That April 1990 motorcyclist magazine was their first comparison of the ZX-11. It was no slouch. Besides being 105 pounds heavier than a 2012 R1 (tested in Sport Rider September 2012) the ZX-11 was almost 3/10 seconds quicker in the quarter. And that was with gearing that gave it a measured top speed of 175 mph. The 10.26 seconds for the quarter was also quicker than the 2012 Aprilia RSV4, ZX10R, and KTM RC8.
This issue also tested Honda's RC30. It cost $15K back then when the ZX-11 cost half as much. Here's what they said: "It outhandles any bike in America." Nick Ienatsch said it was "easily worth $15,000." High praise indeed.
And one of their "Great Bikes of the 80's" was a two-stroke. Yamaha's RZ350.
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