What a difference a generation of superbikes makes: the last GSX-R1000 I tested was a 2009 model that could hit 101 mph in first gear, and felt like more bike than you could possibly need.
Now in 2012, it's hard to be taken as a serious player in the literbike realm if you don't offer available ABS and traction control... oh, and approaching nearly 200 horsepower doesn't hurt, either-- for proof, look no further than the latest offerings from BMW, Honda, Kawasaki, and Yamaha.
I tested the traction control-less and ABS-free Gixxer thou at the Homestead-Miami track, and ponder its station in the modern superbike world in my 2012 Suzuki GSX-R1000 Review: An Analog Bike in a Digital World.
Related:
- 2012 Yamaha R1 Review: Track Testing the Traction Control-Equipped Superbike
- 2012 Honda CBR1000RR: Building a Better Superbike
- 2011 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R Photo Gallery
- 2010 BMW S1000RR Review
- 2009 Suzuki GSX-R1000 Review
Photo © Andrea Wilson; click for review
ABS ? yup…great idea especially on the street. TC? Introduce me to 2 people who can push a litre bike hard enough on dry roads to even tell if the TC engaged. I’ll be the first to say I’d be surprised if I could do it. The problem is one of marketing then….bike A has all the bells & whistles, bike B has a few of them, bike C has none…except of course bik C has an honestly great motor, a superb chassis and 4 times a many AMA SBK Championships than the other – combined. Some would say..so they win races – big deal. Tell me what else any of the litre demon bikes are good for. The’re only good for one thing, but they’re really good at it.
I think the jury is still out on electronics…do they truly make a better, safer, more rideable street bike, or do they look really good on spec sheets and tester score cards?
I don’t think we all need ABS, but I’d certainly know if TC was engaged if I put 200 hp to the ground.
This guy doesn’t know how to ride on a track.. just look at his body position on page 3.. straight in line with the axis of the bike. I’m not surprised he doesn’t get along without TC.