Are Sport Touring Bikes Faster Than Sport Bikes? | Common Tread XP

[@RevZilla]

Read Zack's article about the comparison here! rvz.la/3II2EUt

[@Frosty-cg8xf]

I didn't know Zach was literate no way

[@ralphwarom2514]

Gotta say, that Ninja 1000 is looking spicey next to the zx10 after watchingthis. (Yes its slower. I just mean they look good side by side XD )

[@kk-qu1zc]

Where is the zx 14r ?

[@zackcourts2280]

@@kk-qu1zc A good bike, no doubt.... Didn't make the cut for the same reason as the 'Busa, that's all.

[@zackcourts2280]

@@Frosty-cg8xf Weev get gud edidders

[@brandonmcmahan676]

"Your favorite non-Canadian motorcycle game show...." As a fan of Zac and Ari AND RyanF9 I very much appreciated that line!

[@un_belli_vable5506]

Fortnine the GOAT

[@jamesnapper2876]

Yup, that was a clever and coy nod to RyanF9 that didn't go unnoticed and elicited the intended bahaha from those that know

[@jeroencornelisse]

And it actually is my favorite Non-Canadian motor channel... 😁

[@thedarkgreenvanman]

A nice tip of the helmet

[@michaelcurnow3524]

I was lucky enough to be at the track when they shot this. The crew are all a great bunch f guys, and it was cool to watch them work. And man did they work, I'm sure it's fun to test motorcycles for a living, the final product looks like a blast, but there was a ton of effort to get there. The weather was lousy, cold and windy, but they were at it for 10+ hours a day and produced another great episode!

[@NooBiker]

Awesome! That's so cool! Very lucky indeed. Being a Kawasaki Z/Ninja 1000SX owner, as much as I wanted it to do better, I know that it's a bike more for touring and general road use than a speed or track weapon. Still was fun to watch Zack throw it around and scrape the pegs.

[@nando03012009]

I thought they closed arroyo seco?? Man I used to do track days when I live in Las cruces. Not I use COTA

[@AriH211]

Hey Mike, thanks for chiming in! I'm glad you got to see how the sausage is made, so to speak. It's a lot of work, but we know we're fortunate to do what we do.

[@zackcourts2280]

Good lookin' out, Mike! Nice to meet you and thanks for keeping us company :-)

[@michaelcurnow3524]

@@nando03012009 Arroyo is still up and running and still has an awesome race series.

[@nemo5335]

IMO the most impressive thing in this test is that the kawasaki's saddlebag fell off at nearly 150mph and survived the fall with only a few scratches.

[@haziq_arifin]

The benefit when using genuine product 👍

[@Daero1]

I am very impressed with the Kawasaki 1000sx. The fact that it was only 2.5 seconds behind in the lap is a big deal considering it has so much less power than the zx10r. Also those saddlebags look like they are worth the money since the one fell off going over 100 mph and it was able to be put back on and all it had was some scratches.

[@sheridancowling6257]

Imagine the damage if they were loaded to their weight limit.

[@Vincenzo911]

It would be faster with more ground clearance.

[@Novur]

The most impressive part of this video is that they managed to keep me entertained for the 70% of the video that could easily have been covered by a tech spec comparison chart in 20 seconds, bravo!

[@wizardmoto]

For anyone curious: the fastest lap this track has ever seen is a 1:06. What they accomplished, on these bikes without any previous experience, just solidifies that Zach and Ari are highly underrated and highly skilled riders.

[@arrow0872]

I can’t imagine how a 1:06 lap would look like on that bumpy and broken tarmac. What bike did that?

[@YA-ee9zf]

No we know they’re great riders they went to alska on a little 50cc and rode many bikes and don’t forget they work for revizlla

[@wizardmoto]

@@YA-ee9zf Working for RevZilla doesn't automatically get you within spitting distance of a world speed record with a couple hours of track time buddy, throw Spurgeon out there and I'd be shocked if he got sub 1:30 (no offense spurgy!). I also said "ensures", which has the implications that 'it was common knowledge although not confirmed with data'. I definitely have always thought very highly of them, but this performance is truly astonishing once you fully consider the the handicaps they were facing.

[@Gismo3333]

@@YA-ee9zf - No, the Alaska tour was on one 80cc and one 125cc bike.

[@Gismo3333]

@@wizardmoto - - What about 5-15 years of pro racing, and ridden bikes their sins they was teens or kids. They have 1000 of hours of track riding, not noobs. Have you never seen their videos before?

[@forrest225]

Honestly I’m very impressed with how well that saddle bag held up.

[@arjenbootsma6881]

Indeed! Good to know, since I have the same bags on my Versys 1000.

[@banditryder4696]

Hey were able to just snap it back on after falling off at 6the gear which was what over 150

[@Matiisis]

I dropped my bike on one side on the saddlebag (same saddlebags, Versys 650), with both saddlebags fully loaded + a top box fully loaded and my gf on the back. The saddlebag had only a few minor scratches with all that weight on it. Yeah, pretty good saddlebags, if you ask me!

[@lacrossev]

That was my first thought also, I didn't even realize until i read later that my SW Motech blaze bags says they're only good for about 80. Makes sense since they're aftermarket softbags but I was wondering if these bags/boxes would hold up to the bike's full performance.

[@Praise___YaH]

Guys, YaH The Heavenly FATHER HIMSELF was Who they Crucified for our sins, NOT jesus, and “HERE IS THE PROOF” From the Ancient Semitic Scroll: "Yad He Vav He" is what Moses wrote, when Moses asked YaH His Name (Exodus 3) Ancient Semitic Direct Translation Yad - "Behold The Hand" He - "Behold the Breath" Vav - "Behold The NAIL"

[@eQui253]

That hidden compliment to fortnine in the beginning. A deserved one! There are 2 Bikes that I am missing in team sport touring. Suzuki Hayabusa, Kawasaki H2 SX SE

[@genghiskwan780]

I'm glad I wasn't this only one who caught that! LONG LIVE RF9!

[@RaunakPSingh]

that channel is a one man army

[@lanceoliver5769]

As Zack notes in his accompanying article, they tried to get an H2 SX SE but one wasn't available from Kawasaki for testing, so they went with the Ninja 1000SX.

[@aoofelipe]

I rewatched it but couldn't find it! What did they say about f9? :)

[@malachii420]

Damn, I'm not seeing the reference. Could you point out a time? Why I care, I don't know, but...

[@MotoChicken]

I would love to see the first two tests against the sport tourers WITHOUT the saddle bags. I still think the ZX-10R would surpass them, but it would be interesting to know for someone who wouldn’t ride with the bags much.

[@refeekey250]

This is by far the best ctxp episode. The skit in the beginning, the quality of filming and editing, and the content. In the future more funny skits please.

[@rrm80916]

That’s why my Amazon package was late!

[@JCintheBCC]

Ari's comment at 27:15 is exactly why I want a Ninja 1000. Because I want a sportbike that can use to go ride to my office and get groceries... I also live in a small mountain town where cars and bikes screaming through the canyon roads with loud exhausts at public enemy #1. So when Ari comments at 27:25 that he can't hear the engine across the track, I'm actually happy to hear that!

[@juha2031]

Why you couldn't get groceries with any 1000cc bike ?

[@JCintheBCC]

@@juha2031 You are technically correct, the best kind of correct. I could get groceries on an R1. However, getting groceries on a sport bike with hard saddlebags, easy throttle control and linear power delivery, and a relatively upright riding position (which helps with navigating downtown traffic) is just easier than not.

[@PeterOekvist]

I'm more impressed by the fact that someone get their groceries at the office...

[@JCintheBCC]

@@PeterOekvist Actually, my office is on the 15th floor of a building with a grocery store on the ground floor. My parking garage is below that. So yeah... I ride to the office, work, get groceries on my way out, and go home. Honestly, it's pretty convenient.

[@rickykraus7450]

This is why I love my VFR. Usable power around town and still pretty quick. Not going to beat the Ninja 1000 but plenty quick enough.

[@firedog5339]

That Aprilia is an absolute animal! Thought for sure he was going down a little after the 35 min mark. Good save. Great work gentlemen!

[@jimperry4420]

Great save or luck at 25:30 too.

[@beamdoctor5637]

@@jimperry4420 creepy how fast even a skilled rider under controlled conditions can almost lose it. I can't believe my friends and I are alive after 35 years of screwing around on the streets and track on sportbikes.

[@mikemikemike6002]

Love my tuono. Such a well balanced bike... Except range.

[@mikemikemike6002]

@@ImTheKaiser you and I both. I think I'm right at 85 miles a tank. I'm a bit plus sized though so losing some weight would help

[@VideoSharePhone]

The Tuono stops at the rev limiter. You can go faster if you change the sprockets :)

[@ORflycaster]

The fastest I've ever been was an indicated 150mph on a 1st gen R6. I still had a 2K in reserve, but stopped at a good round number I could remember. I realize a GPS would have read a little slower, but twenty-three years later the rush of that first sport bike experience is still a great memory. NOW I really connect with the older dude Jack in the flat cap!

[@anthonysach-htec5934]

I had a 1990 C1 ZZR1100 and a 1993 D1 and had them flat out near 180 mph.

[@pitchforkpeasant6219]

Me too actually 😂. 55yo and still vertical. Ish

[@leok7193]

I've had my Gen 6 GSXR 600 up to 169 on a long straight, maxed out by air resistance. BMW S1000rr up to 190 on a highway, maxed out by my nerves (although it was barely climbing, if at all), and my Ninja 650 up to 113 maxed out on gears. That said, I think going really really fast is not that exciting once you've maxed out. I rather feel acceleration out of corners and weight transfer while looking for that optimum line, and you can do that on most roads on a sport tourer almost as well as on a sport bike, and even on a 600, there's plenty of "go" to enjoy. It would be cool to get out and explore more with saddlebags and a more comfortable seat. I'm yet to go past 4 hours non-stop on a sportbike, and I'd probably cause permanent damage 😅😅

[@gerardmontgomery280]

I'm happy with my 120bhp, rocket propelled armchair. Otherwise known as the Versys 1000. However isn't the H2 SX SE considered a sport tourer? 🤘

[@evilwestsidefan9249]

It would smoke them, not to mention they could have compared an old stock 08 Concours 14 came from the factory limited to 186 mph/300 kph.

[@leok7193]

@@evilwestsidefan9249 top speed, it would, drag race is a big maybe with the extra weight and supercharger needing RPMs, on the track it would be between BMW and Ninja 1000. It's just too big for that small track.

[@evilwestsidefan9249]

@leok7193 she is a big girl but that allows her to eat interstate slab all day and she handles well enough through the mountain twisties for fun. I loved my naked Z1000 but didn't enjoy touring on her so I got a Concours 14, not sure why they quit making it they already increased the 1000 to an 1100

[@bcab7955]

Zack and Ari killed it once again. Fun, educational, enlightening - thanks guys for the continued premium content for us two wheeled junkies.

[@AriH211]

Thanks Brent, we're happy to do it! But Zack and I are just the goons on camera - Spenser Robert is the bulk of the creative genius that makes each episode what it is.

[@marcdawson2156]

It’s amazing to see what you guys can do with a bike, there’s a small part of me that wishes I had that skill set. There’s quite a large part of me that’s grateful I’m just smart enough to know I don’t.

[@Villani_AV]

Same. Wish there were more tracks by me at least

[@Operation_Lurch]

I just got my license and am still to scared to even think about riding like this. Hope I can do half of this in a few years

[@aluisious]

@@Operation_Lurch Don't rush it, just go out and have fun and come back every time.

[@BloodPlusPwn]

I think what impresses me most about this whole thing is just how well the Ninja 1000 performs. For such a relatively cheap bike compared to the competition, you get a comfy street bike that can reach surprisingly close to a monster like a ZX10R. A nice tune, some new suspension and maybe leave the bags at home if you ain't goin far and you'll have a real ripper you can ride all day.

[@sharklegs]

The 1000SX is a fantastically capable daily rider, especially if you dont care about electronic doodads

[@valcrist7428]

As Kawasaki says.. the Ninja 1000 has that ZX6R DNA.. Coming from a Ninja 650, I was choosing what to buy between the two.. But I choose the Zx6R because I am young and want to experience a full on Sportbike on a Race Track... But at times I kinda regretted it and wanted the well balanced nature between Touring Comfort, Utilitarian and some Track Day Capability of the Ninja 1000. Probably my next bike is a Ninja 1000 with Carbon Fiber Rims to compensate for the weight.. since I am almost already done with full on Track riding..

[@BloodPlusPwn]

@@valcrist7428 Get you the 1000 man, you can get a decent track bike cheap if you really want. You can buy you something like an auction r6 with no title or something and set it up to be perfect for the track instead of something that has to function as a street bike too.

[@MyMednas]

@@valcrist7428 I've got a 2019 ZX6R, and thought about getting a Ninja 1000SX to do longer rides. Test rode one and didn't like it. Do bland. Comfy, yes, but totally boring. I'm going to tour on the 6R. It might be uncomfortable, but it's a lot more fun!

[@danielmanzano4627]

Just traded in my 2018 Ninja 1000 for a 2021 zx10r, and my riding buddy rides a2021 Aprilia Tuono v4. This video is a perfect reflection of what these bikes truly are. The Tuono is a houligan, pure raw performance with a decently comfy riding position. The Ninja1000 is the perfect blend of touring and superbike. Fast enough, agile enough, hypersmooth and comfy as hell. The zx10r is a precision machine that needs a little more open roads than the other 2 to really shine. Crazy top en engine, freight train in medium, fast turns, and compared to the other 2, a torture to ride, lol

[@florme6494]

Do you miss the ninja 1000? Low torque and comfort?

[@danielmanzano4627]

A little bit the low end torque on the city, but the top end in the zx10 never fails to amaze me. Comfort wise, after a couple years on the zx10 I can do +400 miles in a day with not much harm. I still think that the Ninja1000 is an awesome all around bike, but the zx10 its in another level

[@mattgilbert666]

Having just bought a 2019 Z1000SX I can confirm that it absolutely keeps up with the majority of sports bikes, maybe not quite a "flickable" but for UK roads, it's more than adequate

[@MrLeeson660]

If it keeps up because of the riders on the sportsbikes and if ur fast, to push on the roads to a level where the bike would be the difference is insane. But its miles off in terms of performance vs 1000cc sportsbike

[@THEREALZENFORCE]

@@MrLeeson660a 240whp modded H2SX Sport tourer will annihilate most sports bikes in a straight line, as much as the old ZX-14R annihilated most sports bikes in a straight line. And on harsh twisties like in the alps sports bikes get even beat by higher torque R1250GS, Super Adventure S ADV bikes and Super Duke GT Sports bikes (140Nm).

[@Inked_CR]

gsxs1000f still the better bike.

[@calebnation6155]

That’s the thing. For driving on public roads, the slight delta in max performance is never going to be seen.

[@davidblack5857]

You two are the best! Loved the comparison test. At 72 years old I find my MT09 all I can handle but I can still dream.

[@portaltwo]

With ya bro. At 71 with a KTM Duke 890R. Still smiling.

[@Demonbfg]

Very Good ! I'm 73 with a ZX-14r.

[@14goldmedals]

Just turned 57 and still have my 2004 Honda CBR1000RR. 22,000 km = 13,670 miles. Short riding seasons up here🇨🇦.

[@portaltwo]

@@14goldmedals Agree. I'm a fellow Canuck. My Duke is a 2020 and has less than 5K on it. Out last Tuesday for the first ride of the season!

[@14goldmedals]

portaltwo yup it’s time to renew the licence plate.

[@BLNMotoCity]

If you asked me what I really love about my job...this sentence sums it up pretty good I'd say. I was probably the one to start exactly that red XR for the very first time, take it for a spin and make sure it works the way its supposed to be. Hope you enjoyed the XR, and the other ones as well ;) Greetings from a dyno rider at the BMW plant in Berlin :)

[@pmlitman]

I've got a 2021 Ninja 1000SX and it's absolutely all the bike I could ask for at that MSRP. It's crazy fast, as this video shows. It keeps up with my super-sport friends on just about any street pull. On top of that, it's comfortable for long rides and runs great with a pillion. I can drive it hard solo, giggling the whole way, or pack it for a weekend camping trip. It's the best bike I've owned, and for the thrills, the only one I could afford.

[@murasamest1845]

Faster? No. Fast enough where it doesnt matter and you get the benefit of being comfortable? Absolutely

[@petergrant482]

I ride a 2010 Kawasaki Concours and love it. This was so fun to watch to see how close (or not) they are. I do like how quiet the stock Kawasaki tourers are at full throttle... You guys are great riders. Thanks for sharing.

[@Hei1Bao4]

I loved this video as I ride a 1990 Yamaha FJ1200 sport touring bike and am suitability impressed with how quick she is through the twisties. She gets lots of attention.

[@species5022]

Showing some true skills managing the bumps on that track. Damn you guys can shred! Ary saving the highsider, Zach going supermoto on the tuono. Baller!

[@Victor_Moto]

That 2021 Aprilia Tuono V4 1100 is so good. Basically a very comfy RSV4 with bags.

[@andrewdok]

I have a '17 and I've never regretted buying it a single day. Only thing I might trade it for is a newer one.

[@Victor_Moto]

@@andrewdok Bravo. 2017+ Aprilia Tuonos are hard to beat.

[@iamtherealzombie]

If you consider those ridiculous things on the side of the Tuono to be "bags".

[@Jay-yg8jj]

@@andrewdok I traded mine for a '22 KTM 1290 SAS..no regrets. I had my RSV4 and Tuono for years, but now living somewhere where there's hardly any curves and it's just dirty farm roads and gravel...I made the right choice. I'll get another one in a heartbeat if I ever move somewhere with nice roads, but moving from NH/VT to NW NY just doesn't suit that bike.

[@martinXY]

@@iamtherealzombie Hahaha. Tiny bags. "OK, toothbrush in the left bag, change of undies in the right. Yep, all packed."

[@danielmoore2555]

I must say kudos to the boys for the hustle around that bumpy track, watching the protest from the bikes through the exits from the corners had me gritting my teeth. Good bikes and good skill 👍

[@commonsense7057]

Would of loved to see the Suzuki GSX-S1000GT included in the test with its K5 engine. Would of been interesting to see how it did against the Kawi and the Aprilia.

[@sund5]

Oh the legendary K5

[@The_Coleman]

Yes!!The 1kGT is surprisingly quick.

[@The330racing]

It's a closer match for the ninja 1000. Did you look at the power to weight vs the Tuono. Not close.

[@yugenfocus]

Unreal production! Thank you guys and your entire crew for such high quality content. As a 50 year old man at heart, me and my R1100R thank you

[@Villani_AV]

Torque is the master on the streets and definitely helps coming out of corners haha, I do wish bmw could make a high output r series or bring back the "smaller" k series bikes. Love the boxers

[@warrensmith792]

I'm a 24 year old old man and the only stranger I've run with on my fun route was a 50+yr master kitted out like the stig on a new triumph 1050. I made sure to lead being all ignorant and excited; and wiseman still humbled me with his composure every mirror check. We gotta have someone to look up to out there!

[@Gismo3333]

@@Villani_AV - Why not try the GS or GS ADV… They are almost perfect bikes. BMW GS A, is the only bike on my mind now a days. It is super comfortable and super fast at the same time… How don't want to be comfy, when you smoke sport bikes in their kind of game.

[@Villani_AV]

@@Gismo3333 I fucking hate ADVs. I do 0 off-road riding and the seating position is not comfortable for me. I prefer the forward lean and the sportier bikes. If I wanted a gs I wouldn't be wishing for a new 170+ hp nearly flat 4 cylinder

[@Gismo3333]

@@Villani_AV - Then it is something wrong with you. Or you mostly just lie, if you have sit on a GS, and that is terrible to sit on. Compared leaning most of the weight on your wrists and arms. Would like to see you drive a super sport for 15 hours strait, And telling me you are just fine with sleeping 4 hours and do another 10 hours. You talk like you are 14 years old and never ridden a big bike before. And you know it all.

[@HeroRR]

Wow, this video actually came out at the PERFECT time. That Ninja 1000 has been calling me lately...

[@lovelessissimo]

Oh hey! Your vids are great, man.

[@hanturaja]

miss your videos man, keep the videos coming

[@bishop4546]

Get one, it's great

[@anuragrpande]

I have one, its great. I have the murph bar risers and lowered pegs installed for a 6’ rider, as well as the vstream taller windscreen. Great fucking times.

[@maxx2174]

I can only second that - I decided pretty late to get the motorcycle license and got me a 2021 ninja 1000sx right away. what can i say.. i love the bke... it looks great and rides like a charm. done a few decent mods myself already and still about to replavce the mask and bottom cover for different colors...

[@shogginr557]

Never disappointed with you 2:) Huge effort from the whole team and so much fun to watch. My heart jumped with Ari's not-a-high-side and then Zack gets bounced out of the seat!! No sand baggers here!

[@davidshearer8184]

In March 1984, in between Infantry Officer school and reporting in to G 2/6 at Camp LeJuene, NC, I rode my 1983 Suzuki GS-1100e from Gainesville, FL to Daytona (bike week - it seemed like I was the only guy on a Japanese bike), down A1A to Ft Lauderdale, then down to Key West, then back up and across “alligator alley” to Ft Myers. I had a custom bikini fairing and Eclipse soft luggage with a soft duffel across the pillion. I noticed a death wobble at 130 mph crossing alligator alley. In Ft Myers I stopped at the local Suzuki dealer for help. The mechanic told me that it could be the fairing or the luggage - he said “kid, I just fix em, I’m not dumb enough to ride ‘em that fast …”. Thanks for the update 40 years later!

[@maximk2537]

This one is my favorite episode. Watching it over again and again... finally bought ninja z1000sx😊

[@impalaSS65]

What did you have prior? How does it compare?

[@maximk2537]

@impalaSS65 it's winter in Moscow, so I'm yet to try my ninja the coming season. Can't help waiting for it! My ex was mt-09 Tracer 2015. Good machine, but I wanted a more sporty bike with comfort on a highway and stability on high speed and better wind protection for the body. MT is naked-based so bottom side is not protected at all.

[@impalaSS65]

@@maximk2537 OK!

[@dimosk7389]

the moment i saw the Tuono at the start, i was 99% sure it would be faster on track. its a total beast. definitely not a "sport touring", but the tiny soft bags are enough to justify you using it here.

[@HormigaZ]

this is not the factory model though. This one while being pretty much the same is specifically geared for sport touring.

[@dimosk7389]

@@HormigaZ you're right, it's basically missing the electronic ohlins suspension. But it's overall DNA is the same as the factory version. It has the credentials

[@PeterSmith-or3pq]

loved the mirror dragging , impressive

[@twilightsuzuka6252]

@@HormigaZ BMW doesn't offer electronic suspension on the M1000RR. A bike doesn't need electronic suspension to be fast.

[@SALTxTHExWOUND]

First off, I LOVE these videos Zack and Ari do! 👏🏻 I owned a Ninja1000 years ago and 600’s would always get butthurt when I pulled on them lol. It topped out around 160 but it got to 100 pretty quick. Much heavier but those sport touring bikes are beasts as well! It wasn’t much competition for most 1000cc sport bikes though it held its own.

[@mar7739]

Well, i am affraid that on your condom Ninja 1000 you could pull on some 250's, not a proper 600....

[@SALTxTHExWOUND]

@@mar7739 the ninja1000 0-60 is 2.9 whereas say a cbr600rr is 3.3 The stock ninja1000 holds much more horsepower and torque than any stock 600cc. I’m not arguing lol these are just facts.

[@mar7739]

​@@SALTxTHExWOUND Stock 600's do 0-200 km/h in about 9.5-10.5 sec. Something your fat, 45-48 kg heavier ("much more" horsepower is 10-20) Ninja 1000 won't manage. Sorry. Just facts. Maybe accelerating in fifth, or sixth gear from 30 you would win...

[@jeffh278]

@mar7739 you need to check out @SALTxTHExWOUND’s channel. Yes he is a wheelie monster, but that ripped up throttle junkie and his wife rip around on those GSX-R750s on the track proper. If the dude says he ripped on 600s on a Ninja1000 then Im inclined to believe him

[@KawasakiZ-mi1vs]

I have a kawa z1000 2017 and i'm faster then 600cc from 0 to 200

[@rollakid]

Would be interested to see how a 300/400cc class sport bike perform against the 1000cc in tight circuits like these, when ridden by highly skilled riders.

[@SWTrailsAndWheels]

Track times for top 400 riders are similar to what we saw here. Track record is around 1:06 on liter bikes. Straights are long enough that big bikes still are fastest here.

[@rollakid]

@@SWTrailsAndWheels very interesting, but that's only possible if the rider has the skill to take a liter bike around the corner fast right? I think it will be extremely educational if we put a zx10r and a ninja 400 (or even the old 300) in the hands of an average rider, because I just wonder if the average rider would be faster (not in a straight line) when riding an easier/lighter motorcycle.

[@warrensmith792]

@@rollakid if it helps your train of thought, I learned the majority of my cornering skills on the bigger bikes, or that's how it feels lol. I'm about '6 "1 and 155lbs. so I guess I cant reaally blame my size. Went from a dirt tire crf230f to an 00 gsxr 600 after 4 months or so and one bad cornering accident already in the books. Then I laid the gsxr down in someone's front yard chasing my brother on his 01 f4i, just learning basic lessons like ride your own. I could always hang off well enough but never liked how easy the tip in was, felt too unstable. Next thing I know I'm trading off for a 97 blackbird 1100 after 8 months. Other than being way too big for my skinny ass at a stand still, I loved that thing. Forced me to learn how to lean if I wanted to be fast through corners, felt like rails.. Eventually I started finding her limits one by one and it made me long for a little more. So after a year on that I ended up buying an 05 fireblade. It's been about a year and a half now and I've been in mad love. Still need a suit so I can feel more than air screaming underneath my kneecaps! I'll go back down to a 6 or maybe even some oldschool inline 4 400cc one day and see how well I've adjusted with that extra pad insurance. I've been afforded the experience of friend's sv650's, gsxr 750, rc51, and my dirt tire xr400r as well. 750 class and that old RC definitely felt comparable to the blade. The XR with a real set of shoes would be a force, but again no knee pads or anything yet so it just feels very momentum based. Obviously my few years of street only experience wont say as much as good data. Just wanted to share a fun anecdote about how weight helped me personally.

[@Gismo3333]

@@UnsungThermidor - There is more the bumps and the bad tarmac, that holds the times down. One can't go full send, when the track is that bad. Specially on a liter bike… They are very much harder to control when one use all their power. Mostly the reason you see liter bikes get smoked by smaller bikes, is because the rider only upgraded the bike, and not his/her skills. And they only go fast on the straits, and super slow in the corners. If you get on rider like Zach, that slides the back-wheel into the corner, and shifts to a wheelie out of the corner… There is no 400cc that can keep up whit that.

[@zyonsdream]

Well watch MotoAmerica then. Superbike, Stock1000, whatever Super Sport is now (was 600 class) and they have a junior cup 400cc class. It’s easy to see the times between classes.

[@bratcafe5632]

Am 57 now. Ridden bikes of many kinds since I was 17. Have owned sport bikes from mid 1980's through present. Own sport touring bike now. Main difference, really is not tenths of seconds in drag race, or 7 mph in top speed. Main difference is sport touring bike is not painful after 20 minutes...

[@johnfelton4669]

I know it's a grandfather but I still love the sound of a VFR with an aftermarket pipe bloody beautiful

[@danteMdie]

To call a Tuono V4 sport touring is a bit far fetched : p

[@buzomatic]

I agree but it's no RSV4 either with those high-rise bars and torque moved down in the power band. This bike exists so 50 somethings like me can convince my wife l'm getting more gold wing than H2R, lol. PS I have an RSV4RR. Go big or go home.

[@AriH211]

@@buzomatic "If you're not living at redline, you're not livin'" - Barry Henning

[@exothermal.sprocket]

Triumph Speed Triple RR is about as sport-touring as the Aprilia.

[@nipps223]

Quick comment at the start of this video. Kinda disappointed that you guys didn't compare 3 bikes against 3 bikes. But then again you did organise a full 'legal' road closure.

[@TheGoldenchild68]

This is my favorite CTXP episode! Ari and Zach are the best. They take it semi-seriously so that you can see the bikes true performance while making it entertaining. Well done!

[@ftby59mikeD]

Glad to see Italy represented by the Aprilia but I'd be curious to see how Ducati's V4 MTS would've done for the sport tourer segment. Shout out to law enforcement for cooperating & making this possible.👍

[@armandblake]

Love my 1000SX, fast, sporty and handy. I also love how the luggage stay on safe and the key won’t come out unless locked, definitely fool proof… oh, wait… 😜

[@DennisJPolson]

I was honestly surprised how well the baggers did. Such a fantastic episode! If Zack and Ari are in a video, I’m watching.

[@jakegreenberg9357]

This is one of the best videos Z & A have ever made. If this isn't at the Oscars, I'm boycotting.

[@nameless5r]

It won't be, they don't want to get slapped around.

[@jordandayedes3628]

I would have loved to see the new GSXS 1000 GT. Good stuff as always from you guys all the same though!

[@zackcourts2280]

We asked! But it wasn’t available yet. In fact, we still haven’t tried it

[@marcos1669]

I think you can expect it to be very similar to the Ninja 1000SX, mayb a tiny bit quicker because of the extra 10ho

[@exothermal.sprocket]

I think Suzuki imports are going to be slow this year....... 😫 Oh and it's about 15 pounds lighter than the Ninja per published figures. The naked S1000 that it's based on can do an honest 150+ whp with the usual restriction removals, a true 10 hp more than Kawi.

[@raulsalanaranjo6565]

I wish they could also compare to another sport bike in the 600-750 cc range!!! See how those sport touring bikes do!

[@pryme2013]

They would beat a 600.

[@squidishtendencies1523]

Yamaha hat, Suzuki jacket and Kawasaki shirt. Squid Power baby!!!

[@christians131]

So basically old man’s sport tourers sacrifice

[@stubbingtonmarigold3032]

Yeah and for the last test, pick 1 bike to ride from Arizona back to L.A. ..... what no takers for the zx-10r .... ?

[@woodysrockspyro6436]

Cat delete and tune... Moore mafia. Even steven

[@leok7193]

They're also "old man's." Sport bikes just have more sex appeal or sleekness, however you define it. More streamlined, cleaner lines, more sonorous engine note. It's a difference of driving a E63 wagon and a AMG GTs. Wagon tries its best, but just by the nature of its purpose, even though still fast, it'll be more bulbous, large, and heavy without being as imposing as an SUV would be (proper touring bike equivalent)... and those saddlebags only remind me of putting a luggage carrier on top of a wagon - at that point even E63 is no longer sexy.

[@johnbrooks241]

This was excellent, and not gonna lie, so cool to see and hear the bikes at full chat on the closed road. And can we get a slow mo of Zack going across the track on the Aprilia and bouncing sideways?! A little poo came out just watching that!

[@jothain]

Man it looked scary. I actually got goosebumps seeing that.

[@Gismo3333]

You can set it to slow your self, in the KZbin settings. Just play back it in slow mo…

[@Rover4387]

I am not even a sport bike rider and i loved that. Thank you Zack and Ari! :)

[@thekaizer666]

i really like and appreciate that short 5 seconds of video where the police confirm that the whole stretch of road has been closed off, and thus, is relatively safe to conduct these tests. stay safe everyone, real life isnt like the movies.

[@leok7193]

Yes, life is much longer and a lot more boring. Stay safe if you must, but don't be boring.

[@thekaizer666]

@@leok7193 i REALLY dont care if you crash into a tree or a lamppost at 120mph. i was talking more about - DONT BECOME A FKNG MENACE/ NUISANCE/ DANGER to other road users and pedestrians. thats what i meant by "STAY SAFE". cheers.

[@leok7193]

@thekaizer666 good, to know. And I really don't care... Actually, it would be a pleasure to be a nuisance to you. You seem unpleasant.

[@davedempster3405]

Back in the mid 90's I had a '95 Kawasaki GPz1100 and a buddy had a '92 Kawasaki ZX-11. One day we did a roll on drag. My GPz actually was quicker up to about 80 mph when the ZX-11's ram air took hold. At that point he walked away from me, not ran. The ZX-11 was the "D" model while the GPz1100 was actually a ZX-11 E model .. different cam profile and no ram air. The smoothest bike engine I've ever ridden. This comparison brought back great memories! Thanks !!

[@dukenukem7183]

Would be fun to see before and after ecu restrictions removed

[@atypicalmotorcycle752]

This was great. The tasty blend of honest engineering analysis and humor kept me glued for the whole fourty minutes. As a " senior " rider the last gag nailed me right in the funny bone. Now, my first bike back in `76 ... In conclusion; my current stable has three Buells (one from each generation) two BMWs a HD and a KTM. The perfect bike for any ride is not any one bike. When your hobby can deliver you to your jobsite in record time with the fuel milage of an anemic econobox it's not too hard to justify the next perfect bike!

[@chestypuller4591]

Nice riding gents and great comparisons. Just want to share that I am astounded by the speed, sound and fluid ride of my 2013 Honda VFR 1200 F. The thing is a monster and a screamer. I do have to agree, the sound of an all out V4 is a mechanical symphony!

[@brunobio-marino2352]

12:40 TUONO in Italian means THUNDER, and now I know why they called it like that

[@zacht9447]

That shot on the back straight with the tuono was terrifying when it was bouncing around.

[@MattSilverlock]

Zack looking more spritely than usual!

[@sonang7721]

He looks like Aleix Esparago with the hat and Suzuki jacket🤣

[@westcoastmoto2063]

Great content!! Was fun to watch. Hope to see a track comparison on a 400,600,1000 with both of you swapping bikes.

[@kevinreist7718]

I noticed on the top speed test on the ninja VX10 that he put one arm behind his back to reduce wind resistance, he probably gained almost 5 mph doing this. On the Aprilla, he appeared to be too afraid to do the same thing.

[@TheJmatagi]

I thinking you sold a lot of Aprilia’s today. Awesome video. Very interesting.

[@AndersFriisGbg]

Really great program! I ride a Sports Tourer (BMW R1250RS) and would never be close the the way you guys are testing the limits of these machines! Not even when I was 26 and had a Suzuki RG500 Gamma ... 34 years ago :-)

[@SASQUATCH205]

I'm gonna go ask my local police if they can shut down a stretch of road for some Busa speed runs. C'mon

[@byever1]

They charge by the hour and have a 3 hr minimum. Your milage might vary.

[@kmb957]

Drive to Mexico in the middle of the night like most racers.

[@100GTAGUY]

One of our local uncontrolled airports used to let people drag race on one of the taxiways every other weekend, until they decided to just turn it into a dedicated drag strip and opened it every weeked. That may be a more viable alternative possibly.

[@ridesoftail]

That was great entertainment loved watching but every test was better suited for sport bikes need to load up 50lb of gear on the bikes and test MPG, comfort, wind noise, fatigue, seat position. The V4 sounds the best for sure a win for Aprilia.

[@UMZenki]

Incredible. Gnarly track riding! Just wish more people were asking the questions you guys are answering. Great work as always.

[@Aygo_Crazy]

Beautiful video! I tested both Z900 and 1000 SX on Kawasaki Test rides, but i have to say that i really loved overall the 1000 SX! My heart belongs to the Z750, but the 1000sx is really sweet!

[@UCs6ktlulE5BEeb3vBBOu6DQ]

This answers my lifelong question of «do kawasaki bikes saddlebags fly off at hight speed». Mines are now bolted at the bottom.

[@mrnicktoyou]

I used to have a Z1000 and honestly, it’s just the ideal street bike. The power is enough and the torque is amazing.

[@joeyg29jgjg]

Plus inline 4 screams!

[@lovelessissimo]

I love my Z900.

[@marcos1669]

If you believe the torque is good, try a R1250RS, doesnt sound nearly as good but goood does that engine have low end power....

[@exothermal.sprocket]

Z900 runs better power to weight ratio, believe it or not. Just a drastic weight difference and the engine is super linear, with a grunty middle range. If you want roughly the same acceleration and overall usability in a lighter package, can't beat the Yamaha 890cc bikes.

[@DerekDauma]

Kinda silly not to have a "touring" test. I would have loved to see how each bike performed on a 50CC Quest ride, ZX-10 included.

[@munkandbear2818]

I liked the BMW the best for comfort but man that price increase is huge!

[@BirdArvid]

Fun as usual when these two gentlemen work together!! I do wish the Suzuki GSX-S1000GT or GT+ was a part of this test, since it's been praised quite highly from what I've seen.

[@tubejorrit]

I don't know if you still can get in in the US but the KTM 1290 Superduke GT would have been a good contender also.

[@pthunell]

That 35:01 pucker factor. What a an amazing rider Zack is to keep it together.

[@buddha65281]

My 1999 Hayabusa is setup as a tourer.. been all over Europe with it and now here in the states.. wouldn't have any other "sport tourer". Cool vid

[@Nasrou89]

I had an 07 yamaha FJR. Very capable bike. It does 9/10 of what a regular sports bike do

[@exothermal.sprocket]

Ah no. Make that 6/10 of a regular "sportsbike".

[@Nasrou89]

@@exothermal.sprocket you might be right, but I’m talking the average rider.

[@exothermal.sprocket]

@@Nasrou89 I took an FJR1300 out a few years ago on a Yamaha demo ride. Very nice machine, a good solid shove out of curves and down the road. It's a stone-axe-reliable machine and has plenty of power, but that pales in comparison to a GSX-R1000 or Hayabusa I took out on demo a few years before that.

[@Ryan.......]

It would be interesting to see this with some of the older sport touring bikes that lean a bit more to the touring side and often have bigger engines (e.g. FJ1300 and Concours14). Their longer wheelbases would probably allow faster low speed acceleration because the longer wheelbase resists wheelies more.

[@JReed305]

Down side to the Concourse is it's governed to 155mph.

[@AkumuX]

@@JReed305 Easily flashed away with a flash (Ivan's or Shoodaben) that every C14 owner should own already. (Also, '08 & '09 aren't limited at stock.) (FJR is limited to 150. I would know. Had my father's '14 that high for 20 seconds.)

[@JReed305]

@@AkumuX oh I know, but they were using stock current bikes.

[@AkumuX]

@@JReed305 Given the huge leaps and bounds that some bikes gain from an ECU reflash it's almost a shame to compare stock to stock. Of course it's the only way for apples to apples, but man some of these are restricted. The H2SX SE goes from it's stock 172/90 and an iffy 5,000RPM lurch on a dyno to 210/96 and smooth as butter on a dyno. Many bikes these days are, in fact, not giving 100% throttle under 100% throttle, especially in 6th gear. Lots of EU5 lean conditions that can instantly be corrected etc. Such a shame.

[@JReed305]

@@AkumuX for sure. But the manufactures all have to play the emissions and insurance games.

[@questioner1596]

I'd be interested to see a comparison with a touring bike made sporty, like how the Honda ST1100 is a sporty Gold Wing. The bikes shown here were more touring versions of sport bikes.

[@jacques7621]

And the FJR1300

[@ChrisTurnbull-p3f]

52 years old and a lifelong superbike rider here. I got rid of my second gixxer thou last year and became sensible with a GSR 750. This season I’m selling it to get my fourth Fireblade. No matter how hard they try, big power uprights just aren’t as fast. ;)

[@stuartX11]

60. Bad back. Just swapping my R1. Just because.

[@BRP_USA]

What a great time! Thanks guys, really enjoyed this content. In 2017, with my 2007 BMW K1200S, in similar road conditions, rolled up to 178 mph...in 5th gear. With a lot of open clean road in front of me, I decided to roll off and skip 6th gear. Not scary, but it was still pulling and I figured that it was fast enough. I'm now back to riding overland - off-road bikes, but that was a remarkable sport touring bike. Anyway, great program and keep it up!!!.

[@Z1000SX_Matt]

How about throwing in the Ninja H2 tourer in there, that is such an all rounder

[@Whos-That-Guy]

I can say I went faster on my ktm 1190 adventure with 50/50 tyres than I did my CRB1000RR at similarly tight track... Proves that there's no point in all that performance once you've maxed out your talent. Factor in comfort and fatigue and there are better options than a sports bike for most of us..

[@JCintheBCC]

This is the most valid point for 95% of us out there. Yes, Zach was dragging the pegs constantly on the N1000. That bike has "only" 52deg of lean angle. The bike's ceiling is above mine.

[@michaeldobson8859]

Its pretty clear Sports Bike have slid down the slope, their peak being over. Buyers are looking for more than low bars, high pegs and tiny fuel tanks with drag strip horsepower and high insurance rates. THe Aprilia in this test is hiding as a sports touring bike. Its really a sneaky Super Sport Bike but what a fabulous engine. Never owned one but I would consider this one. I think V4 engines will make a comeback in the high end bike market. Just as Ducati and Aprilia are seeing. Look for more to follow.

[@beepbop6697]

For a motorcycle comparison on racetrack lap times, you should use the same rider on each bike to remove any variability introduced between the riders. Awesome fun video!

[@ad78]

Re-watched this after almost a year owning the S1000xr. I must say, im proud with it.

[@PaulMEdwards]

Nice comparison. Different tools for different purposes. However, just about any sportbike or superbike can be used for touring if you try. Just last week I flew out to SoCal to pickup a new to me 2016 Aprilia RSV4 RF that I bought from a riding buddy. He had it set up perfectly for track use, but I had him remove all the track plastics and restore the original plastics, lights, etc. for me since I don't intend to track it much. I proceeded to ride it home to SE Tennessee over 4 days with a huge 50L hiking backpack on and in weather conditions ranging from 107°F in NV/AZ to high 60°'s in the pouring rain through AR into TN. It was fun bobbing, weaving, and splitting around/between the cars & trucks going well under the speed limit with their hazard lights on. I learned to ride & rode in the Seattle area for 7 years where, if you don't ride in the rain, you don't ride, so it was no big deal to me. On several clear straightaways, with little to no traffic, I reached the gearing limited (due to -1F, +2R sprockets) 184 mph indicated several times. The trip was a bit over 2,300 miles in 4 days. I'm surprisingly not as sore as I expected to be. Oh, and I was getting over Pneumonia the whole time, having been in the ER on the Friday night before I flew out to SoCal on Monday. I felt good thanks to the antibiotics and have been feeling great since the 3rd day of my ride when I hacked up about a half gallon of funky gunk from my lungs. Way back in August 2010 I rode my 2008 Buell 1125R solo over 4,000 miles from Tacoma, WA to SoCal and back over 10 days with full soft luggage strapped onto it, including saddlebags, a tail bag, and a tank bag. In November 2008 I did the same with my wife on her 2007 V-Rod VRSCAW when we came down to ride through Death Valley with my dad & some of his riding buddies. That said, my 2018 Yamaha FJR1300AJCL definitely is the better tool for long distance Sport-Touring in comfort, solo and 2-up.

[@deferencetodusk]

Glad to see Barry is a recurring character

[@motosteve6127]

Fun video! The Tuono was fast but sure looked like a handful on those bumps.

[@brianskibbe7881]

Handful or not, you can’t scoff at the fact that it was a second faster than a Superbike (on a racetrack) that’s 20 pounds lighter with 27 more hp. Mid-range torque is indeed an asset on tracks without long straightaways, and a tribute to its abilities for the guys touring on them when they hit the twisties. 👌🏼

[@JibsMotoVlog]

With a lot of sport bike enthusiast in the States, why there are no American in MotoGP?

[@conscious4895]

Cameron Beaubier dominated the AMA Superbike Championship winning 5 times between 2015-2020. He went to Moto2 in 2021 and finished 15th for the season. Joe Roberts has been in Moto2 for 5 seasons and his best finish for the season was 7th. Both of those guys trained and raced in Europe some at an early age. It seems that you need to move to Europe and train there consistently from an early age to make it to MotoGP.

[@JibsMotoVlog]

@@conscious4895 Not many coz MotoGp is the ultimate moto racer in the world.

[@net-ego]

Cos you are to EZ for Europeans 🤣

[@KRColson]

You two are the most fortunate, lucky s.o.b.'s in the world! You must have had such a blast doing this comparison. Lots of fun and no one got hurt! Who could ask for anything more! Cheers!

[@bamboostick5]

got a ninja 1000 sx cant be happier

[@filipbunalti]

Fun video to watch, but just 1 nitpick : I always thought (and still do) that Tuono is a supernaked, not a sport-tourer. I would expect most supernakeds to beat superbikes around a super tight and twisty track.

[@zackcourts2280]

You’re not wrong. But, the requirement for this video is that in order to be considered a “sport tourer” the bike had to have a factory saddlebag option, and the Tuono does.

[@Unconnect3d]

Loving Barry’s distinct lack of brand loyalty.

[@AriH211]

Lol. We sourced the old Joe Racket on Craigslist, then pieced together the rest of the outfit from the crews' wardrobe.

[@realsteel5899]

KTM Super Duke GT has entered the conversion.

[@BizAutomation]

Glad you guys can still make a living doing this ... we're all the better off for it !

[@robertcooperjr.1256]

I'm the old guy that loves the creature comforts on long rides. That's why they make so many styles of cycles, to suit everyone's individual taste. I have a BMW K1600 GTL exclusive. It is much heavier than these bikes, but it makes up for it with the inline 6 torque. It's actually amazingly good on curvy roads. It's obviously not going to outperform a pure sport super bike, but again, it's not something you're going to run away from with ease either. Plus, there's the benefit of cruise control, heated seats, heated hand grips, comfort mode on the suspension, electric windshield, and enough luggage space for a 2 week ride, which makes long trips more than bearable.

[@PeakRidersMC]

The Yamaha FJR1300 will do the 300 Km/H max. How does it keep getting left off the "Sport tour" list?

[@kmb957]

You probably missed the test parameters. Each sport touring bike has a 1000cc sport bike counterpart.

[@byever1]

It's a somewhat outdated bike. Yamaha hasn't touched it in years.

[@MachoMadness69420]

A FJR will not do 300. More like 250.

[@kmb957]

@@MachoMadness69420 in a whiney kids voice "but the speedometer says it?!"

[@MachoMadness69420]

@@kmb957 I don’t know why, but Yamahas seem to often have VERY optimistic speedos. Like everyone claiming that their flashed MT09 can do 270 kph/170 mph. Sure your 115 whp naked bike is just as fast as a Tuono V4. Hell, the legendary inaccuracy of the R6 speedo is a meme at this point.

[@UnburdenedByWhatHasBeen]

the tuono is a touring bike? lol

[@keithwillcome2580]

Great fun! Thank you for making really a fun show. Just curious, for the track laps, did you just run the OE tires or did you shoe them all the same? Sport touring tires are wicked fast these days but the sport rubber on the zx-10 I wood imagine is a bit better on the track. Thanks again, loved it!

[@bartunertl302]

I don't have any horses in this race but this video was outstanding!! You guys are THE BEST out there!!!!!