Best bikes for £10-12k - is the Z1000SX it?
Discussion
Looking for some opinions on NEW bikes in this price range.
Would like something (most importantly) great to look at, fun in the twisties and not too heavy, and not a twin as I'm sick of the vibrations on my current 2017 Vstrom 1000 (although its a decent bike for the price, but yeah pig ugly). Holding a pillion is a massive bonus, as is not looking rubbish with a top box.
I walked into a Kwack showroom today looking at the latest Z900RS (which is basically the same as the 2018 one) and they are really nice looking, but found myself a bit cramped on it and looking at the really good looking 2021 Z1000SX instead. The orange and grey one, looks great in person (hopefully pic hotlinks ok)
Thoughts? Should I consider upping/lowering my price range?
I'm 6'1 and 16 stone so a bit chunky I guess but no more so than most 40-odd year olds I've met. 32 inch inseam. Yeah I know about cycle ergo but just wondering if I've missed some other alternatives.
I've had a K1300S in the past but was a bit meh to look at and vibey at 4k (as they all are apparently).
Cheers
edit: FYI I've ruled out the S1000R and MT10 as they aren't, IMHO, good looking.
Would like something (most importantly) great to look at, fun in the twisties and not too heavy, and not a twin as I'm sick of the vibrations on my current 2017 Vstrom 1000 (although its a decent bike for the price, but yeah pig ugly). Holding a pillion is a massive bonus, as is not looking rubbish with a top box.
I walked into a Kwack showroom today looking at the latest Z900RS (which is basically the same as the 2018 one) and they are really nice looking, but found myself a bit cramped on it and looking at the really good looking 2021 Z1000SX instead. The orange and grey one, looks great in person (hopefully pic hotlinks ok)
Thoughts? Should I consider upping/lowering my price range?
I'm 6'1 and 16 stone so a bit chunky I guess but no more so than most 40-odd year olds I've met. 32 inch inseam. Yeah I know about cycle ergo but just wondering if I've missed some other alternatives.
I've had a K1300S in the past but was a bit meh to look at and vibey at 4k (as they all are apparently).
Cheers
edit: FYI I've ruled out the S1000R and MT10 as they aren't, IMHO, good looking.
Edited by snagzie on Thursday 3rd June 15:02
Edited by snagzie on Thursday 3rd June 15:05
conkerman said:
The outgoing model GSX-S1000F can be picked up for about £9k and are pretty decent all round bikes (Pillions may not like the seat though!)
Quick enough, lighter than the kawasaki, great on twisties.
More old mans sportbike than tourer so luggage options are somewhat sparse.
Quick enough, lighter than the kawasaki, great on twisties.
More old mans sportbike than tourer so luggage options are somewhat sparse.
Yeah aware of those. Bit fugly but will check them out, in person as the z1000sx looks miles better in person
I’ve the 2017 z1000sx, and can’t fault it. Had it a few years so thinking about a change, but keep thinking the best change for me would simply be an upgrade to the new Ninja. Like the z900 myself, but looks small and think with lots of two-up riding it’d be a compromise - they do look superb though.
I chopped my V-Strom in for one late last year, mines the 2020 performance sport tourer so has the Akra and panniers. I think it’s a great all rounder, looks good, comfy (I’m 6’2” 14st) and plenty fast enough too. Ive also got a GSXR1000R and have wondered if I really need that as well it’s that good in my view, I’m no riding god though, only need to look at the GSXR rear tyre 
The Z1000SX is the answer if you want an all rounder for sure, mine was fantastic, I toured, did trackdays, weekend scratching, carried a pillion and luggage and commuted on it and it was perfect, it also has a very upright relaxed riding position.
For £11k there is nothing comparable in my opinion.
For £11k there is nothing comparable in my opinion.
Great 5 star bikes if u want some left field suggestions - new Triumph Speed Twin - hitting dealers Aug - £11k. KTM 890 Duke R - about £10.5k.
Both fun in the twisties, the KTM pretty light. Not uncommon to hear journos say it was the most fun bike they rode last year.
Quite different to a 1000cc inline 4 tho…
Both fun in the twisties, the KTM pretty light. Not uncommon to hear journos say it was the most fun bike they rode last year.
Quite different to a 1000cc inline 4 tho…
lukeyman said:
That's a really good find. Love this colour! A lot for the money - and a few grand off new I'd have thought.lukeyman said:
That’s lovely, didn’t know they did them in that blue. A lot of bike for the money that’s for sure. If you're looking a low mileage used then you might want to consider https://www.autotrader.co.uk/bike-details/20201228...
Looks are Marmite (no bugger likes it!) but the engine is something really special. Mrs K1 says the pillion is pretty good. The torque of your old K1300S but in a shorter, sharper chassis with almost 200bhp (not flashed!) It'll take the same luggage as the Z1000SX.
Looks are Marmite (no bugger likes it!) but the engine is something really special. Mrs K1 says the pillion is pretty good. The torque of your old K1300S but in a shorter, sharper chassis with almost 200bhp (not flashed!) It'll take the same luggage as the Z1000SX.
snagzie said:
conkerman said:
The outgoing model GSX-S1000F can be picked up for about £9k and are pretty decent all round bikes (Pillions may not like the seat though!)
Quick enough, lighter than the kawasaki, great on twisties.
More old mans sportbike than tourer so luggage options are somewhat sparse.
Quick enough, lighter than the kawasaki, great on twisties.
More old mans sportbike than tourer so luggage options are somewhat sparse.
Yeah aware of those. Bit fugly but will check them out, in person as the z1000sx looks miles better in person
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MMbU322PfDs
black-k1 said:
If you're looking a low mileage used then you might want to consider https://www.autotrader.co.uk/bike-details/20201228...
Looks are Marmite (no bugger likes it!) but the engine is something really special. Mrs K1 says the pillion is pretty good. The torque of your old K1300S but in a shorter, sharper chassis with almost 200bhp (not flashed!) It'll take the same luggage as the Z1000SX.
You could get everywhere 40% faster!Looks are Marmite (no bugger likes it!) but the engine is something really special. Mrs K1 says the pillion is pretty good. The torque of your old K1300S but in a shorter, sharper chassis with almost 200bhp (not flashed!) It'll take the same luggage as the Z1000SX.
black-k1 said:
If you're looking a low mileage used then you might want to consider https://www.autotrader.co.uk/bike-details/20201228...
Looks are Marmite (no bugger likes it!) but the engine is something really special. Mrs K1 says the pillion is pretty good. The torque of your old K1300S but in a shorter, sharper chassis with almost 200bhp (not flashed!) It'll take the same luggage as the Z1000SX.
Thats a great price for 400 miles. I'm based in North West so not too far away. Didn't even think they'd come into the equation tbh. Thanks for the heads up (even though I know you're slightly biased! Looks are Marmite (no bugger likes it!) but the engine is something really special. Mrs K1 says the pillion is pretty good. The torque of your old K1300S but in a shorter, sharper chassis with almost 200bhp (not flashed!) It'll take the same luggage as the Z1000SX.
)They're doing pre reg'd near me for around 14500 so may (will) have a look tomorrow when I go to the Kawasaki showroom. £3k extra worth it though?
fake edit: Sod that its £8-900 to insure.
snagzie said:
black-k1 said:
If you're looking a low mileage used then you might want to consider https://www.autotrader.co.uk/bike-details/20201228...
Looks are Marmite (no bugger likes it!) but the engine is something really special. Mrs K1 says the pillion is pretty good. The torque of your old K1300S but in a shorter, sharper chassis with almost 200bhp (not flashed!) It'll take the same luggage as the Z1000SX.
Thats a great price for 400 miles. I'm based in North West so not too far away. Didn't even think they'd come into the equation tbh. Thanks for the heads up (even though I know you're slightly biased! Looks are Marmite (no bugger likes it!) but the engine is something really special. Mrs K1 says the pillion is pretty good. The torque of your old K1300S but in a shorter, sharper chassis with almost 200bhp (not flashed!) It'll take the same luggage as the Z1000SX.
)They're doing pre reg'd near me for around 14500 so may (will) have a look tomorrow when I go to the Kawasaki showroom. £3k extra worth it though?
fake edit: Sod that its £8-900 to insure.
I had to shop around for insurance on mine but got id own to sub £400. I'f you've not done the MCN compare site then I'd suggest trying there.
Is the pre-reg an SX or an SX SE? If SE, then yes, worth it. If an SX, I'm not so sure. For an non SE my money would go on the older one.
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