What Bike (ZZR1400 vs Z1000SX or Altern)

[J50N WA]

looking to replace my current bike, a 07 CB600 Hornet. Nothing wrong with the bike but its too short geared for my current commute.

At the moment I am commuting 35miles e/w , 30 of that round the M25 and the little Hornet is sitting at 6k + rpm.

I'd like a little more weather protection, and gearing more suited to the motorway, but also something comfortable in town in case I get relocated back to the city again..

also considering the up coming ULEZ ruling so cannot just keep the Hornet for City and buy a big older tourer for M work, so currently looking at a 2010 ZZR1400 or a 2011 Z1000s.. any preferences of these 2 or any alternatives?

cheers in advance,

[Nath911t]

Two totally different bikes with power and riding position with the z1 been more upright. The Z1sx are nice capable bikes. The ZZR will rip your arms out of your socket and reach silly speeds without breaking into a sweat. Both better than a 600 (IMO) but if your not doing much motorway riding then decent ear plugs to drown out the noise.

My sadist side says I'd have the zzr simply because they're animals when you wind them up but sensible side the z1sx. Which one do you really like out of the two?

[J50N WA]

Already wear plugs, just feel uncomfortable holding the high RPM steady for the 40 or so mins..

bloke at work used to have a ZZR1400 when I had my old fireblade, I loved them then. Not really seen the Z1000SX in action, but trying to be sensible and am thinking it would be tons better at City work whilst still fully OK on the M/ways..

[Chainsaw Rebuild]

As a cheap and easy fix you could fit a smaller rear sprocket to raise the gearing.

[J50N WA]

Chainsaw Rebuild said:

As a cheap and easy fix you could fit a smaller rear sprocket to raise the gearing.

thinking ahead, current bike doesn't pass the ULEZ requirements. needs to be 08 plate or newer.. (that's Man Maths for I fancy a change..)

[trickywoo]

The ZZR is a sledgehammer to crack a nut but if you simply fancy one they are hard to look past. A ‘busa will match a pre 2012 ‘14 and be easier to work on.

The Z SX is the sensible choice but a GSX S 1000F may be in budget as an alternative.

[pmr01]

hiya

this 'may' help you. I have some bikes and my commute is circa 35 miles there and then 35 back. The last mile or so is city and the choices i have are 12 plate zzr14 and 15 plate s1000r...so similar in concept.

If i had to take a bike every day...the s1000r would never get a look in because the fairing / gearing etc just makes it so much easier on the larger bike. I sit at 80 / 90 at 4300 - 5000 revs and they both get circa 48mpg on such an easy commute. Actually, scratch that...i probably dont sit as fast as that on the BM. The BM is geared crazy low so at 70 you're doing 5000 revs.

At the other end, its a ballache to filter on the zzr as the bm is far more maneuverable.

[black-k1]

I commute 75 miles each way on a K1300S. Comfortable, fast and efficient. 50mpg with a 200 mile tank range. Shaft drive for ease of maintenance and electronic adjustable suspension for different road surfaces.

ETA: You need to read this: https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...

Edited by black-k1 on Tuesday 14th August 11:55

[Pravus1]

I did exactly the same change. I was tired of buzzing at 6k on the hornet so I picked a zzr1400.

It's not as fun in the twisty bits but it's super comfortable, better on fuel and the torque makes the commute so relaxing.

[J50N WA]

Thanks for the input, was actually leaning towards the Z SX but now its swung back..

I would be all over the ZZR14 if I thought it was really OK in the city, I can throw the Hornet around like a BMX, but am concerned the 14 would get stuck a little too much??

[TheCommuter]

J50N WA said:

looking to replace my current bike, a 07 CB600 Hornet. Nothing wrong with the bike but its too short geared for my current commute.

At the moment I am commuting 35miles e/w , 30 of that round the M25 and the little Hornet is sitting at 6k + rpm.

I'd like a little more weather protection, and gearing more suited to the motorway, but also something comfortable in town in case I get relocated back to the city again..

also considering the up coming ULEZ ruling so cannot just keep the Hornet for City and buy a big older tourer for M work, so currently looking at a 2010 ZZR1400 or a 2011 Z1000s.. any preferences of these 2 or any alternatives?

cheers in advance,

I recommend the zzr1400. I bought one earlier this year and commute into central London every day from Hertfordshire. It is excellent on the motorway and perfectly competent when filtering. For the really tight gaps when filtering in the city fold the mirrors and you will be fine. It will feel heaver than your Hornet at crawling speeds but on the flip side will be rock solid stable on the motorway. The engine is extremely smooth too.

Should you want something cheaper perhaps consider the GSX1250FA. I used to own a Bandit 1250 and the gsx is basically a faired bandit which gives you wind protection which the Bandit lacks.

[terry tibbs]

I use a zzr 14 for work which includes going to that london st hole

its low down so you miss all the mirrors, its narrow about 770 ish mm

mirrors are a long way so pulling them in for the extra few mm is difficult

Luggage fastening points or a range of top boxes available, strong engine runs fking hot, easy up at 105/110 all this summer, fairings tricky to take on and off but plenty of youpube stuff to assist

BUT it is heavy and long, so if fk 'ead in his four cylinder diesel euro box decides he's gone to squeeze you at the last minute you cannot just flick around the other side of him like you can on a smaller bike

That said it has great presence, with hypnotic move over lights (no idea why but they do work) and it goes like fk even in top from a lethargic 30 all the way to 180+

I had a zsx before, different bike, different riding positon, but strong engine, lighter, fairing just as fiddley, st lights (need and upgrade) – 40 000 in two years no issues just pain in the arse servicing schedule

[SteelerSE]

You might consider something like a Versys 1000 if you prefer inline 4s. Should do everything you want in comfort and probably slightly better in traffic if you do end up back in London. A VFR1200 might be another (shaft drive and war speed). Or a Yamaha Tenere which I think are massively underrated - big for filtering though.

I ended up with a Honda Crossrunner for my 35 mile London commute. It was my compromise between wanting a bigger bike (Yamaha Tenere) so that the engine can take the miles but still wanting some maneuverability in traffic. I've been very happy with it but it doesn't sound like the sort of thing that you're after.

[J50N WA]

No preference to an I4 over a V engine, had a S4R Ducati years ago and loved the low torque. Wont touch Ducati again after being stung heavily on servicing but am open to other ideas. I chose Kawasaki as they make a great noise and have always been my go to manufacturer... was also considering a Triumph ST 1050 but am unsure of the quality..

I am interested in decent mpg though and think 48+ is good..

[Pravus1]

I'm on 46 long term average and it keeps going up (I didn't reset it from the last guy). That includes motorway and town and twisty hooning.

It's easier to filter on that the hornet as its a bit narrower unless you need to switchback. At that point the length works against you.

The engine is also super smooth so none of those buzzed hands or feet from 80+ running

[CaptainSlow]

J50N WA said:

... was also considering a Triumph ST 1050 but am unsure of the quality..

I do 35 miles each way on a Sprint 1050, no problems.