THE times clocked by the 999s in its classification in the hands of different riders is comparable to those in the superbikes category such is the excellence of a fantastic motor and cycle package. And this beautiful Ducati adapts itself perfectly to the characteristics of a circuit like this on in Valencia. Its entry into a corner is very swift, so much so that it compensates while moving on to the outside where it uses the least power. The excellent ergonomics of the body hugging fuel tank and with the rear end quite low, makes you almost feel like a part of the bike. Also it is one of the few bikes in this Master Bike in which is impossible to scrape the floor no matter how far you lean it over. The aerodynamic protection could be better, because you have to move a lot over the tank to stay covered. But then it aerodynamic efficiency wouldn’t be that good.
The twin-cylinder Testastretta is a marvelous piece of engineering, so much so that the engine does not feel like it’s running, with an abject lack of high rev vibes. It is also perfectly mated to the cycle parts, resulting in a bike that is easy to handle and quick to hustle. It is true that like Aprilia you need more effort to move the Ducati but it also compensates with a racing bike feel that is quite superior to that of the Japanese bikes.
It has very distinct character similar to the Aprilia though better than the MV Augustia.

THE CBR 1000 is probably the most balanced bike in this category, Smooth and easy to ride. She is one of the most refined performers. However her lap times are not amongst the beat firstly because of her weight. Which at 208kg is only surpassed by the F4 1000s. She also has a 14kg disadvantage against the ZX-10R. Which is the lightest bike in this category. Secondly the CBR makes lesser power. With 151PS she makes around 151PS less than the Kwacker. With these differences and despite the refinement of cycle parts, gracious mannerisms and sensational composure, she just can’t match her rivals when it comes to a head on battle for lap times.
At the controls of the CBR1000RR everything feels soft, it has outstanding vibration damping abilities and with an ideal weight distribution between footrest and handlebars she offers a comfortable riding position which is more oriented towards long haul journeys rather than the razor sharp character needed on track.
However that does not entirely mean her handing is too tame and she can hold her own dicing round corners on a circuit. This impression comes about thanks to great tuning and efficient suspension, which has made her one of the favored choices of the riders of Master Bike.
The refinement is of such a high order that the engine does not feel stressed at all even when revved to the peak of her rev band. Power delivery is very progressive and on e does not need wring throttle to the max to get all her juice.
We also must mention the efficient brakes, quite unlike the rest of the Japanese bikes with their radial bombs. She does not falter even a little no matter how you treat her. Gear shift is equally smooth through it’s a pity that the clutch has an anti-lock system on the real wheel.

FACED by tough opposition, the Kawasaki ZX-6R has again imposed itself as the best bike in the supersport category, not by posting the best time (which was set by the Yamaha R6) but because 10 of the 15 riders have gone the fastest with her. The changes in the new model go further than the earlier ones. The best of them have been made to the engine and the cycle parts, which have primarily helped put her on the top spot on the podium. One of the factors that helped the ZX-6R claim this victory was having made optimum use of the power of 646cc engine) that enables it to reach 109bhp (in this case the most powerful in this group and also one of the highest revving).
As per her geometry and balance, the ZX-6R is much more delicate to ride. Maybe she is not that agile, but is far more stable and precise than the competition. This new ZX-6R has shown herself to be the ideal bike for the Valencia circuit, with its exaggerated changes of direction. On the other hand, she also throws up more vibrations than the rivals like a true racer. After intensive use the brakes tend to lose a bit bite.
The ZX-6R simply never goes out of the power band and clocks her max speed exiting the last corner going into the longest straight. This advantage enables 10 of the 15 riders to post their best times w2hich undoubtedly tipped the scales in favour of the ZX-6R.

Yamaha YZF-R6 was tipped as the favorite according to the impressions of ht eiders. Only the Kawasaki ZX-6R had a serious chance of stealing victory in the supersport category and that’s exactly what happened.
The impact of the R6 has been excellent, with the performance from an improved engine, with more means to pull close to the red line, and for its cycle aspect. The new inverted front fork favors entrance while braking into a corner, while agility is without doubt one of the best in this category. On the other hand caution is advisable on the outside of corners where if you accelerate too hard the front loses its contact patch disrupting direction of motion. The gear and brakes are the best.
This four-cylinder engine has improved response from 6000 to 7000rpm . Through the rev limit has been brought down. This is an aspect highly appreciated on the circuit making it a delight to extract maximum power from an engine with the characteristic of the R6.
So despite having a slight disadvantage to the ZX-6R in the stakes for power the R6 more than makes up for it with a confidence inspiring ride even through at the controls the R6 feels less aggressive. The short seat gives it just the right riding position while also protecting the rider.