Basic Race Report...

We headed over to Seattle to check out the 2005 edition of the Seattle Bike Show. Of interest was the new R6 and the rest of the 600 class, R1LE, EX650, Triumph 675, BMW R1200S, ZX14, and new innovations in gear.

Unfortuneately, we were disappointed in that the Triumph and BMWs didn't show up - and there weren't reps from any of the gear manufacturers except helmets. But there were still some great bikes to look at and try on - which we did! The other major disappointment was the complete lack of any MotoGP machinery - that was sorely missed!

Kawasaki EX650R - This is arguably one of the most important bikes at the show. The Suzuki SV650 has had a lock on the entry level bike market for going 6 years. This bike was built to price point right with the SV. And price pointed it is... The frame is tublar steel, as is the swing arm. The shock is reminiscent of the old Yamaha monocross design, and it totally non-adjustable. The front suspension is also bare of adjustments. Kawi tried to trick it out a bit by giving it the petal rotors seen in their ZX supersports, which confirms they are simply for styling and not performance enhancers. The dash is very simple with a big analog speedometer and tach. The seat is plush, and the handlebars are tube type that rise for a very UJM standrard seating position. Sitting on the EX and SV back to back reveals the SV is lighter, and has the more sporting edge. My recommendation is to stick with the SV, unless it's ergonmics don't fit, then maybe give the EX a try. I would still have any new rider look at the EX if they felt they needed something new, but entry level...

Kawisaki ZX14R - Kawi just has to have the power monster again. The rep said there was 190 horsepower at the rear wheel. It has launch control logic, and is chipped to peak at 185 mph. This can be bypassed through the use of an updated Power Commander - which will easily give this bike a 200 mph capability - stock. While I think the styling is unappealing, I'm sure a twist of the wrist would put your focus elsewhere. The bike feels very light, and the dry weight claim of around 460 pounds doesn't feel too off. The ergos aren't bad - and guess what - no LCD tach! I guess Kawisaki finally ran out of them, thankfully. It will be interesting see the road tests of this one, and it will obviously get accolades for the amount of yank it can provide, but the question begs - do we really need it?

Yamaha R6 - This has been anticipated by sport riders everywhere. With a 17,500 rpm redline, sophisticated suspension, and numerous other track oriented details, Yamaha obvioulsy wants to get back the AMA and World SuperSport titles. The styling is very edgy, but very functional. The intake is huge, MotoGP huge. High and low speed compression damping are standard front and rear. The suspension actually looks better on the R6 than the standard R1. While sitting on it, you feel like you can make it do anything. It's light, has great sport ergos, and the controls are right where they're suppose to be. Looking down the stubby titanium exhaust, it's a straight shot to the EXUP valve. Everything on this bike is business. Of the colors shown, the anniversary yellow/black is by far the best looking. The black Raven color scheme is truly awful with a totally inappropriate matte black plastic piece that looks very cheap and out of place. The blue is...Yamaha blue, and is the only color you don't pay extra for. The bike mags are going to have a ball with this one, and I think the competition will see a lot of the back of it!

Finally got my camera to work again. here are some choice pictures from mine.

2005 Seattle Bike Show