Dyno Shootout: FZ1 Vs. Bandit 1200S
Recent posts on some e-mail lists indicate that some pundits feel the Suzuki's displacement advantage will allow it to overpower the smaller Yamaha. Well, not to be the bearer of such bad news (for some people, anyway), but that's simply not the case...
Now, in relation to the YZF-R1 that it's derived from, the "R1 for the real world" makes 6.9 less horses than our most recent R1 test unit, though it ups the torque peak by 0.3 foot-pounds.
Again, though, numbers don't mean everything. For example: Up until the Yamaha's torque peak at 7,400 RPM, the Suzuki has it covered in some heavy foot-pounds. Also, the Suzuki makes more horsepower than the Yamaha up until the 7,200 RPM mark.
So what does this all mean? The two bikes seem to address a similar market niche with completely different tactics. The Yamaha is the sportier of the two with its higher-revving motor, lighter weight and less wind protection. The Suzuki, on the other hand, seems more suited towards long-range comfort and sport-touring duty.
What do you MO readers think about this rivalry?
Update, 03/28/01 5:05 PST: Meet us on the 29that 5:00 PM in our chat rooms for a discussion of these two bikes. All the MO Staff will be there! Look to the top left for a countdown timer.
Comments
Join the conversation