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Model(s) covered: 2004 Ducati 999, 2004 Honda CBR 1000RR Fireblade, 2004 Triumph Daytona 955i, 2004 Suzuki GSX-R 1000, 2004 Aprilia RSV Mille, 2004 Honda VTR 1000 SP2, 2004 Yamaha YZF-R1, 2004 Kawasaki ZX-10R
It was a dream date really, an invite to participate in a shootout with Motorcycle.com. The use of eight open class motorcycles representing the finest that motorcycling has to offer, in terms of power to weight, ridden on some of the most spectacularly twisty roads in the universe and topped off at a technical track that demanded respect. Looking back, I don't think I've ever spent two days so worried for my life and some of the lives of the riders around me. The problem was, not only do you have to bring your best game (and riders) to an event like this, you also have to bring 100% concentration too or things can turn ugly in a second.
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Model(s) covered: 2004 Ducati 999 S, 2004 Aprilia RSV Mille R Factory, 2004 Honda VTR 1000 SP2
Unfortunately for the sportbike enthusiasts of the world, there isn't a location on state highways or even backroads where a superbike can be opened up and its limits be put to the test without fear of major repercussions. Guard rails, moving vehicles, gravel and deep ravines can be major obstacles for the most ardent and experienced riders.
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Model(s) covered: 2004 Ducati 999 S, 2004 Aprilia RSV Mille R Factory, 2004 Honda VTR 1000 SP2
It seems like it was just a few years ago that V-Twins were the proverbial toast of the town in the world of Superbike racing. Inline-Fours were being clobbered on the roadracing tarmac, thanks in large part to rules which allowed Twins a displacement advantage.
However, the Twin's rapid rise to stardom and subsequent dominance is also likely the same reason the racing industry is turning their backs on the torquey engine configuration.
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