Replacing a 1999 ZX-9R....something more usable but quick!
Discussion
I never considered myself a diehard biker, I started early with 125s in my teenage years (in Italy you got to drive them at 16 at the time) but once I got a car I used bikes always less. My last purchase has been a faultless one, I bought the ZX-9R 2nd hand, it was 4 years old with less than 6k km on the clock. I was there to buy a brand new more calm Z750 at the time but I was seduced by the similar-price proposition of a more extreme bike.
Since then I used it regularly during every summer, with a mechanic check-up every season it never had an issue and it still go like hell! It is still great fun for a fast ride in the hills near Turin but I am a little aware of longer trips like go to the Riviera and back, because it is aged and I am not exactly comfortable. Plus my girlfriend is constantly telling me that I am gonna kill myself going around in a 14 years old 150hp bike...even if I did every bit of maintenance.
I am not very updated about todays bikes...I'd like something reliable, fast, sporty among bends but a little more daily friendly, with a less sporty driving position maybe. As I haven't still replaced my weekend car I have a good budget at disposal but I think that a 2-3 years old bike is enough, I don't think I will use it enough to justify a brand new bike purchase.
To sum up, coming from a brutal carb-fed 150hp 13 years old sporty Kawasaki, what should I be looking for to find some more daily use comfort but not loosing the addictive straight line thrill and twisty roads pleasure?
Thanks!
Since then I used it regularly during every summer, with a mechanic check-up every season it never had an issue and it still go like hell! It is still great fun for a fast ride in the hills near Turin but I am a little aware of longer trips like go to the Riviera and back, because it is aged and I am not exactly comfortable. Plus my girlfriend is constantly telling me that I am gonna kill myself going around in a 14 years old 150hp bike...even if I did every bit of maintenance.
I am not very updated about todays bikes...I'd like something reliable, fast, sporty among bends but a little more daily friendly, with a less sporty driving position maybe. As I haven't still replaced my weekend car I have a good budget at disposal but I think that a 2-3 years old bike is enough, I don't think I will use it enough to justify a brand new bike purchase.
To sum up, coming from a brutal carb-fed 150hp 13 years old sporty Kawasaki, what should I be looking for to find some more daily use comfort but not loosing the addictive straight line thrill and twisty roads pleasure?
Thanks!
The extra weight of the Blackbird over the ZX-9R could be an issue? Also the looks are a bit too "sports tourer".
I don't remember how current Z1000 looks, I liked the first generation.
I drove a speed Triple, but it was a long time ago, it was a late 90s model I think, charterful engine and great looks but in terms of performance and perceived weight the ZX-9R blew it away.
The fact is that the game is probably moved on, I have direct knowledge only of 10+ years old bikes.. :-)
I don't remember how current Z1000 looks, I liked the first generation.
I drove a speed Triple, but it was a long time ago, it was a late 90s model I think, charterful engine and great looks but in terms of performance and perceived weight the ZX-9R blew it away.
The fact is that the game is probably moved on, I have direct knowledge only of 10+ years old bikes.. :-)
Mr OCD said:
150bhp from a ZX9R?
Pull the other one...
My best mate has the ZX9R (02) and has ridden for 40,000 miles... He is considering the Triumph Sprint ST next for the exact reasons you mention.
Eh Eh, true 150hp a bit too many but there is a reason why I remember that 150 quote. My bike is quoted for 143ps but testing power at the wheel it performed better than 2 different YZF R1 that were quoted 150ps a the time. It is all original except the exhaust but it kicked 138 hp at the wheel 2 years ago. It now has 26,000 km on the clock...Pull the other one...
My best mate has the ZX9R (02) and has ridden for 40,000 miles... He is considering the Triumph Sprint ST next for the exact reasons you mention.
The most powerful bike I ever rode is probably a Suzuki GSXR-1000 2-3 years ago, it felt it had much more immediate response at any revs and broader power curve but the last 2,000 rpm of the ZX-9R were still impressive even in comparison.
Another reason other than daily use that is forcing me to change is that I can't drive it anymore in my city in working days from 8am to 8pm because it is not emission compliant
black-k1 said:
170bhp, 175mph, 50mpg, shaft drive, all day (600+ mile) comfortable.
matsoc said:
black-k1 said:
170bhp, 175mph, 50mpg, shaft drive, all day (600+ mile) comfortable.
MrOrange said:
I'm sure they are worth a look but knocking on 400kgs with you on board feels like a lot. (disclaimer: not ridden one so just reading numbers)
Yes, you may be right, the extra weight has a deep effect on driving style. After all I am not looking for a tourer bike, I never did very long trips and I doubt I will do in the future.matsoc said:
MrOrange said:
I'm sure they are worth a look but knocking on 400kgs with you on board feels like a lot. (disclaimer: not ridden one so just reading numbers)
Yes, you may be right, the extra weight has a deep effect on driving style. After all I am not looking for a tourer bike, I never did very long trips and I doubt I will do in the future.Try one. Dealers will happily do test rides. If you don't like it then don't buy one!
peteO said:
i had a 2010 z1000 for a few months as a courtesy bike. comfy riding position and enough pull... sounded very very nice too!
I definitely should have a closer look to the Z1000. I have a soft spot for Kawasaki in general and after all these years without a fault I can be only more confident.I should take a test though. A guy living near me that sometimes comes with me for a ride in his recent R6 (he is certainly more a biker than me) argues that I have a demanding driving style and I would be deluded by a less sporty bike, even if I ask for more daily use and comfort. His advice is to try some new sporty bikes, arguing that I would be so pleased by the higher precision and performances that I would stop caring about comfort...I don't know
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