Anyone still run a ZZR1100?

[dern]

Anyone still run a ZZR1100? Considering a second bike again for longer trips and commuting in the rain. Used to have a GPZ1100 E1 that I really liked. What are they like to run these days? Are they totally outdated now?

Mainly looking at Blackbirds but a kawasaki popped up on ebay that looked good in a retro way.

Cheers,

Mark

[2wheelsjimmy]

I looked at these, but went blackbird as I preferred the 'looks'. ZZR I couldn't like the way it looked.

Just buy on condition, sure it'd be good.

[sjtscott]

The Blackbird moved things on from the ZZR1100 in terms of production speed records lol.. thats all I need to say. I had a Blackbird for almost 8 years

[dern]

Must admit to having always wanted a blackbird. I shouldn't get so easily distracted, it's just that this is so shiney

[Jazoli]

Most will be knackered by now as the build quality wasn't great, I really rated mine but if I was after a sub £2k sport tourer I'd be buying a Blackbird purely on the strength of how well they were put together.

[Rubin215]

Bargain.

https://www.gumtree.com/p/kawasaki-motorbikes/kawa...

[Lee540]

Go for a ZX12R instead..

[2wheelsjimmy]

Jazoli said:

I'd be buying a Blackbird purely on the strength of how well they were put together.

Can attest. Done 15,000 miles on mine in 9 months commuting. Oil and filter and thats all. Washed once after winter. Never batted an eye. Didn't ride it for 5 weeks after christmas, started up first time in January and went as goo as before.

I love it for that. And for the rush once you're over 6k rpm.

[Weso]

2wheelsjimmy said:

Jazoli said:

I'd be buying a Blackbird purely on the strength of how well they were put together.

Can attest. Done 15,000 miles on mine in 9 months commuting. Oil and filter and thats all. Washed once after winter. Never batted an eye. Didn't ride it for 5 weeks after christmas, started up first time in January and went as goo as before.

I love it for that. And for the rush once you're over 6k rpm.

My blackbird was one of my favourite bikes I've ever owned. Totally reliable, beautifully built and properly rapid.
Only got rid with 56k on the clock as I was going to lose my licence on it due to having zero self control.
Wes

[dern]

Rubin215 said:

Bargain.

https://www.gumtree.com/p/kawasaki-motorbikes/kawa...

Just like my old one, great bike. Did dissolve a bit over winter though.

[Fire99]

I have a lot of love for the ZZR. It'll probably feel a bit agricultural compared to more modern bikes (Blackbird included) but get a good one and the engine character (and noise) is fantastic. Not as 'ride and forget' as the Blackbird. You'll need to look after it.

[dern]

Fire99 said:

I have a lot of love for the ZZR. It'll probably feel a bit agricultural compared to more modern bikes (Blackbird included) but get a good one and the engine character (and noise) is fantastic. Not as 'ride and forget' as the Blackbird. You'll need to look after it.

Therein lies the rub really. I have the blade and don't want it to dissolve like the last one (I'm crap at looking after bikes cosmetically). I think that I need to stick with blackbird idea. I did look at the ZX12R which does look nice but I fancy the blackbird more.

I have an old TTR250 stuck round the side of the house that needs a clean, an mot and selling. I'll get rid of that and go shopping for another honda.

[Fire99]

dern said:

Therein lies the rub really. I have the blade and don't want it to dissolve like the last one (I'm crap at looking after bikes cosmetically). I think that I need to stick with blackbird idea. I did look at the ZX12R which does look nice but I fancy the blackbird more.

It's a good point. I actually looked at some Blackbirds last year and to be honest, they don't really pull my heart strings like the likes of the ZZR but the Honda is built really well and all the ones I looked at, gave me the impression they would be very tolerant to winter riding and not being too loving with the maintenance. Definitely a safe bet..

[jonindorset]

Recently bought a 2000 registered VFR800FI Anniversary for this purpose. Not the fastest but beautifully built and turbine smooth.