Introducing our superbike shootout contenders

Updated: 19 March 2015

We’re just putting the finishing touches to our biggest ever superbike shootout, in time for next Wednesday’s MCN.

We took the latest and greatest 2015 tackle to Jerez for an intensive two-day track test, rode the beautiful roads of southern Spain and will shortly be speed and dyno testing. Here are the contenders:

Honda CBR1000RR Fireblade SP, £15,799
Full Ohlins, Brembo radials, trackday tyres and in Repsol Marquez colours for ’15. Launched last year.

Suzuki GSX-R1000, £10,599
£10,899 ‘MotoGP’ version with race rep colour scheme, Yoshi R11 end can and assorted goodies. Updated in 2012.

Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R ABS, £13,199
£13,349 ‘30th Anniversary’ edition with special paint job. Released in 2011 – multiple superbike and superstock championship winner.

BMW S1000RR Sport, £14,760
New for ’15. Comes with DDC suspension as standard. Test bike fitted with optional Performance Package (£490) and forged aluminium wheels (£1250). Has won every MCN superbike shootout since it came out in 2010.

Ducati 1299 Panigale S, £20,795
New for ’15. Bigger engine and refined electronics bring performance even closer to WSB…at a price. The old 1199 Panigale was an angry beast, but this new version promises to be friendlier and easy to ride.

Yamaha YZF-R1, £14,999
New for ’15. Based on 2011 YZR-M1 MotoGP bike, the new R1 impressed us at its world launch last month in Eastern Creek. It handles like a 600, has the acceleration of a WSB bike and comes with the most refined electronics ever.

Where’s the Aprilia RSV4 and MV Agusta F4?
Both Italian manufacturers declined to be part of this test as they both have new models arriving in the spring. A shame as based on previous performance, we reckon the Aprilia, at least, would have done particularly well at Jerez.

By Michael Neeves

MCN Chief Road Tester - Neevesy’s been an MCN Road Tester since 2002. He’s reviewed everything from mopeds to Rossi’s Yamaha M1, and plenty in between He covers tens of thousands of miles a year on the world’s roads and racetracks in his role with MCN, and when he’s not working he’s still on two wheels, racing both modern and classic superbikes for a variety of teams. To cement his position as one of the most influential motorcycling journalists on the planet, Neevesy spent many years as an Elite Instructor at the Ron Haslam Race School, based at the famous Donington Park race circuit. He regularly presents videos on riding tips and road safety, working alongside the likes of Highways England to deliver a strong and consistent message.