For anyone who hasn't looked through Motorcycle USA, I really like it, I think the Video's are always really good, they have some really balanced tests and get quite into detail: 2014 Light-Heavyweight Supersport Shootout - Motorcycle USA Discuss.......
Review sounds fair. One thing i was a bit shocked is how heavy the 899 is - about 198 kg kerb? 1kg = 2.2 lb?
The only thing I should have said us to bear in mind that they are all 'USA' spec bikes so regards to power they are generally slightly lower than European due to there emissions, however they should be comparable with each other in the test. They will all have evap canisters etc but not sure how much weight this would add.
Its a great website...MCUSA. Good link that. Couple of things.....the gsxr750 is being left behind in terms of development, but we knew that ( still a good bike ). The 899 is a little heavier than them all..but highest corner speed and lean angle - if by only 0.1%. The track was too small and the test should have been bigger, more scenarios, out to the street.
They normally follow up with a street comparison. I love the site; if u go through the written article they have onboard lap vids with the gps. It's such a step on from what any of the uk sites are doing. Okay so I agree the adverts on the start of each vid can be annoying.
I think it may be because they traditionally have been style over substance. For example with the 916 it had an engine that had character, I am not so sure that the original MF F4 750'S or even 1000's offered anything unique. The triples though do seem like a great road engine, the 800 especially. My 675 was an incredible engine, if I could have that 675 triple engine in my 848 Frame I would be a very happy boy!
For me, the big issue is the duke 848 or mv 800 aren't eligble for racing. And yes, i know there is 848 challenge and the mv 675 but not the same.
Nobody notice that its $15,000 for an 899 in America which is roughly £9030? Hmm rip off Britain yet again!
i'd like to see a similar test between the 899 and the dinosaur (no electronic trickery) 999. How much progress has there really been in 8 years or so?
Sales Tax is added on a state by state basis so that price will be much higher in a place like California
thats quite a valid point. However for me, unless there was a strong dealer presence, i couldnt buy one. I took the plunge from jap IL4's to a duke and well happy. Cant see me going back anytime soon.
Problem with the 899 is that it is an 1199 with a sleeved down engine. All of the weight of a Superbike with less power. Same issue with a Streetfighter 848, or an 848 Superbike, 749, etc. Fine if you want the more manageable power/torque curves, but development costs necessarily restrict the weight savings that would ideally come with smaller capacity.
