K1 GSXR 750 vs K6 Tiger 1050

[Fallout]

I've been relegated to upstairs while the woman cleans downstairs. Since I'm bored I thought it might be interesting for some to compare the Gixxer and the Tiger. Different bikes resulting in different experiences.

If I could only own one bike, it would be the Tiger. It's just a better all rounder. It's comfortable, easy to live with, rapid and handles well. I have been on it all day for the past 2 weeks and in the evening I don't have any bike related aches, pains or tiredness. The Gixxer by comparison leaves me pretty much exhausted if I do a days riding on it.

There are some negatives though. It's much taller and therefore top heavy. At really low speeds in traffic jams you have to be awake and put some effort into not swerving about. If it starts to go the extra weight (especially with luggage) will be hard to stop, hence why it has the crown as the first bike I've ever dropped .... or more accurately, laid gently on its side.

The throttle is also super snatchy low down. From coasting with the throttle closed to engaging the throttle is a process that requires some effort. On low speed junctions and mini roundabouts, if you just roll on you can expect it to 'catch' and lunge forward. As such I often taken an extra second to throttle on as I tentatively twist to smooth out that initial bite. The Gixxer by comparison is a simple gentle roll on requiring no thought at all. Of course the Tiger is easier to steer at low speeds with its adventure style chassis.

On the twisties and at speed, they are two completely different experiences. The Tiger eats up turns, easy to tip in and smooth and collected round the corners. It glides along smoothly and the engine is glorious. Over 40 mph you can leave it in top gear and just wind it on, causing a massively growly engine note as the torque fights against the excess fuel at really low RPM. It's really addictive. On steep hills it sounds immense.

The Gixxer is actually harder to tip in. You need to consciously apply counter steer to get it over, so you have to work it much more to get it through a series of turns. While it does require more effort, when its in the turn it does feel more planted. The Tiger glides round in a collected light handling fashion, where as the Gixxer charges round, feeling like it is being forced into the road by some imaginary downforce. Once tipped in, the Gixxer is a more confidence inspiring cornering machine, but the Tiger makes the process of going from corner to corner much easier.

The power delivery and sense of speed varies hugely too. The Tiger growls its way consistently through its power curve while the Gixxer claws its way up to start with before running and then hitting light speed above 10k. The Tiger is a great growling constant charge and the Gixxer is a run which is finally supplemented by a jet fighter afterburner. As such the Tiger is consistently fun, providing satisfying power all the time, but the Gixxer delivers power in exhilarating moments of awesomeness.

When it comes to overtaking, the Tiger allows you to nip round most traffic in almost any gear and make good progress. However there have been a few occasions when I wanted a burst of power to help me round a car and found it lacking, resulting in an aborted overtake. The Gixxer's ramping power curve is much better for those silly 5 car overtakes, just offering more and more, helping you make it back to your side of the road safely when the gap begins to narrow.

The simple fact is they are two very different bikes. If I had to own one it'd be the a tiger, but that's because I like (and now need) to do a lot of riding. If I only needed a weekend fun machine though, I would probably choose the Gixxer. While the Tiger constantly delivers a fun, satisfying, controllable riding experience with plenty of character, the Gixxer delivers exhilaration the Tiger never could. It gives you those moments which remind you a human shouldn't be able to travel this fast and cornering moments that feel epic.

So basically, I'm glad I have both and didn't need to sell the Gixxer (not that I would've got much for it anyway). The Tiger will always be the bike I choose for any ride in any weather, except those that I know are going to be dry rapid rides. I'll always enjoy going out to the Tiger, and I'll never look at the Gixxer and wish I was on that instead. But! Whenever a ride is all about playing with mates on rapid back roads and the weather is good, the Gixxer will always be my weapon of choice. It just delivers the challenge and thrills the Tiger never could.

I'll be bringing the Gixxer to the AR ..... unless its raining of course.

Nice review. I'm in fear of trying that Tiger or a GS, in fear that they might shatter my belief that a Sportsbike is the only kind of bike for me.

take a look at ODB2 USB cables and TuneECU software

there may be a fuel map that solves your jerky throttle problem on the tiger

[Fallout]

I've heard of that software. I'll look into it. To be honest I've got used to it. The problem is partly due to not using the rear brake for low speed control, nor slipping the clutch. With the Gixxer I just use the throttle, but I may be able to help myself if I get into the habit of using those fine control methods again.

[DJ123]

Fallout, read this:

http://tiger1050.adrianmolloy.com/10...uning_ECU.html

[Fallout]

Very interesting mate! It's crazy what is programmed into the ECU these days. I read around and found out it adapts at different times. The idle thing is just one of them. Next time I take the Tiger out I'll think about how much it bothers me and consider giving this a go.

I'm definitely from the "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" camp, so need to make a call on if I think it really is broke first.

Next time we meet up I'll bring the cable.

Originally Posted by Fallout

I'm definitely from the "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" camp, so need to make a call on if I think it really is broke first.

if you load a map and you dont like it, you can just put the OEM map back on, which is downloadable from the tuneecu website

[Paul the 6th]

sweet cheers dude