^^^Dude, in this context, since speeds around 100 kmph are possible only on some highways, IMO straight line cruising stability is what would matter more.

I did 137 on my friend's ZMA. It had almost reached the end of the redline, which starts pretty early at about 8200 rpm. I felt the bike could do 140, but didn't take her to the limit coz I was scared I would stall her!

Ok, so In a straight line if the bike inspires less confidence can it deemed 'unstable'?

Now between both the CBZ-X and RTR the wheel base difference is just 2.5cm, that really doesn't make that huge of a difference.

I haven't ridden the CBZ-X and RTR back to back, but I'm sure when it comes to straight line stability, the CBZ-X does not win hands down, but that heavier mass and slightly longer wheelbase does give a wee bit more confidence.

But then that is confidence that is percieved, in reality I think both bikes are equally stable at highspeeds in a straightline. Infact the RTR would have the upper hand coz even for cruising on a highway one would not go on and on perpetually in a straight line, there have to be some places where one has to turn/brake etc. And in those departments don't you think the RTR just scores like anything?

I dont think its just perceived! I dunno about RTR vs. CBZ-x, as I'v not ridden the RTR yet... but just try doing 100+ on my Suzuki Shogun! At least I dont have the confidence to do it... and dont want to take the risk. Dont mind doing that on my CBZ-X. Weight and wheelbase definitely play a big role... other design elements aside.

So RTR is lighter than the CBZ? How much does it weigh?

The RTR is lighter by 7 kgs! (Thanks for the correction R15Rocks!)

The Shogun is from a different era, as you mentioned that the CBZ-X is more stable than the RTR lets not get the 'Gun' into the picture and lets restrain it to the RTR.

IMHO, you haven't ridden the RTR for high speeds yet, do you think its right to judge a bike without even riding it?

Kerb weights:
RTR/Fi: 136kgs.
CBZ-Xtreme: 143 kgs.

Huh?! I wasn't judging anything... I was merely asking!! Not having even ridden it, how can I judge it?? All I know is many people complain about vibrations and about it being better for city riding rather than highway stints. But thats NOT my experience... I dont have any!

When you made a statement like this...

...You have committed the sin of judging it!

The primary reason people complain about it not being good for long hauls is the extremely sporty stance which might or might not be problem over long distances. And that has nothing to do with stability!
Yes vibes are there, but even that has nothing to do with stability!

I hope you are getting what I'm trying to convey!

Well, that was a doubt rather than a judgement!

A doubt created by the fact that the bike looks lighter and with a smaller wheel base ...compared to the CBZ-X.

While its true that vibes dont have anything to do with stability, they would play in important factor if one is considering a bike for long highway drives. In short distance city driving, one could even get used to them... anyway, thats another matter.

I get a stiff back when I do more than 3 hours of continious riding on the cbz-x..anyways could someone please help me with the squeaky rear wheel my so called hard braking solution doesn't work anymore and I don't even want to think the solution is replacing the rear wheel

^^^Yup, stiff back is right!! My CBZ-X has always given me an aching back on long rides... but strangely, not everyone seems to experience this.

IMO ANY bike would give a stiff back after 3 hours of continuous riding!

Hmm... in my case it happens with about an hour of driving. And this never happens on my Shogun! So it definitely has something to do with the CBZ-X only!

Man more than a stiff back what I hate especially in Mumbai is sitting for long periods in traffic (even if your on a bike)..with all the clutch pressing my fingers get hard lumps at the joints. The CBZ-x otherwise has a nice riding posture atleast for me (5ft 11" - 75kgs) my legs fit perfectly into the grooves of the tank and more than once while the bike has fallen my legs have remained safe and unhurt because of that. The legguard and handbar etc hits the ground first saving any impact on the knees etc if your legs are correctly placed hugging the tank.

I have driven the CBZ consistently @ 100-105km/hr for hours on end
all i can say is its planted,safe heck i have even tookmy hands off the bar a couple of times @ those speeds(with a pillion) just for fun.Its rock solid .
But the RTR can teach the xtreme a thing or 2 when its comes to stability @ high speed i felt much safer on rtr @9000RPM maneuvering the bike @ that speed is a piece of cake.The feedback that i got from the rtr on the highway is just great.doing say 50km/hr on the RTR and try pushing it to say 8000RPM i like to do that in my xtreme than in the rtr.I was doing just that on the rtr when this unicorn overtook me @ 3 digit speed i downshifted and opened the throttle and BOOM.My beloved CBZ is not even in competion with this bike.I have shown my cbz a$$ to quite a few Pulsars on the highway and even a rtr recently i overtook him @ 120km/hr saw his face on the rear view mirror he was looking @ the bikes console and me in disbelief.May be the guy was a bad rider may be the bike was poorly maintained i dont know.I scraped the foot pegs of the rtr on the first turn i took on the test ride now that should tell u something
The point is i feel like me and the bike are one and the same .Thats the trademark of the RTR period.

@R15 that part they dont have their is a SC in the next village i will go their tommorow.Give me a couple of days ok?.