2012 Japanese Superbike Shootout - Road Test

2012 Honda CBR1000RR vs 2012 Suzuki GSX-R1000 vs 2012 Yamaha YZF-R1 vs 2012 Kawasaki ZX-10R

It has been a couple years since we last did a Japanese literbike shootout, because, frankly, the field has been quite stagnant for a while (save for Kawasaki's total revamp of the ZX-10R last year). It took them another year, but Honda, Suzuki and Yamaha have all tweaked their respective contenders for 2012 - the CBR1000RR, GSX-R1000 and YZF-R1, have significant changes, while Kawasaki returns for 2012 with the same traction-control-equipped machine it introduced last year, confident of its chances.

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[SmokinZen]

I think any of these bikes can make you happy without feeling you missed out on something. The best bike is the one that is yours.

[cbrrrturbo]

one thing I like most about the CBR is no traction control

[MegaTechpc]

Fact is, most riders can't even come close to utilizing the full potential of any of these bikes, especially on the street.  Considering that the differences between them can only really be demonstrated at 9/10's or more of their capabilities its safe to say that for 99% of riders out there you can just pick your favorite looking bike of the four and be more than happy with it!  Me, I love everything about the R1 from its looks to its sound to its comfy seat!  I don't care one bit that its heavier and less powerful than the others here because at the end of the day its still so much more capable than I am that none of those shortcomings matter at all.  If, after you watch this video you have the idea that the R1 is in some way "slow", go ride one some time and I guarantee you'll wise up real quick!

[gonzotopia]

Jesus Christ, if I had a dollar for every time I heard them say "traction control", I could buy one of those bikes.

[cool]

2012 was an awesome years for awesome designs, color cordination, and look of it was sooo nice for every bike with out a doubt

[mrnicktoyou]

Btw, the Suzuki clearly has the best engine of all these bikes. All the torque of the Honda but also the top end of the Kawasaki.

[axs]

I don't know why I'm addicted to watching these.

[andyzedd]

Would be nice to have an updated video 10 years later

[CycleCruza]

I have a 2012 cbr1000rr and this bike is awesome. You don't need the bs electronic rider aides.

[PWD]

I personally love the 2009-2012 r1 looks.

[CycleCruza]

Screw electronics, just more crap to malfunction. Stick with reliability and a winner, Fireblade!

[ReynoldsPetroleum]

You guys really listened and stepped up the production value. Thanks!!! 60 seconds into the video and I'm already hooked!

[xAKALIS]

Absolutely agree! The hell is a new rider doing buying a 1000CC "superbike" !? I started out on an 07 600RR and that is still pushing it for a beginning rider, the newer bikes are just getting faster. Got an 07 1000RR now and love it to death, Honda please stay grounded on your products and keep a racing bike, a racing bike!

[CarmineD]

CBR is the best street bike ZX is the best track bike. But in the end 95% of people won't be able to tell the difference between any of these bikes performance wise. So go with the one that looks best to you and second most important thing is ride them all and see which one you are most comfortable on.

[CycleCruza]

One thing that makes Honda bikes great is they don't have all of the electronic shiz. That's why they are #1 in reliability. I hope they never add the electronics gadgetry bs.

[autopiacarcare]

one thing that is worth pointing out, the Euro version of the ZX10R puts out almost 10 hp more than the US version due to noise regulations. By simply cutting a wire (known as the Ivan Wire Mod) you get full Euro power. This makes a HUGE difference in power and gives the Kawi about 15 hp more than the Gixxer and nearly 25 more than the R1. 

[SkyzThLimitt]

Owning a 2008 ZX14 with the secondary flies removed, I could see how traction control could be useful on the street on a curvy road with unknown conditions (oil spills, gravel, wavy tarmac) I have had the rear step out more than once when getting a bit too aggressive with exit throttle. The bike make so much torque even below 3krpm that it is easy to spin the tire. After riding a 2012 ZX14R with Trac and ABS, it is very confidence inspiring on the street. A hindrance on the track for sure.

[micego]

good review. and i love that Big Gigantic is playing in the background.

[rtiger]

TC is great when racing around corners. In my case though I've been doing a lot of straight line racing so I just turn TC off completely. I'd love to really put my new 10r out on the track though just to get a real feel of it^_^ I'm sure the 10r has way more than 160 to the back wheel though. I've beaten a 08 gsx-1000r that was equipped with a flash ECU, power commander, and a yoshi slip on. He was putting 170hp. Walked down a 08 busa that just had a PC3 with the hot bodies gp exhaust as well

[buca]

Who needs a million riding modes and useless electronics that sooner or later will break anyway?