In the handling/sport department, the ZX-12R took high honors with it's superior brakes, riding position, and handling.

Quote: "The bike upon which you'll most look forward to the next apex is the Ninja-it's by some way the most sporting of this group."

On the straight line performance, the Hayabusa took the 0-60mph crown and inched by the Ninja by 0.04 seconds in the 1/4 mile... yet the Ninja scored a higher mph in the 1/4 mile and had the highest top speed of the day. Granted, the 2001-2005 model Hayabusa's are limited to 184mph while the ZX-12R's are limited to 186mph.

On the dyno, the ZX-12R bested the Hayabusa by 3+ ponies at peak, but the Hayabusa scored in the torque department with 7+ ft lbs more in the midrange. The ZX-12R was said to have a peaky motor, making it's power up top whereas the Hayabusa shines in the midrange. The ZX-12R was quoted as having the quickest and snappiest revving engine of the bunch.