Hard to choose between the KTM and the KAW given me a headache trying to choose but are just bad ass but Kaw would need to come up with a video like the KTM

Same here Bobby, I almost can't split the two. My take is that the Kawasaki is going to be the refined one, the Katoom is going to be the bad boy with some rough edges. If you want a bike that starts and runs everytime then buy the Kawasaki. If you want a bike with personality then KTM is the way to go. I think both bikes would be fun to own but the KTM would put the biggest grin on my face.

I agree with you kruz. That being said I'd choose character over soul anytime (at least when it comes to bikes). The BMW, ZX-10 (previous gen), 2006-2007 GXSR both have character. The Blade on the other hand got soul but no character. I already have a well behaved bike, I may need something loony now lol. That KTM with an Akrap exhaust would be killer. Also if I had several bikes instead of a Panigale, I think I would go with something older like a 1098.

* Last updated by: dragking on 2/7/2014 @ 12:19 PM *

Soul but not character, I thought those were pretty much synonymous? To me the opposite of soul or character would be bland.... as in appliance like. If Consumer Reports rated motorcycles they would give a bland product a "satisfactory" rating like they were rating a vacuum cleaner or a lawn mower.

If I'm going to shell out big bucks for a bike I want it to be a scintillating, you know, get your heart thumping when you crank open the garage door.

i think that 1290 KTM would fill the bill just fine.

Hondas get that criticism often, that they have no soul. My take on it; it's because they are so technically competent. Typically, they don't vibrate, leak oil and parts don't vibrate off of them as you're riding down the road. They also start every time without fuss or fanfare, rarely leave you stranded and they last a long time. Just the opposite of a Harley which is said to be loaded with character. Ducatis get the same pass, reliability issues that you wouldn't tolerate on a Kawasaki are perfectly exceptable on an Italian sled. The owners rationale might be something like, "yea, they do break down a lot but they sure are expensive....so it's worth it!" Grand logic IMHO.

Not so, mon frere. The Gen 2 busa that came out to meet the threat of the ZX-14 has the same engine as the Gen 1 with a slightly larger bore and a longer stroke. I believe they still have block to play with in the war of the displacements plus the cooling system of the busa can handle more heat than the bike currently makes.

NOW ITS TIME TO HEAR FROM AN ASHOLE
Not so the gen 1 busa is 1299cc the gen 2 only has a 2 mm stroke making it a 1342cc . I know of busa's that are a 1570cc (4X4 i think) and have no issues running on single fans . BTW ain't seen no gen 2 kawi perform with them . but I found it better to build your own bike than purchase one ..

ONEBAD is here! So Zuki didn't even have to punch out the cylinders, they just shortened the stroke. That was my point though, it is the same engine (block) as the Gen 1 Hayabusa. I can't wait to see what Suzuki comes up with when they determine the ZX-14r has taken over enough Hayabusa owners.

I found it better to build your own bike than purchase one ..

ONEBAD is here!

Yikes...

Soul but not character, I thought those were pretty much synonymous? To me the opposite of soul or character would be bland.... as in appliance like. If Consumer Reports rated motorcycles they would give a bland product a "satisfactory" rating like they were rating a vacuum cleaner or a lawn mower.
If I'm going to shell out big bucks for a bike I want it to be a scintillating, you know, get your heart thumping when you crank open the garage door.
i think that 1290 KTM would fill the bill just fine.

It's not the same thing. To me at least. It'd be hard to explain without getting knee deep in philosophy/psychology but basically if you were to compare bikes to women (sorry ladies) the Blade and the ZX-14 would be Geishas or an old school Japanese wife. Smooth linear power curve. You feel really in control. She's meek, compassionate etc. She's got soul but no character. Now the Beemer and the 1290 are more like that girl you know is bad for you. She keeps you up, make you call in and do lines of cocaine. Unexpected wheelies, the temptation to put a knee down at every corner, the brutal riding position (1098). You get off those in pain, with a heart that is still racing but you know you're going to want more.
The 14 has got tremendous brakes, stability at speed and enough real estate to be reasonably comfy. You can't help going fast because you feel secure. The KTM or the S1000RR can bite you quick, however there is also pleasure in the doubt that they cast over your manhood.

If I'm going to shell out big bucks for a bike I want it to be a scintillating, you know, get your heart thumping when you crank open the garage door.

I have been putting off buying a track bike and I don't want to look at that KTM, I think it could get me in more trouble than getting hooked to track days. LOL

BadZX14r statement reminds me of what a computer savvy guy told me: You start off with windows, you become better and jump on a Mac and when you're an expert you go back to windows! Kawasaki's philosophy seems to be trying to think for you and help you in being a better rider. They gave the 14R more power but made it safer than the previous generation with TC and ABS. Just like an Iphone or Mac seem to know what you want before you want it! However they don't offer a lot of flexibility when you exactly know what you want and need to customize. Suzuki bikes are easier to work with when it comes to motor work and apparently handle it better. You probably start drag racing with a GXSR-1000, then you switch to 1300-1400 cc and of course pick up a ZX-14R and when you max out, you get a Busa and throw a huge turbo kit on it

I love my ZX14 butwhenit comes to maintenance the Busa is easier to work on, more space around the motor, but I don't have to work on my Kaw as often so therein lies the trade off for me.

Well Drag, by that definition then, my ZX-10R, ZX-14 and CBR1000RR all have soul but no character. They're all smooth as a shot of Kentucky Bourbon and easy to ride, no surprises.

Yeah you got my point, that's exactly what I meant. It may be why you're on the look out for new bikes. If I don't get the Beemer, an older ZX-10 is what I would be looking at. The KTM only if I already had a track bike in addition to my 14.

Check this out: CBR SP disappoints

You could come up with any kind of conspiracy theories but the Beemer has been top dog for more than 4 years and won back to back title in super stock. That being said, if you want soul get the MV, preferably the R version.

* Last updated by: dragking on 3/6/2014 @ 6:13 PM *

The Honda surprised me with it's lackluster performance but then again that's one track with one rider, the results could easily change under different circumstances. I don't want to take anything away from the S1000RR but it's just not my cup'o tea for some reason. The Panigale has too many handling quirks and that lack of low end on a twin is a deal killer. The Aprilia RSV4 Factory is nice, I just keep thinking it's fragile though.

This is the bike that ties my knickers in a knot, rare and expensive, you won't see this on every corner and it defines soul, at least for me:

http://dallas.craigslist.org/ndf/mcy/4330530158.html

He's actually right at book for this machine, it originally sold for over $25,000, if I could get him down a bit I wouldn't mind having it parked in my garage.

The Honda surprised me with it's lackluster performance but then again that's one track with one rider, the results could easily change under different circumstances. I don't want to take anything away from the S1000RR but it's just not my cup'o tea for some reason. The Panigale has too many handling quirks and that lack of low end on a twin is a deal killer. The Aprilia RSV4 Factory is nice, I just keep thinking it's fragile though.

This is the bike that ties my knickers in a knot, rare and expensive, you won't see this on every corner and it defines soul, at least for me:

http://dallas.craigslist.org/ndf/mcy/4330530158.html

He's actually right at book for this machine, it originally sold for over $25,000, if I could get him down a bit I wouldn't mind having it parked in my garage.

She's a beaut for sure;)You are talking about street riding,yes?"no surprises"...hmmm...what exactly are you meaning when you say...'No surprises"...on the street...you can surprise yerself plenty...don't ask how I knowLOL!!!

I think your 10 is FULL of surprises...maybe you just need to let er out a notch or two;)?IDK.....there's safe(kinda)...then there's...well...you know.

Oh, I've had plenty of surprises when out street riding, ask Rook sometime about the "Killer Squirrel" I ran into back in January. What I meant to say was the bikes these days are so good right out of the box that they really have no bad traits at a normal pace. That being said, you're right, kick it up a notch, push any bike to race pace and any character flaws are amplified. The bikes I have now retain their composure when hammered for the most part, the Honda especially composed but when you start flirting with the razors edge of the performance envelope, any of these machines can reach around and bite you!

The 1198S Corse is stunning when you see it in person but I'm not sure I could live with it. It would be like dating an Italian super model, you love being seen with her but behind closed doors you're patience would be tried and you might wonder if it's all worth it. I hear the 1198 ergos are brutal and uncompromising, the exhaust roasts your butt and the dry clutch sounds like it's about to explode at any time.... but on the right road it is pure bliss. Don't know for sure but would like to own one of these exotics and find out.

To me, they are more like thoroughbreds. They just do one thing only and that's the track. A guy I ride with has one. We don't see him when it's 90+ degrees, and in traffic he stalls all the time lol
If you lived let's say 5 minutes from the best roads in your area, or had access to a track a couple of times a month, it would be the ticket. I would have to own one if I lived in Leakey for instance. That being said, I'm sure that 10 years from now, people will be ready to kill to have one of those (the last batch of Ducati with torque). So even if you seat on it (pun intended) you wouldn't be loosing much $$ down the line if you had a change of heart. As for myself, I like modifying stuff too much to go exotic. I don't think a manufacturer will ever get it just the way I like it so I better buy cheaper.

Regarding the Honda. I trust HN. 2-5 more HP, a couple of kilos lighter and one size fit all Ohlins suspensions is not enough in my opinion. Heck, I achieved more with my own mods on the 14. It'll cost you more but BST's, Ohlins Suspensions, and an RCS19 on a regular Blade would make it superior to the SP. I bet you that the new ZX-10 would beat it too. This looks to me like a half-assed effort IMO. The new game dictate 180hp and TC to dodge lawsuits lol. It puts Honda in a bad spot because they can't keep the characteristic of the Blade (killer mid range) and produce 180 hp at the rear wheel. If they go for top end numbers with 70-80 mid range they are going to loose most of their hardcore fans.

A guy I ride with has one. We don't see him when it's 90+ degrees, and in traffic he stalls all the time lol

What's he riding?

He's got an 1098. Beautiful bike and I love the machine gun like sound of the engine.

* Last updated by: dragking on 3/10/2014 @ 1:04 PM *

Guys I gotta say it was 50 out this Saturday and I got my 10R out for a ride after the winter thrash and holy crap! I put the Akropovic and link pipe on along with Don G flash -1/+2 gearing and a set of BST wheels. Then finished it off with Sato rear sets and an HM quick shifter and a few more little do dads an WOW this girl is such I blast! The problem is you just wanna ride it like you know you can't! And I know that feeling would only be worse on that KTM 1290! Lol man if spring would only get here sooner!

But Somefun... Spring is here!!! At least in Texas. I had a short blast today (61 degrees), tomorrow 81 degrees lol I have to admit that I'm starting to like the 55-65 degrees range better. The bike makes so much power, especially after it rains. Don't have a track weapon, but I know what you're talking about. Those liters and 600 can get you in trouble pretty quick. As always, keep one wheel on the tarmac and be safe out there lol

Thanks Drag! Supposed to be 50 today and I'm really thinking I need to take the bike in....only problem is all the melting snow and crap all over the roads..... Maybe one more week .

55 F here. Good enough for me on a daily basis but don't let a quick warm spell fool you. The rest of the week is 20-30. I'm waiting for on decent rain fall to clean off the roads.