikes were very close, but that two were essentially "track only" bikes vs. the others which were friendlier on the street but still capable of blazing speeds at the track.
So if a person asks us "which thou is best for the track and which thou is best for the street" the lists of 3 might be quite different.
Having your ass on fire due to exhaust heat at street speeds doesn't seem to be a real plus for any bike, but that's just me.
Also, you guys thrashing the Honda's looks; whaddya think about the B-king's looks ? Now there's a freakish looking vehicle.
'I thought MUSA made it clear that all the bikes were very close, but that two were essentially "track only" bikes vs. the others which were friendlier on the street but still capable of speeds at the track.'
which is 'track' or 'street' friendly bike doesn't apply to all...opinions vary and i was referring to street riding because that's where most of the riders ride.
'So if a person asks us "which thou is best.....'
my reply would be this is the best one for me but for you, you'll have to find out for yourself.
'whaddya think about the B-King's looks? Now there's a freakish looking vehicle.'
love it and it's a freak alright. | | Back to Top | | |
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flickmeister
Registered Member
Date Joined May 2004
Total Posts : 1021
| Posted 4/1/2008 5:40 PM (GMT -8) | | | When you look at the Japanese 'Big Four', you are looking at a comparable design philosophy. They all work a bit differently, yet essentially very similar. The Ducati is from an entirely different world. It's behavior and characteristics are so very different than the Japanese machines. While the Japanese bikes may turn faster lap times and be more efficient, so much of motorcycling is based on emotion and personality. Here's where the Duc shines. If that difference is what you want and you can afford it, the 1098 will be a much more rewarding ride for you. Personally, I couldn't see giving up my '06 GSXR1000 for any of the new Jap in-fours in the last two years. However, I would give the Ducati some serious thought because of my desire to experience something different. My problem is that I have been ruined by riding the 1098R. It is so far out of my price range. My fear is that a standard 1098 (or 848) would be disappointing in comparison. Moot point, can't afford even the Ducati cheap seats at this age & stage. Cheers, Jack | | Back to Top | | |
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