Honda CBR1000RR vs Kawi ZX-10R vs Suzuki GSX-R1000 vs Yamaha YZF-R1  Comparison from 2009  Shootout Test

Like so many of the categories in this contest of highly competent contemporaries, we’re basically splitting hairs here. All four bikes run 6-speed trannies and all four transmit power to the rear wheel via some proprietary form of a slipper clutch.

“The R1 gearbox and clutch were perfect,” said returning bike reviewer and Riding Man, Mark Gardiner. The CBR also offers great feel at the clutch lever, and the Ninja’s transmission is easy to use, however, the R1’s back torque-limiting clutch performed with even more transparency than the other two. About 2.5% better performing, to be exact.

Surprised that an all-new engine in all-new bike would rank so low in this category? In final voting we were a little surprised too, but this is one of many examples of how a couple seemingly minor issues can eat into scores, scores that could otherwise be almost identical.

The Gixxer’s last place is primarily a result of “a slightly sticky gearbox that didn’t always like accepting a clutchless upshift,” Kevin noted, having a near carbon-copy experience that Pete made mention of in the GSX-R’s U.S. press intro report. The Suzuki’s clutch is now cable-actuated rather than the hydraulic system from before, and therefore provides a little more feel, yet a couple of us weren’t super-excited by the narrow range of engagement. See, not a big deal, but with bikes so evenly matched…

SCORE CARD RESULT

Transmission/Clutch Review : Clutch actuation, slipper, shift ease, precision

1. YZF-R1 - 95%
2. CBR1000RR - 92.5
3. ZX-10R - 92.5
4. GSX-R1000 - 87.5