2011 Suzuki GSX1250FA First Ride Photo Gallery

Our racetrack ringer is perplexed by the ‘new’ Suzuki GSX1250FA. Is the latest offering from Suzuki a sportbike or a sport-touring platform?

When pushed, the GSX1250FA's steel tube-type frame tends to feel lose during aggressive maneuvering.

2011 Suzuki GSX1250FA Dyno Sheet

Tires measure 120/70-17 up front and 180/55-17 in the back, with Bridgestone Battlax BT021 coming on our test unit.

Producing competitive torque at midrange, the 2011 Suzuki GSX1250FA completed 0-60 mph in 2.9 seconds.

Tires on the 2011 Suzuki GSX1250FA offered decent sport-touring abilities but lagged when it came time to carve canyons.

The 2011 Suzuki GSX1250FA's engine offers great power delivery without any dips or uneven acceleration.

The 2011 Suzuki GSX1250FA

As a sport-touring machine the GSX is on the light side when compared to other models at 567 pounds.

The 2011 Suzuki GSX1250FA is much more suited to long-range comfort than aggressive days at the track.

Turning the 1250FA from side-to-side takes a tremendous amount of energy.

The 2011 Suzuki GSXF1250FA aims at blending sport-touring comfort with more aggressive styling cues taken from the Bandit platform.

The Suzuki GSX1250FA is equipped with a full fairing that offers good wind protection.

At $11,599 the GSX1250FA is an affordable sport-tourer, but time will tell if it has the muscle to compete against the VFR or C14.

2011 Suzuki GSX1250FA

The GSX1250FA's upright stance offers good ergos for taller riders but may be uncomfortable for those of short stature.

Suzuki's all new GSX1250FA

The 2011 Suzuki GSX1250FA produces 74.13 lb-ft of torque at 6000rpm - making it no slouch off the line.

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2011 Ducati 1198 Superbike Street Smackdown Photo Gallery

Motorcycle USA puts all the 2010 Superbikes to the test in our Superbike Smackdown sportbike comparison. Read about it in the 2011 Ducati 1198 Street Comparison review.

The Ducati 1198 Superbike’s front brakes are sharp and work well. The rear brake however lacks power and feel.

The 2011 Ducati 1198 retails for $16,495.

2011 Ducati 1198 Superbike Smackdown Dyno.

2011 Superbike Smackdown VIII Horse Power Dyno

2011 Superbike Smackdown VIII Torque Dyno

With 86-plus lb-ft of torque available it is difficult to keep the front wheel on the ground in the lower gears.

While it isn’t the easiest bike to ride it sure is fun.

The character of the Ducati 1198 Superbike’s L-Twin engine is rambunctious and fun to ride.

The Ducati 1198 Superbike is one of the most attractive bike in this test.

Ducati Traction Control and a electronic quick-shifter are now standard features for ’11. They do not perform as well as the set-up employed on the BMW.

The Ducati 1198 Superbike has the raciest ergonomics

The Ducati 1198 Superbike pumps out the most peak torque.

At low speeds the Ducati 1198 handles awkwardly. Add some speed and it suddenly morphs into a sharp handling corner carver.

The Ducati 1198 Superbike’s suspension is on the stiff side and not very complaint over bumps.

The Ducati 1198 Superbike is the raciest-feeling bike in this test.

The Ducati's Digitek display features plenty of legible information.

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2011 Yamaha YZF-R1 Street Smackdown Photo Gallery

Motorcycle USA compares the latest liter-class bikes in the Superbike Smackdown sportbike comparison. Read about it in the 2011 Yamaha YZF-R1 Street Comparison review.

The Yamaha YZF-R1 is one of the better looking bikes in this test.

The Yamaha YZF-R1 slipper clutch performs excellently as test rider Brian Steeves demonstrates.

Motorcycle USA tests the latest 2011 Superbikes on the street in the 2011 Superbike Smackdown VIII Street comparison.

The Yamaha YZF-R1’s engine kicks off a lot of heat on the rider which is nice on cool days but not so much when it’s hot outside.

The character of the Yamaha YZF-R1’s engine was universally loved by our testers.

The character of the Yamaha YZF-R1’s engine is a cross between that of a V-Twin and conventional Inline-Four.

Check out this photograph courtesy of Kevin Wing taken atop Palomar Mountain in California.

The Yamaha YZF-R1 is the best looking Japanese bike.

One of the complaints we had with the Yamaha YZF-R1 on the street was how heavy it felt.

Adjustable foot controls on the Yamaha YZF-R1 allow for greater rider customization.

The 2011 Yamaha YZF-R1 retails for $13,590.

With its smooth spread of power the Yamaha YZF-R1 is a very easy motorcycle to ride.

The Yamaha YZF-R1’s suspension is a little on the soft side but it delivers a very plush ride on the street.

The ergonomics are comparable to the other Japanese bikes however the R1 feels wider and heavier.

The Yamaha YZF-R1 is the heaviest bike in this comparison and in certainly feels that way during cornering.

Despite being a little on the heavy side the Yamaha is still a fun and playful motorcycle to ride.

Despite its relative modest power output the Yamaha YZF-R1 still has some serious power.

2011 Yamaha YZF-R1 Superbike Smackdown Dyno

2011 Superbike Smackdown VIII Horse Power Dyno

2011 Superbike Smackdown VIII Torque Dyno

Yamaha's R1 dash covers all the bases and adds to the mix a massive adjustable shift-light.

The Yamah YZF-R1’s suspension absorbs bumps well delivering a plush ride on the street.

Yamaha offers riders a something different with its crossplane-equipped Yamaha YZF-R1.

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