"I want to ride a motorcycle, but I don't know which one to choose. What kind of bikes are there?"
For those who have such concerns, we have selected the top five motorcycles from the satisfaction rankings of the past year, based on the evaluations and comments of the owners registered on Webike!
In this issue, we introduce the popular large motorcycles in (751-1000cc) models.
This ranking article was produced on September 18.
What is Satisfaction Ranking?
The ranking is based on the number of My Bike registrations per vehicle type and the overall rating points given by users. The ranking is updated every Friday.
Click here for the "Satisfaction Ranking" page for large motorcycles (up to 1000㏄)
1. Kawasaki Z900RS
'The Kawasaki Z900RS is the top-selling large bike in Japan for the fourth year in a row since its debut in 2018.
The most highly rated by owners is its looks, which are just plain silly, and an overwhelming number of them say they got it because they fell in love at first sight with its style, which reminds them of the legendary Z1. The most popular of all is the fireball color, the same body color as the first-generation Z1. The Z900RS was only available in this color for the first generation '18 and '19 models, but when it was revived for the Z50th anniversary model in '22, it sold out immediately and became very popular.
Another thing that made owners who fell in love with these looks happy with their purchase was the way it drove. Or should I say, how easy it is to ride? With its smooth engine feeling and natural handling, it has a reputation for being relatively easy even for large-size beginners. The Z900RS weighs 215 kg, compared to the old Z1's 230 kg.
The Z900RS weighs 215 kg, compared to the old Z1's 230 kg. The Z1's weight without gasoline is roughly 30 kg more than the Z900RS. Braking performance is also overwhelming. Even though the style is similar, the difference of 50 years is not a mere illusion. Incidentally, the radiator has been enlarged since the '21 model, but you will not feel any difference when you are riding.
One complaint from owners is that the underbody silencer box, commonly known as a "lunch box," located in the middle of the exhaust system, spoils the style of the vehicle. However, many owners have solved this problem with a custom exhaust system. One of the fun of customizing the Z900RS may be to wonder which exhaust system to choose.
2. BMW S1000RR
The second through fifth places are all full-cowl Supersports. Among them, BMW won the highest satisfaction rating, pushing out Japanese motorcycles.
The headlight shape used to be different on the left and right sides, and there were differences in likes and dislikes, but the current model has been changed to symmetrical with a smart atmosphere. This was one of the factors that contributed to the increase in popularity. In addition, it used to be common for foreign-made Supersports models to be 1.5 to 2 times more expensive than domestic models, but the S1000RR's lowest-priced model costs 2.36 million yen.
The price of the Honda CBR1000RR-R is 2,420,000 yen, which is not only the same, but in some cases, the price has even reversed. Considering the engine specs and chassis configuration, the S1000RR is truly a Japan SS competitor.
The S1000RR has been well received by owners not only for its circuit and winding performance but also for its features such as heated grips and cruise control, which are convenient for touring, as BMW has a strong image as a traveler.
Some owners felt that the footing and ride position were relatively easy for a supersport vehicle.
3. Honda CBR1000RR
Next is Honda's CBR1000RR, not the latest model, RR-R, but the previous model that has already been discontinued.
Incidentally, the new RR is priced at 14595 USD and up, while the RR-R is priced at (approx.) 16945 USD and up, and is probably too far away to be easily affordable.
Many owners seem to ride the RR mainly for touring, and some say that it is easier to drive than the RR-R because of its modest power output and relatively less forward lean compared to other SSs. However, the RR-R also has a considerable maximum power output of 192ps, and it takes a bit of courage to drive it at full throttle, even on the race circuit. It may be recommended for those who are confident in their skills, or for those who prefer to enjoy the atmosphere of the motorcycle and drive it sparingly. This model has the same basic parts such as frame and engine as the '08 model and is more compact than earlier models.
In addition, the '17 and later models have the most aggressive styling and are still in a class of their own, with full-color meters, throttle-by-wire, TRACON, and the two-way quick-shifter STD as optional electronic controls that are essential for the latest SS.
4. Yamaha YZF-R1
The second most popular Japanese SS is the Yamaha R1, with its special headlight position that makes it look like a racing machine at first glance, and the unique explosion timing of its parallel 4-cylinder engine, which gives it a torquey, fat exhaust sound.
Owners of this machine were slightly more satisfied with its looks than its performance. Many of them pointed out that the machine has a tighter forward lean and footrests than its rivals, but it seems that this is more likely to be chosen by serious sports riders who want to attack the circuit to their heart's content rather than use it for touring.
One point of concern is that some people say that the fuel economy is worse than other SSs. When we checked, we found that the nominal value is 15.2km/L (WMTC), which certainly seems harsh when compared to figures such as 17.7km/L for the CBR1000RR and 16.5km/L for the ZX-10R. However, there is also the view that the power is squeezed out of it. It would seem that people who choose this type of machine would not be too concerned about the fuel consumption, but if the consumption is too conspicuous, it may be the opposite.
5. Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R
Coming in 5th place is the ZX-10R, which was remodeled into the current model in '21. However, there are still few impressions from the current model owners who have registered on Webike, so we looked into the opinions of the previous generation model owners. Incidentally, the current model is an enhanced version of the previous model, equipped with a new cowl with integrated winglets and a number of electronic control devices with the latest specifications. The basic parts are the same, so you can use them as a reference.
While the majority of the respondents were satisfied with its looks and performance, there were also valuable comments such as that it is easy to drive with a firm low rpm range and that it has a better footing than other motorcycles. Owners of the SE, the top-of-the-line version equipped with an electronically controlled suspension that automatically adjusts the stiffness of the motorcycle by controlling the damping, were all raving about its performance. They commented that it was so easy to drive, especially around town, that they could not live without it. Since the suspension setting of the SS is generally hard for circuit use, the electric suspension that adjusts its hardness according to the speed and road surface may be a good item that allows you to have a different kind of riding comfort. Unfortunately, this SE is not currently available in the current model. Maybe it will be added soon. Let's hope Kawasaki will.
Note that the Suzuki GSX-R1000R was in sixth place, followed by the ZX-10R. It was followed by the Z900RS CAFE, CBR1000RR-R, MT-09, and W800.
