Church of MO: Open Warfare 1996

Today, brethren, Open-class sportbikes wouldn’t be the first category that leaps to mind when the mission is travelling. But 25 years ago, that was not necessarily the case. Before winning races became so important, before the requisite weight reduction and shrinkage that accompanied that mission and the proliferation of “R”s, you really wouldn’t think twice about throwing a nice tankbag atop the big steel tank of your FZR1000 or GSX-R1100 and heading out on a brisk 2000-mile weekend. I don’t think that happens much on the latest R1s and Panigale V4s, does it?

Did we leave the Open-class party or did it leave us? A reading from the book of Andrew, with the Apostles Michael, Brent and Todd. Amen.

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By Andy Saunders Mar. 01, 1996

Photography by Andy Saunders and Mike Franklin

Buell S2 Thunderbolt vs. Honda CBR1000R vs. Kawasaki ZX-11 vs. Suzuki GSX-R1100 vs. Triumph Daytona 1200 vs. Yamaha FZR1000

What do you choose to ride if you need to be in Denver tomorrow?

If you need a bike that will travel highway miles, but still leave a smile on your face in the twisties, and leave everyone else in the weeds? The choice may be far more difficult than you’d think. We gathered together the top open class sport bikes for a hunt through the canyons and freeways. Our quarry? That elusive best bike.This time, the answer may surprise you. So we’re going to leave it ’till the end, just to keep you on your toes.

Sixth Place: Buell S2 Thunderbolt

What on earth is that doing here? Some testers questioned the Buell’s inclusion in the test. After all, every other motorcycle here has four cylinders and a whole lot more power. So, right there you have the primary reason for the Buell being at the bottom of the heap. But we felt that the …read more

Source:: Church of MO: Open Warfare 1996