Track-Test Superbikes German Motorcycle Magazine ( Motorrad 9/2017 ) April 2017 20 pages but unfortunately, everything is in German. Results: 1. Aprilia RSV4 RF 2. Yamaha YZF-R1M 3. BMW S 1000 RR 4. Honda Fireblade SP 5. Ducati 1299 Panigale S 6. Suzuki GSX-R 1000 R 7. Kawasaki ZX-10RR
Very different results to MCN were they just rating on track use ? I believe the blade is a far better road bike than the R1 or RSV4
All reviews are Subjective, find a review you love, embrace it and feel happy lol they wont all agree with you
some reviews will be biased as some of the reviewers will be getting goodies and special treatment from the manufacturers. I will wait for the road test results and compare the reviews before I go for a new bike, but at the moment I'm not seeing the blade as worthy of the £14500 price tag.
Mmm I'd like to think motorcycle journalists are a little bit more principled than being swayed by a night in a hotel room or a free Honda backpack and coffee mug quite frankly. It's hardly suitcases full of £50 notes is it? As a steady road only rider, performance of all the top bikes are close enough to eachother to not concern me. My priorities would lie in a balance of cost, quality of finish, reliability and comfort. S1000RR would have my money if I were in the market. If the SP1 had been priced at £16k it would have been a different story.
I would like the SP1, but not at that price I am afraid - (even without the VAT !). I can get a new ZZR1400 Performance for less than that - and it has a bigger fuel tank and a petrol gauge ! Staying with the sports bikes - would probably chose the GSXR - if it proves reliable.
Journalists with Principles, I wouldn't rate them all that highly, there are some out there but overall they will report what the paymasters ask them to. At the end of the day it's a job for them and they get paid for it. Not saying that manufacturers bed them on a one night stand to influence, but I do believe journalists are restricted or directed to what they can write as the magazines are influenced some way or another by the manufacturers. Although a journalist may want to report something, it isn't always put to press as it clashes with the papers sponsors / affiliated groups. Reports therefore, can be diluted, edited or withdrawn. I had this conversation with some people at the Ace Cafe last year and a couple of the guys claimed to be reporters for bike magazines and newspapers, they say the same, whoever is backing the paper will ultimately get more favourable coverage.
There's one posted on face book with a broken gearbox after 181 miles, hopefully just a one off. Just noticed a pic of it has been posted in the GSXR thread
At the end of the day who really cares what the journos think, we are all different Test ride all the bikes you would consider and buy the one you like the best. I did and will be having the standard blade. If I was just buying for the track I would possibly have something different, but as I will use on the road and the track the blade ticked the boxes for me.
Honda UK taking/confirming orders now but doesn't mean you'll get one, just put on a list. We have a customer who is desperate for one just to add to his collection.
