I may have to have a Beemer, I don't think the new 10r is going to be a match for it in sheer horespower terms.

Not to mention price and what would be the most and best bike for the buck. (Off Topic) Kruz did the rag report any changes to the BMW for 2011.

Romans, I heard they are increasing the rear wheel HP by somewhere around 10 HP. That seems incredible as it would put them at about 190 at the rear wheel. A built 14 has a hard time matching those numbers.

Just when you thought Kaw had a total package what a shame. If the bike requires a pipe and a new ECU or 2k to get all the hp its game over the bikes will collect dust on the showroom floors. If the fix cost 150 bucks or so no big deal right? I mean brake pads and a full tank of gas cost 150 bucks. Don't worry even if Kaw fucked it up Honda or Suzuki will get it right that’s for damn sure. I wonder why the bike would need a pipe I could see it needing a Euro ecu but not a pipe. If Euro bikes are mechanically identical to the US bikes like everyone is saying why would a US bike need a pipe and not just a Euro ECU. I bet KAW is going to try to sell Euro spec ECU's as a race ECU in the US

Take note Honda this is how you build an ugly bike

* Last updated by: willidx4 on 10/11/2010 @ 10:37 AM *

headlights look fine. Ram air good. Mirrors-- oh well, they're made to come off. Windscreen, WTH? Did they forget to design the top faring with a wind screen and then drill some holes and stick one on? That's what it looks like. Stock windscreen does not sit close to being flush to the fairing? WTF? Somebody plaese explain this to me? Do you want to ride a race bike without a windscreen? I'm very confused. It looks kind of raw which I like but ....it almost looks a like the windscreen is not supposed to be there. Maybe to maintain rigidity in top fairing? Eh- ok, it passes for originality.

That is one butt ugly looking mug!!! The Euro version better have unbelievable power or they won't be able to give them away.

Thanks Kawasaki, you just made my Gen III look a whole lot better.

I'm going out on a limb here, this bike is going to be an absolute sales disaster for KHI, I sure hope I have to eat those words.

* Last updated by: Kruz on 10/11/2010 @ 11:10 AM *

Oh Rook thats thats part of KICKYOUROWNASS system that controls the air flow over the front of the bike. The bikes ECU takes feedback from the wind screen to determine your speed that allows the rider to apply the ABS by simply locking the rear wheel. True Story

If Euro bikes are mechanically identical to the US bikes like everyone is saying why would a US bike need a pipe and not just a Euro ECU.

That's what I heard from the dealer sales guy who ordered one. He said he got the word at the dealer show that KHI put on. I'm going to withhold judgement until we get the official scoop from Big Green HQ. Way too much rumor, inuendo and pure unadulterated hype on this bike right now. A pipe and ECU will kill sales unless this thing can absolutely humiliate everything else on the track.

yeah maybe this one is not so ugly after all just make sure you are parked next to the zx10 at all times

This is ugly as hell also but it has a purpose and its fast as hell so who cares

* Last updated by: willidx4 on 10/11/2010 @ 12:33 PM *

To each his own I guess. This bike has the best working lights of any sport bike ever made even better than the zx12

* Last updated by: willidx4 on 10/11/2010 @ 11:26 AM *

I was at the Kawasaki dealer Friday and was told that Kawasaki screwed up. The US version is going to be 22 rear wheel HP less than the S1000RR. The European version would give the BMW a run for it's money but looks like they screwed up on the USA models. BMW got their bike into the US by saving the real programming for the 600 mile service. After the 600 mile service it would have never made it to the US. The BMW dyno's at 187 RWHP. I rode one on Saturday with all the bells and whistles. It is ABS of course, traction control, launch control... in the rain mode it drops 50 HP, in the sport and race mode it will not wheelie above 17 degrees nor do a stoppie, all for safety reasons. Shift assist which allows you to not use the clutch after take off on up shifts. It can be put into the Slick mode with a plug and play but is highly discouraged for street riding, it takes away all the safety functions.
I have a friend with 2 Bussa's a 2011 ZX14, 2 of the new crossplane R1's and a couple 600's the Bussa's are not stock and he said the BMW stock will pull the paint off the Bussa when it passes. He is running Slick.
After test riding one about 60 miles Saturday all I can say is "WOW"
The price is incredible for what you get. 15K
Looks like it will be 2012 before Suzuki and Kawasaki will get a shot at the BMW

If I can swing it, the S1000RR will probably be my next bike........what am I saying!!!

I don't think there's anything wrong with exploring other alternative bikes, at all. To me, the '14 is a niche market and was never created to compare with the likes of liter bikes. To this day, I still don't understand why folks try to compare them. I love the Bimmer and will probably end up with one before it's all said and done.

I watched "Twist of the Throttle on HD Theater the other night and the story was for BMW - it's background, milestone bikes, factory, etc. I'm quite impressed with BMW motorcycles except for the maintenance cost. I've been told, if you get the right specialized tools, you can do the majority of the work yourself, depending, of course, on which bike you go with.

I think Kawasaki is headed in the right direction with their newest lineup. And, with the inception of this new '10 with all restrictions lifted for racing, only time will tell where they'll end up, but I think it's shaping up to be an interesting 2011 MotoGP/AMA season, to say the least - especially with Rossi's move to Ducati and Nicky's brother Tommy on the rise in AMA.

* Last updated by: loadedmind on 10/13/2010 @ 7:39 AM *

Kruz wrote

If I can swing it, the S1000RR will probably be my next bike........what am I saying!!!

I don't know. I wouldn't be in any hurry. I would definitely ride one before buying if I were you. I doubt you will see much of an improvement over your other bikes unless you get into ultra high speed straightline riding.

* Last updated by: Rook on 10/13/2010 @ 7:56 AM *

That is one cool thing about the Beemer dealerships, you can get an extensive test ride. It's nearly impossible to catch a test hop on any of the Jap bikes.

That is one cool thing about the Beemer dealerships, you can get an extensive test ride. It's nearly impossible to catch a test hop on any of the Jap bikes.

Unless you have an established relationship with a Jap bike dealer you won't be able to get a test ride. I can walk into any Triumph or BMW dealer and test ride whatever bike I want too. I mean what the hell are these dealers thinking who the hell is going to drop 15k and never even get to ride the bike.. In fact I need to go ride a S1000rr this weekend before it gets to cold. To be honest I already know I'm going to love the bike and I already know I would not buy one. However who can resist bouncing a bike like that off the rev limiter in the first four gears Oh wait maybe that’s why Kaw dealers don't allow test rides.

I don't know. I wouldn't be in any hurry. I would definitely ride one before buying if I were you. I doubt you will see much of an improvement over your other bikes unless you get into ultra high speed straightline riding.

Just don't go WFO or stand on the brakes or use the quick shifter and you won't notice much improvment at all. If you plan on doing any of those things make sure you bring a bank check for 16k so you don't have to back out to get one.

Yea I don't see myself needing 14000 rpm or quick shift or ABS for most of the riding I do. I don't even hit the rev limiter on the CBR too often. Most of the twistie riding I do is more about the midrange and I've sworn off the triple digit speeds on public roads, just too much risk. On a track, the BMW starts to make a lot more sense.

On a track, the BMW starts to make a lot more sense.

Really? Has anyone done better lap times on a bimmer yet? If the standard mods don't make a huge gain for the s1000 like they do other literbikes, I'd be happy to remain ignorant about the electronic advantages of the BMW. Fer cryin' out loud, the bike ain't gonna make you any better of a rider. Ride what you have for a few years. There will always be S1000 out there and you might just be surprised at what else evolves. What if they make a better S1000 and you have the G1?? I can only speak for myself but I am done playing the "Best & Most" game. That's me. I'm glad to see the competition slow down so I can enjoy what is available at a good price and not sweat over the performance comparison so much.

All you guys that keep day dreaming about a bike that you have never rode, need to go ride one. (especially if you can test one for free) For a stock bike, it is impressive. Comfortable, shifts excellent, descent brakes, handles well and has great power but, it is not....... that impressive. I thought it was heavy, stood up in the corners, the abs brake system, I found anoying, although if given enough time, maybe, I'd get used to it. (I don't think so.) Maybe, it's just me.... Not all bikes are made to suit everyone's style. Like I said though, while I was impressed a little, I was expecting alot more. Your milage may vary.

Two bikes I would like to beg, borrow or steal a test ride on are the S1000RR and the 2010 CBR 1000RR for comparison to my modded ZX-10R. I got a funny feeling, like you were, I might be a bit disappointed by both, you know the grass is always greener kind of thing, your mileage may vary.

Kruz,
You would be. Only if you have the ability to ride both bikes to the ragged edge, when they start to unravel, would the real differences show themselves and it would become clear that those differences were only slight, if that. Again, for me, the BMW is no epiphany.

Check it out, whatcha think?

The dealer gave me a smoking deal on the S1000RR (demo) today. The problem I have is that the depreciation on the BMW is unbelievable. A 2010 in excellent condition is worth 8500 wholesale. I kept a ZX14 for the weekend and have wanted one since. I would like a 3rd bike and a liter bike would be cool. I can buy a 2008 ZX14 low mileage 8K and less. A bike that goes from a MSRP of 16,225 to 8500 wholesale after it's titled scares me.

I really enjoyed the BMW but I won't be throwing away my $$$$$$ yet. I am sure there will be some low mileage used at a bargain. For my riding style the ZX14 will suit me better anyway and save me a few thousand dollars.

You would be. Only if you have the ability to ride both bikes to the ragged edge, when they start to unravel, would the real differences show themselves and it would become clear that those differences were only slight, if that. Again, for me, the BMW is no epiphany.

I think Kaw is making friends with cycle world they seem to have access that other RAGS don't. Seriously its going to be a beast of a bike and better than the old bike hands down. It terms of stright line speed its going to bash every Jap bike and maybe even the BMW. That is going to be a seriously fast bike even in stock US config. The drag racing guys are going to love this thing.