Motorcycle reviews “Apple to Apples” Please!

by Editor ZX14.Net
01/01/2006

(Also published Motorcyclearticles.com)

Purchasing the right motorcycle for “you” and “your” riding ability is not an easy choice. Our interest in a particular motorcycle brand or model includes many factors; such factors are based on the reviews we read, either on the web or in the monthly magazine releases. Purchase decisions are also based on information from our peer groups. Your interest could also be sparked by the itch to have the hottest bike on the street.  A pure ego based desire to have “the best of the best”. Say what you want about those that have this demeanor, it is a reality, which is played out in all facets of life, in business and certainly the motorcycle world.

Based on a recent survey held in the ZX14.Net forum we have compiled a list of questions we would like answered in a realistic motorcycle review. True motorcycle reviews should be open and honest and should not yield results that tilt to the hand of the highest paid advertiser, the articles should be geared to provide the consumer with the facts needed to make a solid purchase decision.

Experienced riders who can actually ride a motorcycle and who have no problem taking a motorcycle through it's intended paces should be the evaluators. These riders should fall within the demographic make-up of the future consumer.

Therefore, a MotoGP career racer should not be testing a bike that a weekend mountain carver is going to purchase. On the flip side, the consumer should not purchase a bike outside their riding ability. Like going from a 250CC motorcycle to a Hayabusa.

In all reality, a very good weekend mountain carver should be the person to review a sport-touring bike. Meaning, a very good metric bike rider should review metric bikes. This should be applied to all of the intended motorcycle markets. Which review do you think you would want to read and which would you hold as gospel?

There is a clear cry for solid head-to-head motorcycle reviews. These reviews should be just that head-to-head reviews. Compare apples to apples, not apples to oranges, to bananas.  Somehow, that cry is not being heard in the motorcycle magazine world.

If we could script the questions we would want answered in any motorcycle review. Here is what we the performance minded “consumer” would like to know.


Performance:
(1) 1/4 mile
(2) top speed
(3) rear wheel horsepower and rear wheel torque
(4) 0-70 stopping distance and braking feel
(5) Pre-Mod Dyno
(6) Post-Mod Dyno
(7) true dry and true wet weight
(8) transmission performance (smoothness and proper gearing)
(9) Clutch feel and grab (tension on levers)
(10) 60 to 100 mp roll-on
(11) 100 to 190 mp roll-on
(12) 190 mph to 0 stopping distance
(13) Stock suspension vs. modified suspension (which worked best)

Ergonomics:
(1) seat height and width (seat comfort for sport riding and for sport-touring)
(2) handle bar reach
(3) Positioning of switches and levers
(4) Foot pegs

Capacities:
(1) Fuel and mileage per gallon
(2) Oil, recommended and after-market best replacement for the particular model
(3) Fuel grade for best performance
(4) Max weight and load capacities
(5) Tire pressure for (twisties and touring)

Accessories:
(1) Luggage (recommendations)
(2) Electrical capacities
(3) Aftermarket Wheels (reducing rotation mass and its benefits)
(4) Exhaust ( best horse power increase and best sound)
(5) Tire up-grades
(6) Weight reduction and handling improvements
(7) Huggers, Under tails, Windscreens (which look and work the best)
(8) Grips, Tank Protection, Fender Eliminator Kits
(9) Chain and sprocket upgrades (which combination provides the best low-end-top end and best touring results)


Consumer:
(1) Pricing
(2) Availability
(3) Warranty
(4) Service needs
(5) Insurance
(6) Duration of brand (home many projected years of production)
(7) Parts availability


Since we are on the very topic of clear and honest motorcycle reviews. We would like to see the Kawasaki ZX-14, Suzuki Hayabusa and the BMW K1200S reviewed in the manner described above.  These motorcycles are all related in the aspect that they have a dual purpose, sport or sport touring capabilities and each will have an out of the crate performance factor sure to leave your skin peeled back on your face. Many consumers will want to review these performance report cards in the areas as indicated above and then purchase the bike of their choice with a little more information.

By Editor ZX14.Net