Test Bike Index

Warranty (months/miles)

Specifications

Wheel Size (front/rear, in.) Transmission speeds Tank Capacity (gal.)

Measured Data

Rear-Wheel Torque (lb. ft.) Rear-Wheel Horsepower Power to Weight Ratio Average Fuel Mileage

Performance

Braking 600 mph, ft.

Rating

EXCELLENT VERY GOOD GOOD FAIR POOR

014 mile, mph

Make & Model

014 mile, sec.

Issue Tested

Engine Type

Suzuki GZ250 9/99 Bandit GS600SY 3/00 Bandit 600S 8/96 GSX-R600 1&3/01 GSX-600F Katana 7/98 DR650SE 7/96 LS650 9/96 SV650 4/99 GSX-750F Katana 7/98 GSX-R750 2/98 Marauder 800 6/97 TL1000S 8/97 TL1000R 8/98 Bandit 1200S 11/00 GSX1300R Hayabusa 6/99 VL1500 Intruder LC 4/98 Triumph Tiger 900 7/99 Bonneville 4/01 Trophy 900 12/96 T509 Speed Triple 11/97 TT600 3/01 Thunderbird Sport 8/00 Speed Triple 2/99 Sprint ST 8/99 Daytona 955i 7/99 Yamaha Virago 250 5/96 FZ1 5/01 YZF600R 5/97 YZF-R6 3/01 V-Star 5/98 YZF1000R 6/97 YZF-R1 5/98 V-Star 1100 6/99 V-Star 1100 Classic 2/00 Royal Star 3/96 Royal Star Tour Deluxe 3/99 Royal Star Venture 4/99 V-Max 4/97 Road Star 7/99
$2899 $5799 $5399 $7999 $6199 $5199 $4399 $5699 $7199 $9299 $5999 $8999 $9499 $7399 $10,499 $9899 $10,395 $6999 $11,595 $9995 $8299 $8699 $10,199 $10,499 $10,995 $3899 $8499 $7399 $7999 $5899 $9799 $10,199 $7799 $8099 $13,499 $15,199 $15,999 $10,499 $10,499
12/Un 12/Un 12/Un 12/Un 12/Un 12/Un 12/Un 12/Un 12/Un 12/Un 12/Un 12/Un 12/Un 12/Un 12/Un 12/Un 24/Un 24/Un 24/Un 24/Un 24/Un 24/Un 24/Un 24/Un 24/Un 12/Un 12/Un 12/Un 12/Un 12/Un 12/Un 12/Un 12/Un 12/Un 60/Un 60/Un 60/Un 12/12K 12/Un
1 I-4 I-4 I-4 I-1 V-2 I-4 I-4 V-2 V-2 V-2 I-4 I-4 V-2 I-3 I-2 I-3 I-3 I-4 I-3 I-3 I-3 I-3 V-2 I-4 I-4 I-4 V-2 I-4 I-4 V-2 V-2 V-4 V-4 V-4 V-4 V-2
Chain Chain Chain Chain Chain Chain Belt Chain Chain Chain Chain Chain Chain Chain Chain Shaft Chain Chain Chain Chain Chain Chain Chain Chain Chain Chain Chain Chain Chain Shaft Chain Chain Shaft Shaft Shaft Shaft Shaft Shaft Belt
2.50x16/3.00x15 57.1 3.7 3.50x17/4.50x17 56.4 5.3 3.50x17/4.50x17 56.3 5.0 3.50x17/5.50x17 55.1 4.8 3.50x17/4.50x17 57.9 5.3 1.85x21/2.50x17 58.6 3.4 2.15x19/2.75x15 58.5 2.9 3.50x17/4.50x17 56.3 4.2 3.50x17/4.50x17 57.7 5.3 3.50x17/6.00x17 54.9 4.8 3.00x16/3.50/15 64.8 3.5 3.50x17/6.00x17 55.8 4.5 3.50x17/6.00x17 54.9 4.5 3.50x17/5.00x17 56.3 5.0 3.50x17/6.00x17 58.5 5.8 3.50x16/5.00x15 66.9 5.4 2.50x19/4.25x17 61.0 6.4 2.50x19/3.50x17 58.8 4.3 3.50x17/5.50x17 58.7 6.6 3.50x17/6.00x17 56.8 4.8 3.50x17/5.50x17 55.6 4.8 3.50x17/4.25x17 62.2 3.96 3.50x17/6.00x17 56.7 4.8 3.50x17/6.00x17 58.8 5.6 3.50x17/6.00x17 56.7 4.8 1.60x18/2.75x18 58.7 2.5 3.50x17/5.50x17 57.1 5.5 3.50x17/5.00x17 55.7 5.0 3.50x17/5.50x17 54.3 4.5 3.00x16/3.50x15 64.0 4.3 3.50x17/5.50x17 56.3 5.3 3.50x17/6.00x17 54.9 4.8 2.15x18/4.50x15 64.5 4.5 2.15x16/4.50x15 64.5 4.5 3.50x16/4.00x15 66.7 4.6 3.50x16/4.00x15 66.7 4.8 3.50x16/4.00x15 67.1 6.0 2.15x18/3.50x17 62.6 4.8 3.00x16/3.50x16 66.3 5.3
49.7 32.3 38.4 38.6 40.0 42.5 50.0 40.8 44.1 36.4 45.2 36.9 39.1 37.0 38.5 36.0 46.3 41.1 33.5 34.6 39.9 41.8 34.1 38.1 39.1 66.9 40.0 42.9 42.5 41.2 36.6 42.8 35.8 34.2 47.1 34.5 35.2 34.2 31.4
17.2 68.6 73.0 100.6 68.8 34.5 24.6 65.2 84.6 112.0 39.7 108.9 112.0 101.7 151.1 52.9 71.0 53.9 90.9 82.2 88.9 71.3 100.0 89.3 109.5 18.4 124.9 85.6 97.5 33.4 123.4 129.4 52.1 48.7 60.0 60.6 77.2 113.5 52.1

24.9 36.5 39.9 45.5 37.4 33.2 30.5 42.4 46.6 54.0 41.8 70.8 67.9 73.8 93.4 73.5 48.9 40.8 54.4 52.3 39.2 53.7 62.9 59.0 68.1 14.3 73.9 44.3 44.4 35.4 71.3 72.7 58.0 57.2 67.0 73.0 77.3 83.1 83.1
1:19.4 1:7.36 1:6.74 1:4.20 1:7.37 1:10.38 1:15.9 1:6.39 1:6.17 1:4.16 1:12.20 1:4.32 1:4.47 1:5.32 1:3.64 1:13.25 1:7.70 1:9.28 1;6.63 1:5.84 1:5.08 1:7.55 1:4.83 1:5.67 1:4.48 1:17.66 1:4.10 1:5.68 1:4.60 1:16.02 1:4.15 1:3.49 1:11.71 1:13.49 1:12.58 1:12.81 1:11.31 1:5.56 1:14.20
12.64 3.97 4.05 3.02 4.12 5.55 6.98 3.76 3.52 3.08 5.51 3.40 3.22 3.07 2.76 5.99 4.34 5.20 4.17 3.88 3.39 3.88 3.17 3.33 3.02 9.98 3.01 3.42 3.02 7.82 2.96 2.96 5.33 6.53 5.55 5.98 5.27 3.33 5.99
n/a 10.72 10.92 6.53 10.81 n/a n/a 10.75 8.67 6.60 n/a 6.94 6.93 6.97 5.30 n/a n/a 17.00 10.03 9.29 7.57 10.77 7.59 7.93 6.67 n/a 6.48 7.70 6.58 n/a 6.18 5.93 n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a 7.74 n/a
17.96 12.16 12.30 10.60 12.25 14.03 15.30 12.04 11.52 10.57 13.87 10.85 10.79 10.75 9.84 14.15 12.66 13.52 12.17 11.85 11.09 12.19 11.05 11.28 10.62 17.24 10.55 11.17 10.59 15.82 10.38 10.19 13.68 14.91 14.65 14.32 13.65 11.09 14.20
66.87 108.93 106.23 128.29 108.40 89.87 81.11 107.22 116.26 131.22 94.04 127.70 129.54 125.59 142.76 92.10 102.84 96.97 112.90 114.87 122.6 104.30 119.04 120.36 128.30 70.66 129.70 122.00 128.10 82.41 132.72 137.40 95.41 83.59 85.95 89.05 92.32 121.49 91.15
123.8 114.1 115.4 117.6 115.4 118.9 117.1 108.8 111.4 114.4 107.6 109.4 115.8 114.2 112.2 112.6 129.6 115.0 118.1 110.8 114.8 115.8 106.7 121.4 117.9 117.1 111.1 108.2 112.3 120.2 111.3 113.9 121.3 130.7 128.6 121.5 124.6 122.3 119.4
Lightweight Cruiser Middleweight Sportbike Middleweight Sportbike Middleweight Sportbike Middleweight Sportbike 650cc Dual-Sport Middleweight Cruiser Lightweight Standard 750cc Sportbike 750cc Sportbike Middleweight Cruiser Open Sportbike Open Sportbike Open Sportbike Open Sportbike Heavyweight Cruiser Open Dual-Sport Middleweight Standard Open Sport-Touring Open Standard Middleweight Sportbike Open Standard Open Standard Open Sportbike Open Sportbike Lightweight Cruiser Open Standard Middleweight Sportbike Middleweight Sportbike Middleweight Cruiser Open Sportbike Open Sportbike Heavyweight Cruiser Heavyweight Cruiser Heavyweight Cruiser Heavyweight Cruiser Luxury Touring Heavyweight Cruiser Heavyweight Cruiser

n/a n/a

Although very small in size, the GZ is styled to look much larger. A slick transmission makes shifting easy and fun, and its low price makes the GZ a great value. Four years after first testing the Bandit 600, it still has the same engine vibration and grabby clutch, yet is also still a great value for the money. Attractive & easy handling. Low-priced middleweight works adequately but has an annoying buzziness from the engine. A lack of low-end power requires constant shifting to stay in the powerband. A true racer-replica, the GSX-R is a no-compromises sportbike with excellent handling and suspension, but poor comfort. It shares many parts with the GSX-R750. The bulbous-looking Katana draws lots of attention wherever it goes. It handles quite well but doesnt have the horsepower or quality suspension of its racier sibling. One of the best dual-sport bikes around, the DR makes a great commuter, too. A nice gearbox and smooth engine drew praise. An uncomfortable seat is its only real flaw. While the Savage isnt exciting, its much more bike than the 250 cruisers. A low price, low seat height and low-maintenance belt drive have helped it sell well for many years. Perhaps the greatest lightweight standard ever made, the SV has a fabulous engine with an excellent chassis. Only underdamped suspension keeps it from being ideal. A more comfortable, and powerful, version of the 600 Katana, the 750 is a decent value for the rider who wants to move up from a smaller bike, but doesnt want a race-rep. One of the best-selling sportbikes ever, the GSX-R continues to perform well and win races. Its radical design is not comfortable for many miles, but thats not the point. Suzukis likable Marauder has better performance than its 1500cc big brother. Attractive styling and easy handling let it work well for both new and experienced riders. One of our favorite hooligan machines, the TL-S is a fire-breathing monster with an attitude that both rewards smoothness and punishes sloppiness. Not for beginners. The race-replica version of the TL has a very tractable powerband and quality components, but its relatively heavy and its narrow bars require a lot of pressure to steer. High-value open-classer uses the parts bin approach to keep costs down. Like its smaller sibling, vibration can be annoying. Many hop-up parts are available and effective. The worlds quickest, fastest motorcycle makes even R1s feel slow. Wild aerodynamic styling is loved by some, hated by others. Detail and refinement are top notch. One of the longest, largest and, with the optional gel seat, most comfortable cruisers on the market, its maintenance costsand performanceare low, and so is its price. One of the most versatile bikes ever, the Tiger is adept at touring, cruising, sport riding, commuting and even a little dirt roading. More power would be nice, though. This replica of the famous marque falls short of its namesake. Adequate power and easy to ride, but doesnt have the sound, styling or character we expect of a Bonny. This middle-of-the-road sport-tourer is neither great nor bad in any areas. It does the job but doesnt thrill. The engine makes decent power, however. The original British streetfighter worked well but had a forgettable engine. Fortunately, the next year it came stock with the power its chassis deserved. Uneven horsepower delivery, and tends to run hot. Quick steering and excellent suspension. Retro styled T-Bird features broad, flat torque curve and good mid-range power. Great exhaust sound & very smooth. Limited range and useless mirrors. This bike redefines the standard, no pun intended, for its class. A powerful motor and the best brakes anywhere make this a ride to remember. The only true sportbike with factory optional hard bags and a tour trunk, the Sprint goes, stops and turns very well. One of the best two-up sportbikes available. Triumphs top sportbike, the 955i has a unique personality amongst open classers with its growling triple. Excellent componentry gives it a feeling of quality. Although no longer sold, Yamahas entry-level cruiser provides a good mount for a first-time rider. Very good ground clearance and handling make it fun to throw around. Huge torque and horsepower in a comfortable and attractive package. Slight flat spot at 3-4K rpm. Transmission a bit notchy, and windshield too short. One of the most comfortable sportbikes available, the YZF600R features great brakes, style and value. A mediocre transmission and slight portliness are its weaknesses. A hardcore sportbike, the R6 provides excellent handling, brakes and suspension marred only by an abrupt throttle response. Its fun, but not very forgiving of mistakes. Excellent handling and style are the V-Stars strengths. It is very forgiving and easy to ride which makes it a great choice for beginners. Output is a little weak, however. Although heavy compared to todays liter-class machines, this 164-mph bullet has outstanding brakes, stability and power. Its not as comfortable as reported elsewhere. The machine that set the new standard of excellence in the sportbike category, this bike out-accelerates, out-brakes, and out-handles everything else in its class. The biggest V-star is one of the best cruisers on the market today. It handles well, the engine and brakes are strong, and at $7799, its one of the best values around. Retro-styled version of V-Star 1100 trades some of its performance for looks. Our test model wore Yamahas accessory windshield and bags which hurt acceleration. Somewhat of a disappointment, this heavy bike needs more ground clearance and hp. Its 60-month, unlimited mileage warranty is outstanding, however. A Royal Star with a windshield and saddlebags as standard equipment. Power is mid-pack for the class, but comfort, brakes and handling are slightly above average. The best Royal Star to date, this version sports almost all of the amenities required in a luxury touring machine, wrapped up in an attractive retro-styled package. Famous muscle cruiser is all about power. It features a pumped up motor with an adequate, albeit flexible, chassis. This is definitely not for the faint of heart. The 2nd-largest production motor of any bike is wrapped in classic cruiser styling complete with a narrow angle between the cylinders, air cooling, pushrods and belt drive.

TEN BEST 600 STOPS

1) 2) 3) 4) 5) 6) 7) 8) 9) 10) Triumph Speed Triple Honda Valkyrie Suzuki Marauder 800 Honda VFR800FI Yamaha YZF600R Suzuki SV650 Ducati 750 Monster Suzuki TL1000S Honda VTX Buell M2 Cyclone 106.7' 107.4' 107.6' 107.9' 108.2' 108.8' 109.1' 109.4' 109.5' 109.6'

Testers Comments

Displacement (cc)

Wet Weight (lbs.)

0100 mph, sec.

Wheelbase (in.)

060 mph, sec.

Final Drive

Top Speed

Category

Overall
TEN BEST POWER-TO-WEIGHT RATIOS
1) 2) 3) 4) 5) 6) 7) 8) 9) 10) Yamaha R1 Honda CBR929RR Suzuki Hayabusa Kawasaki ZX-9R Yamaha FZ1 Honda CBR900RR Yamaha YZF1000 Honda RC51 Suzuki GSX-R750 Honda CBR1100XX 1:3.49 1:3.55 1:3.64 1:3.83 1:4.10 1:4.13 1:4.15 1:4.16 1:4.16 1:4.19

TEN BEST TOP SPEEDS

1) 2) 3) 4) 5) 6) 7) 8) 9) 10) 10) 1997 Suzuki Hayabusa Honda CBR1100XX Kawasaki ZX-9R Kawasaki ZX-11 Yamaha R1 Suzuki TL1000R Suzuki GSX-R750 Honda CBR929RR Aprilia RSV Mille Honda RC51 Yamaha YZF1000R 188 mph 164 164

TEN BEST 14-MILE TIMES

1) 2) 3) 4) 5) 6) 7) 8) 9) 10) 10) 2001 Suzuki Hayabusa Honda CBR929RR Yamaha R1 Honda CBR1100XX Kawasaki ZX-9R Yamaha YZF1000 Kawasaki ZX-11 Suzuki GSX-R750 Ducati 996 Honda CBR600F4i Yamaha YZF-R6 9.84 10.12 10.19 10.24 10.28 10.38 10.43 10.57 10.58 10.59 10.59 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 142.76 mph 135.86 137.40 136.98 135.32 132.72 131.39 131.22 129.26 128.23 128.10

TEN BEST REAR-WHEEL HP

1) 2) 3) 4) 5) 6) 7) 8) 9) 10) Suzuki Hayabusa Honda CBR1100XX Kawasaki ZX-11 Yamaha R1 Yamaha FZ1 Kawasaki ZX-9R Honda CBR929RR Yamaha YZF1000 Honda RC51 Yamaha V-Max 151.1 hp 134.4 133.0 129.4 124.9 124.5 123.8 123.4 117.4 113.5
TEN BEST REAR-WHEEL TORQUE
1) 2) 3) 4) 5) 6) 7) 8) 9) 10) Honda Valkyrie Kawasaki Vulcan Drifter Honda VTX Honda Valkyrie Interstate Suzuki Hayabusa Honda Valkyrie Tourer Honda GL1500SE Yamaha Road Star Yamaha V-Max Honda CBR1100XX 102.3 lb. ft. 100.1 99.4 94.9 93.4 92.5 87.7 83.1 83.1 80.0

JUNE 2000

MOTORCYCLE CONSUMER NEWS

TRACK SIZE CHART

YAMAHA
GPX338/433 75, GP300/440, GS340, PREX340 76-78, EX440 76-81, GP440 76-77, GS340 76-77, PZ480 Phazer 84-89, SR540 80, SRX 340/440 76-77, SRX440 78-80, SS440 81-85 EX570 87-90, Exciter II 91-93, PZ480 Phazer II/LE/SX 90-98, Phazer 500 1999-01, SR540 SRV 81-91, SRX 440 81, SRX 9802, SX 500, 600 00-02, RX-1 03-05, RS Vector 05, Venom 04-05, Viper 02-04, V-Max 540 83-87, V-Max 4 92-97, V-Max 500/600/Dlx/LE 94-02,V-Max 500,600,700 XT 98, V-Max 600 SX 1998, Venture GT/XL 91-97, XL540 85-90 BR250T Long Track 85-00, ET340T Long Track 82-83, ET340T Long Track 84-88, ET400T Long Track 89-91, ET410T Long Track 92-95, PZ480ST 91-00,PZ480ST 91-00, Venture TR 96-00, V-Max 500/600/700 Dlx 95-03, V-Max 500/600/750ST/800ST 94-99, SRX 700 98, Mtn Max 600,700,800 97-99, VT 500,600, 700, Venture 97-02 Mountain Max 141 RS 05 / Viper Mtn 144 RS Mtn / RX-1 Mtn 151 VK 156

LENGTH 114 116

WIDTH 15 15

SKI DOO

Blizzard MX 82-84*, Blizzard 78-81, Citation 300 78-79, Citation/SS 80-83, Formula MX 85-89, Formula Plus 85-89*, Formula SP/SS 85-86*, RV340 76-78, SS25 84, Saga 89*, Safari 377 84-86, 377 87-88*, 377E 84-88*, Scout 89-92*, Voyageur 89*, Stratos 87-88*, TNT FA 73-78, TNT FC 77-78 Formula 500/Dlx 97-01, Formula III 95-97, Formula Mach I 89-94, Formula Mach Z 93, Formula MX/MXZ/ST 90-95, Formula III 600 98-99, 700 98-00, 800 99, GSX 04-05, Legend / GS/SE/Sport 02-05, MXZ/Adrenaline/Trail/Sport 02-05, MXZX 02-04, Formula Dlx 500 L/C, 583,600,670,700 99-00, Formula Plus/E/EFI/X 90-93, Formula SS/STX/Z 93-98, Formula S/SL/SLS 96-00, Grand Touring /SE 93-94, Mach I 95-00, Mach Z 94-00, MXZ 440 F 97-00, Touring E 96-97, MXZ 440/583/670 96-00 Formula Mach I XTC 90-93*, Formula MX LT 90*, Formula MX XTC/R/II 91-93*, Formula Plus LT/XTC 90-93*, Formula III LT 96-98, Grand Touring SE 96-97, Formula III 600 LT 99, Grand Touring XTC 94*, Grand Touring 470/500/580/SE 95-00, Grand Touring Models 02-04, GTX 05, Legend GT 04-05, Summit 500 FC, 550 FC 96-05, Mach Z LT 96-98, Skandic 380/500 96-00, Summit 500/583/670 96-00, Summit 470/583 94*, Touring LE/SLE/ELT 96-00 Summits 144 Summits 151 Summits 156 Skandic 156

LENGTH 114

WIDTH 15

LENGTH

POLARIS
Cent/Indy 500 79-82, Galaxy 340/440 80-81, Indy 340 99-05, Indy 400/440 84-98, 500/Classic/EFI XC / XC SP 89-05, Indy 500 Special 89-91, 600 83-87, 550 Classic 2002-05, 600,700,800 Classic / Pro X 2001-05, Indy 650/RXL 88-97, Lite/Deluxe 93-98, Indy Sport 87-98, Indy 600,700 XC/SP 97-05, XCR 700 98, XCR 800 99-02, Indy Starlite 93-95, Storm 93-97, Super Sport 94-05, Trail / ES 83-99, XCR 600 94-98, XLT/SP 92-98, Ultra 95-98, TXC 340/440 79-82, TXL/Indy 340 77-82, 800 XC/LE 01-05, 900 Fusion 05 Indy 340 Touring 99-05, Indy 400 SKS 87-88, Indy 440 SKS 93-95, Indy 500 EFI SKS 92-95, Indy 500 SP/SPX 92, Indy 500,600,700 RMK & SKS 97-02, Indy 650 SKS 88-91, Indy Classic Touring 92-93, 96-00, Indy Lite GT 92-97, Indy RXL SKS 92-95, Indy Sport Touring 95-04, Indy Storm RMK/SKS 94-97, 800 RMK 00, Indy Trail Deluxe 90-95, Indy Trail SKS 87-89, Trail RMK 97-00, Indy Trail Touring 96-00,02, Indy XLT RMK/SKS/Touring 96-00 Indy Tran Sport 96-98 RMKs 144 RMKs 151 LX 156 RMKs 159

Summit 159

159 LENGTH

15 WIDTH

* Can be used in place of OEM 16 & 16 1/2 wide track - may have to move sprockets.

ARCTIC CAT

Cougar 89-98, El Tigre EXT 89-91, EXT 550 92-93, EXT 580/EFI/Z 93-98, EXT Special 91-92, Puma/Deluxe 95-97, Jag/Deluxe/Spec/Z 92-99, Pantera 90-91, Prowler 90-94, Prowler Special 91-92, Puma 1995-96, Thundercat 93-02, Wildcat/EFI 89-96, ZL440 97-00, ZR 700 94-95, 99-00, ZL 550 00-03, ZR/ZL 500,600,700 98-03, Z370 99-05, Z440 95-05, ZR440/580/700 94-98, ZRTs 95-02, ZR / ZL 800 2001-03, Z 440 Sno Pro 00-03, Z 570 02-05, ZR 900 03-05 Firecats 2003-05, Sabercats 2004-05 Mountain Cats, 136 and Touring Models Mountain Cats / M Series 144 Mountain Cats / M Series 151 Bearcat 440/550 95-98, 440 II 99-00 Bearcat WT

156 156

13.15 20