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2011 vs 2016 ZX-10R?

15297 Views 74 Replies 23 Participants Last post by  Proteus
I like 'em both!

2011 versus 2016 ZX-10R, juries still out on which is the best, they're both awesome machines with specific strengths and weaknesses. The '11 is stronger down low, the '16 kicks it's butt beyond 9000 rpm.

I'm not a good enough rider to split them, can't lose either way IMHO.



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Sell the Gen 4, buy more mods for the Gen 5. :dontknow:
I like reading this. The Gen 5 is nice, but I will keep my Gen 4. For the time being my 636 and Gen4 are plenty. I noticed you have kept the cat on both. I know my Gen 4 gained quite a bit with the cat/box removal.

I'm waiting on the new liter bike reviews and testing.
I have both and they are completely different animals. The GEN5 has more power. The GEN4 is smoother and I think I am a little more comfortable on it and maybe still like it a little more than my GEN5. The transmission in the GEN4 sucks rotten eggs though. If the transmission was better and it had a little more power I think I would sell the GEN5. As it stands I'm keeping both.
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I have both and they are completely different animals. The GEN5 has more power. The GEN4 is smoother and I think I am a little more comfortable on it and maybe still like it a little more than my GEN5. The transmission in the GEN4 sucks rotten eggs though. If the transmission was better and it had a little more power I think I would sell the GEN5. As it stands I'm keeping both.
I have to agree with everything you said except for the transmission part, my Gen 4 tranny is smooth like buttah. Also both my bikes are very smooth, as in low vibration levels but the '16 is the smoothest of the two to me, feeling more like a gas turbine.

I did just a slipon exhaust on both my Gen 4 and Gen 5 to keep noise levels down, I live out in the country and need to keep my neighbors happy; so I can give a good comparison of stock power delivery.

Gen 4 has more down low and very smooth delivery, very linear. The Gen 5 has no pull below 5000 rpm, starts to wake up at 6000 and then really takes off around 9000. It feels like the Gen 5 is the most powerful machine I own once it spools up, don't know if it's true but it sure feels that way when I pull the trigger.

Both bikes have awesome brakes, slightly different feel, initial bite and modulation but they both get the job done, no complaints on either.

Both bikes are awesome handlers once set up; but the Gen 4 is definitely a little lighter feeling. I only have 350 miles on my Gen 5 so I'm still more comfortable on the Gen 4 when really pushing it hard.

I'm not crazy about the high foot pegs on the Gen 5 but once underway it puts you in a decent attack position, just not as comfortable as the Gen 4. I feel like I'm sitting in the Gen 4 and on the Gen 5, if that makes sense.

On traction control, I use level 1 on the Gen 4 and level 2 on the Gen 5 and haven't felt any lurid cornering slides developing on either one, so all good there.

Like I said, it is very hard to split these two machines, they're both different and very similar at the same time if that makes any sense. I plan on keeping both.









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I've been running with TC off on both bikes almost 100% of the time which is exact opposite of what my philosophy on TC was early last year. :) The only time I run TC is when I race and I've been thinking about racing with it off. I've learned to really like wheelies. :) And to be honest, the '16 is very smooth when both wheels on are on the ground, smoother than the '14 (because of the poochy factory QS on the '16). The '16 is way trickier when on the back wheel. Having said that, the '16 is amazing at getting it on the back wheel even at high speeds and high gears because of all that power. The '16 is a love/hate relationship for me. '14 is mostly love, except for the 2 transmission I've gone through (partly the fault of the Bazzaz QS I believe). I was getting false neutrals on it the first day I brought it home from the dealership when it was brand new before putting any aftermarket parts on it.
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These posts are killing me. I'm currently looking for a left over '16 KRT to trade my '12 G4 in on. So confused by these...
The G5 is better looking and makes about 10-15 more HP. Haven't ridden one yet except on the dyno though.
These posts are killing me. I'm currently looking for a left over '16 KRT to trade my '12 G4 in on. So confused by these...
Now you know how I have felt all year. :)
I would love to have either... I am one of the have nots.. :sad:
These post make me content with what I have. :)
Haha I have Gen 1,3 and 4. I like my Gen 1 best no girlie stuff like traction control and engine management systems. Waaaaay more fun an scary to ride. lol IMHO
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These posts are killing me. I'm currently looking for a left over '16 KRT to trade my '12 G4 in on. So confused by these...
Just do it, the KRT is a lovely thing to look at parked in your garage and you won't be disappointed with the performance.
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These post make me content with what I have. :)
Being content is no bad thing....0:)
The G5 is better looking and makes about 10-15 more HP. Haven't ridden one yet except on the dyno though.
In KRT colors the bike is a visual stunner, nothing else comes close IMHO. I saw one going down the road about 6 or 7 weeks ago and it just jumped out at me like no other machine and so ended up buying one.
IMO my gen 4 transmission is not that great.

Not smooth and notchy.
Hmmm, no such issue with the tranny on my Gen 4, very smooth. On the other hand, my clutch on the GEN 4 has been a PITA as was the CCT but that's all sorted now.
no probs with my '11 g4 until it blew whatever at 50k. No way would I go fat pig g5 if any leaner super is available. The '13 g4 is just as good in every way as it's the same bike except the fork seals are better and paint better. Radiator is just was weak.
Ima in the same boat...
My gen3 is totaled
And Ima drooling at 16zx10, but local dealer
Has a 15 with low mileage (1k) n warranty for a
6k less than 16 ( can buy lots a goodies for the 15)
Ima undecided ?
Pros for the 16 -- mo power more looks more features
Cons - mo money - Less dough for goodies
Ima in the same boat...
My gen3 is totaled
And Ima drooling at 16zx10, but local dealer
Has a 15 with low mileage (1k) n warranty for a
6k less than 16 ( can buy lots a goodies for the 15)
Ima undecided ?
Pros for the 16 -- mo power more looks more features
Cons - mo money - Less dough for goodies
I wa sin a similar situation. New 16 next to a new 15. Both 0 miles. Over 4K difference in price. I went with the 15 and put money into a 3/4 yoshimura, quick shift, custom fit seat, 520 re-gear and a flash/tune at 2WDW. I'm happy. I rode a 16 recently and it's a helluva bike but at the time I think it was a good choice. That being said, not long after a friend got a 16 KRT out the door for what I paid out the door for the 15. If you want the 16 shop around. I don't see how you can go wrong with a gen 4 for a good price.
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