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Bullet
Registered Member

Date Joined Apr 2008
Total Posts : 156

Posted 10/21/2009 8:40 PM (GMT -8)

Been a while since I have been on here. For those of you that don't know my story, here it is briefly. 42 year old male. I have been riding since I was nine. Mostly dirt but for the past 12 years it has been all road. I have had many bikes from sport to cruisers(6 in the past 12 years). Last bike was a Yamaha R6S. Loved the bike but wanted a little more low end torque.

I have looked at a few and really like the ZX-10. I also have an interest in the Yamaha FZ1 and the Kawasaki Z1000. The deal on the ZX-10 is hard to pass up. It's a brand new 2008 that a dealer wants off the floor. $8900/no payments for 6 months/no money down.

My question is, how much different is it? 600 vs 1000? I can look at specifications of the bike and all that and I do understand that a 1000 is much more powerful than a 600. The FZ1 is very interesting but I really like the ZX-10. Thoughts would be appreciated.

"Sometimes you just have to say WTF!"

jon
Registered Member

Date Joined Aug 2004
Total Posts : 4569

Posted 10/21/2009 9:59 PM (GMT -8)

the physical dimensions between a 600 and a 1000 is not really that huge i.e., seat height, wheel base, etc. the weight is not that big of a difference either, less than 50 lbs. in most cases. as you said, the biggest difference is power and especially torque. as with any new bike, take it easy on it until you're familiar with it at a practice ground before hitting the streets and you should be fine.

Smitty
Registered Member

Date Joined Mar 2003
Total Posts : 18448

Posted 10/22/2009 11:00 AM (GMT -8)

With your past experience of riding, especially on a 600cc sportbike then naturally stepping up to 1000cc would be a piece of cake to you. Only thing you will note that there is a LOT or lovely torque in them & cruising along at faster then the flow of traffic, to passing some cages just ahead will be so easy for you.

Only thing I worry about is if it is a new bike & since all are going for many variations of ABS breaks or systems that are different. Now if the bike was without the above then it would be ideal in my mind for myself or in your case.

Remember all the others on the road are crazy & out to kill you.

louemc
Registered Member

Date Joined Mar 2003
Total Posts : 15451

Posted 10/22/2009 11:27 AM (GMT -8)

Since the ZX-10 is calling to You, and You have an extensive bike history, and your 42 so... You have a good chance of adult thinking... I'd say grab the ZX-10.

Then to make it better, Put Street Fighter conversion to the handle bars. Viola, best of both worlds, super components and wide power of the race replica, and sit like you should be sitting to deal with the public highway on your bike with a license plate.

Then You can truely enjoy the wider power band (I trust you have a place to ride, where it can be enjoyed).

Focus the forces, Be The Force

tastroman
Daelim S-2 250

Date Joined Sep 2006
Total Posts : 152

Posted 10/22/2009 2:40 PM (GMT -8)

Not to hijack this thread but I am considering the same thing. I am 44 (been riding street bikes since I was 16) and my current ride is a 250cc scooter but I have been wanting another motorcycle since selling my 1988 Honda Hurricane 1000 about 3 years ago. I just have not been able to figure out what I want so I have remained in limbo. Today I saw an add for leftover 08 CBR 1000's for $7300 otd. I do not really need that much power but at that price it has me thinking. My other thought was a Buell XB12ss as those are going for about the same price in my neck of the woods. The Honda has a local dealership and is still in business so it may have a slight advantage when comparing the 2. I also thought I may have trouble getting use to the Buells tall 1st gear after test riding it.
This bike would be nothing more that a toy for me used mainly for weekend rides in the mountains as I commute on my scooter which I will be keeping. I imagine the bike would see less that 2000 miles a year.

Any thoughts, pro's vs cons would be appreciated.

Bullet
Registered Member

Date Joined Apr 2008
Total Posts : 156

Posted 10/22/2009 3:31 PM (GMT -8)

Smitty, I think it would be easy also but having never ridden anything that powerful, I wanted some opinions.

Lou, I live in Salt Lake City. There are some places to open it up and some real nice twisties to try out the suspension. If I remember correctly, didn't you say you lived in Ogden at one time? I have been Googling the ZX-10 for the past couple of nights and I have read and seen some interesting things. This is a powerful bike. My biggest concern is that I will never use it to it's full potential. Did I use the R6S to it's full potential? No, but I did push it hard. The Streetfighter bars have raised an eyebrow to me. I never thought about that. Wouldn't I be making a Z1000 out of the ZX-10? The 10 definitely has the edge on the power battle tho. I sat on all three and loved them all. The nod for comfort goes to the FZ1 and the Z1000 but the sheer HOLY s**t factor all goes to the 10. Am I thinking with my dick? What man doesn't? Could I be getting in over my head? I don't think so. I have rode long enough to have respect for motorcycles. Notice "Respect" not "Fear". 2 very different things in the world of motorcycles. If you have fear, get off the bike.

I have also read that alot of 10 owners do not get out of 2nd gear in the city. They say it has relatively nice manners in the city tho. Power is there when you need it.

Very tough decision. Thanks for the input and anything else you wish to share is fine.

"Sometimes you just have to say WTF!"

louemc
Registered Member

Date Joined Mar 2003
Total Posts : 15451

Posted 10/23/2009 9:01 AM (GMT -8)

Yes, I have Ogden time. North Ogden canyon was a favorite road, since hardly anyone uses that road (too much climb and decent, for normal types). The Normal people use Ogden canyon, with the gradual grade along side the river.

But, to the point, Street fighter bars on a ZX-10 do not, not even close, make a Z1000 out of it. Even though Kawasaki makes advertizing claims on the Z1000 engine (based on) the ZX-10, and chassis and suspension, it's hype to appeal to people that don't want the hard edged Race Replica performance. No One is putting Clip-ons, on a Z-1000, and racing it.

You want the rarfied experiences of what all this race development has brought, To get a feeling here and there, that is not available, on mundane bikes, get the real deal.

Forget the "full potental" debate. The bike delivers, when you ask it to. And when you are in a place where You wonder just how far that might go, It will show you something You didn't even dream of. Utah cops are "difficult", so that has to be watched like a hawk, but...I find it very easy to cool it, where cops are (or could be), and get my RUSH when I have the area to myself. Bet you wouldn't find a cop in the summer on the road up to Snow Basin, or Powder Mountain. And I'll bet that when the Street fighter bars are on, You will be taking long rides out of populated places.

And the fairing (even when you are more upright with Street fighter bars, available from Spiegler) splits the air blast, taking the force that gets to you,down to nothing to talk about. Go to the ZX-10R.net site and (their search function works) and find pictures of the bikes with that conversion, and what the owners have to say about their bikes, after making that conversion.

Focus the forces, Be The Force

Post Edited (louemc) : 10/23/2009 5:07:48 PM GMT

GAJ
Registered Member

Date Joined Jul 2007
Total Posts : 4763

Posted 10/23/2009 9:05 AM (GMT -8)

The deals on those CBR's are, indeed, hard to pass up for someone who has experience and literbike fever.

The top 10 of the Senior TT at the Isle of Mann this year was mostly CBR's so it's a damned good platform for whatever you want to turn it into.

I scratched my literbike itch 12 years ago and am glad I did, even though the relative congestion of my riding area makes smaller bikes often a better choice for every day.

Mr. Silver
Registered Member

Date Joined Aug 2009
Total Posts : 7

Posted 10/23/2009 9:55 AM (GMT -8)

While a liter bike isn't for everyone, it appears that you both have the experience to handle them. If the thought of having that much power and speed is attractive to you, I say go for it. It's awesome to have that much performance available when you want it.

Before you go out canyon blasting, though, spend some time getting a solid feel for the power these monsters can deliver. Although the 600 sportbikes are fast, the 1000's deliver power noticeable harder. Enough so that you could get into trouble if caught unaware. But as long as you remember what you are riding and what it can do, you'll freakin' love 'em.

Bullet
Registered Member

Date Joined Apr 2008
Total Posts : 156

Posted 10/23/2009 10:56 AM (GMT -8)

Lou, I looked at that site and a few more. Those are some very nice looking conversions. It can get a bit pricey if you want to go all the way on the 10. The handlebars are about the cheapest thing. Saw a picture of one 10 that had been completely redone. I mean from front to back. Absolutely fantastic. Gave me wood. God, I have to get a bike of some kind. I wonder if I can make it until Spring?

"Sometimes you just have to say WTF!"

louemc
Registered Member

Date Joined Mar 2003
Total Posts : 15451

Posted 10/23/2009 11:13 AM (GMT -8)

I think the Spiegler, LSL handle bar kit (and it is complete) is about $400.00.

Since the price of the bike is such a bargin, and you really don't have to do anything (except the handle bars), it's a Super bargain. Is that price going to exist when Spring time comes and bikers start salivating in the dealerships? I don't think so.

Focus the forces, Be The Force

Desmolicious
Registered Member

Date Joined Aug 2004
Total Posts : 4618

Posted 10/23/2009 11:39 AM (GMT -8)

Bullet said...

. The deal on the ZX-10 is hard to pass up. It's a brand new 2008 that a dealer wants off the floor. $8900/no payments for 6 months/no money down.

You sure it's an 08? In my area out the door pricing on the 08 (meaning total what you'll pay to leave with it - including all taxes/fees/set up) is $10,200.

For an 07 it is OTD $8800.

This is in LA with it's 9.75% sales tax.

Børk! Børk! Børk!

tastroman
Daelim S-2 250

Date Joined Sep 2006
Total Posts : 152

Posted 10/23/2009 12:14 PM (GMT -8)

GAJ said...
The deals on those CBR's are, indeed, hard to pass up for someone who has experience and literbike fever.

The top 10 of the Senior TT at the Isle of Mann this year was mostly CBR's so it's a damned good platform for whatever you want to turn it into.

I scratched my literbike itch 12 years ago and am glad I did, even though the relative congestion of my riding area makes smaller bikes often a better choice for every day.

GAJ, you ride a Buell if I remember correctly. I have always owned inline 4's. Was it hard for you to adjust to a V twin? Also , I do a lot of mountain riding, so is the tall 1st gear on the Buell a problem on the really tight stuff?

Bullet
Registered Member

Date Joined Apr 2008
Total Posts : 156

Posted 10/23/2009 12:22 PM (GMT -8)

Desmolicious said...

Bullet said...

. The deal on the ZX-10 is hard to pass up. It's a brand new 2008 that a dealer wants off the floor. $8900/no payments for 6 months/no money down.

You sure it's an 08? In my area out the door pricing on the 08 (meaning total what you'll pay to leave with it - including all taxes/fees/set up) is $10,200.

For an 07 it is OTD $8800.

This is in LA with it's 9.75% sales tax.

I do believe it is. Times are tough here in Salt Lake too and I think they want the older bikes off the floor. I could be wrong though. They are offering some really good deals on what the have left of the Kawasakis.

"Sometimes you just have to say WTF!"

GAJ
Registered Member

Date Joined Jul 2007
Total Posts : 4763

Posted 10/23/2009 1:03 PM (GMT -8)

tastroman said...

Nah, my old literbike is a '97 TL1000S, but my prior bikes were inline 4's and an inline 3. Really not hard to get used to big torque if you are judicious as to when to apply it. Does take a little getting used to in the tighter confines of where I generally ride, but most experienced riders should have little trouble, (I don't think any Buell's prior to the 1125 had more than the 73 lb/ft on my old Suzuki).

The thing WILL do 90 mph in first but it has so much torque low down, you just short shift the thing and there's still plenty of grunt.

Any experienced motorcyclist should scratch whatever itch they have; be it literbike, or, for me, more recently, a small SM. Fun comes in many flavors on two wheels.

Smitty
Registered Member

Date Joined Mar 2003
Total Posts : 18448

Posted 10/23/2009 4:40 PM (GMT -8)

What I said at the first still sticks. I really do not putter around town BUT to get from one main hwy to the other side of it, I must pass through a small city. In fact getting out of my small town to the same hwy is still so darn easy. No I do not speed in this town for we have a few school zones to pass through along with elderly people, not that I am not elderly myself, but sidewalks are almost impossible so not surprising to see kids running up & down the very road I am on to elderly to such people out for a walk on the streets lacking said sidewalks.

That is still so easy to ride through with a larger sportbike. On the hwys & especially the twisties of the passes to mountains it is so easy to scoot along at a bit above the Max speed limit or even faster. All of this is where a 1000 is like a dream.

So now you can see what I mean in my first post unless you are questionable, which is something I cannot correct in your mind.

Remember all the others on the road are crazy & out to kill you.

Post Edited (Smitty) : 10/25/2009 12:27:51 AM GMT

thesoapster
Registered Member

Date Joined Sep 2007
Total Posts : 470

Posted 10/23/2009 6:16 PM (GMT -8)

I've seen some great deals on the current gen 1000RR's. They are fantastic machines, very light and small, too. The ZX-10R is also good, but I think you (Bullet) would probably appreciate the mid-range power delivery of the CBR more than the 10.

Bullet
Registered Member

Date Joined Apr 2008
Total Posts : 156

Posted 10/24/2009 7:58 AM (GMT -8)

I like the looks of the CBR alot but there is one thing that I do not like about the Honda. That is the gear shifter. When I bought my R6S last Feb. there was a CBR1000 that was about $400 more than the R6S. Another new bike that the dealer wanted off the floor and lowered the price alot. I sat on it and loved the way it felt. For $400 more I could have a CBR1000!?!?! I put my left foot by the shifter to see how it felt and hated it. There was no way that I was going to buy a bike and not be comfortable shifting it. Yes, I have some big feet. That may be part of the problem. I like bike makers that still make the conventional shifter although the CBR is a beautiful bike. Still thinking about what to get and when.

"Sometimes you just have to say WTF!"

louemc
Registered Member

Date Joined Mar 2003
Total Posts : 15451

Posted 10/24/2009 9:26 AM (GMT -8)

Alot of different opinions, and of course they are valid for the person having them, but...(here comes the required But) terms like torque and how one bike turns vs another one, or one bike (like a Honda CBR) is vs a ZX-10, and mid range...

It all depends on how the Dude rides it and where.

Since this is Bullets thread, and I have some experiece riding in his area, I just can't help myself. I gotta say... The ZX-10 has no lack of Torque, and it turns better (quicker/easier) than anything I've had before.
The just before bike was a 1000 L-twin, Suzuki TLR modified for the tight twisties. There is one particular switchback that is very steep and holding a line close to the edge of the road (because there is the possibility that a day would come when an on-coming vehicle is taking up, my space, cutting that corner, and I have to be able to stay on the edge, to avoid the collision), is what I worked on, over and over.

The first time out with the ZX-10, it hadn't been set up yet, it took that corner with ease, in the way I had tried to do it with the L-twin.

There was a time when V-Twins were superior turners, and inline fours were the worst turners. The inline fours had the advantage of power, the V-twins the advantage of turning.

That was a long time ago. Weight centralization has been a major effort in the race development. Now the inline fours (or V-fours) rule.

And torque, smork. It's really a matter of having the power when you want it.
The ZX-10 has it, in spades. When you have all you can lay down, another bike even though it has a higher number on a dyno chart, doesn't have more that is called on, on the pavement.

And... putting street fighter conversion handlebars on these liter race replica's, makes a huge improvement on the confidence to get on the gas.
No one has to take my word for it, Sport Rider magazine did it about a year ago, and it is in the feature article called Build your own, ultimate Sport bike. They did this handle bar conversion to their R1 and the difference in performance in the canyon strafing (performance because of an ability to get on the gas harder sooner and stay on it longer)
Amazed them.
The ZX-10 (but not limited to ZX-10's) has it, when the rider can get on the gas. If the rider is a Nancy and can't get on the gas, then they aren't Liter Race Replica material anyway.

Focus the forces, Be The Force

Smitty
Registered Member

Date Joined Mar 2003
Total Posts : 18448

Posted 10/24/2009 4:37 PM (GMT -8)

Bullet when you look at the gear change lever it is so easy to adjust with just two 10mm spanners. I have had to do this a number of times on my bikes for the left ankle does not flick around like a tenner due to being damaged so many times. Still it only takes a few minutes of your time.

One day I was riding with an entirely different form of boot. So I shifted without any frustration, but once at a small town I stopped off for a coffee & made the adjustment there in something like 10-15 minutes so really it is that easy. I have run across regulars, of this board, with problems in shifting. Gave them the same bit of info & in no time at all they had done the work.

The hand control levers can be adjusted for your preference when riding rather then that of the factory worker that set them up. You rode a 600cc so you should have realized the same or just possibly someone at the shop made the minor adjustment.

Remember all the others on the road are crazy & out to kill you.

Bullet
Registered Member

Date Joined Apr 2008
Total Posts : 156

Posted 10/24/2009 9:07 PM (GMT -8)

Smitty, I did adjust the control levers. No problem there. I just didn't like the way the CBR's shift lever was inverted. Didn't feel right to me. The salesman I dealt with was telling me the same thing. "Don't ride it if you're not comfortable with it." It does help that the salesman is also my friend. I love the way the CBR looks and have heard nothing but good things about. I just don't like the inverted shift lever.

I have though just about made up my mind on which bike I would like. I am really leaning towards the Kawasaki Z1000. I went down again today and sat on the ZX-10 and the Z1000. The 1000 is really growing on me. It's also one of the best looking bikes i've seen. If I do anything, it will prolly be the next week or 2.

"Sometimes you just have to say WTF!"

GAJ
Registered Member

Date Joined Jul 2007
Total Posts : 4763

Posted 10/25/2009 8:45 AM (GMT -8)

Bullet said...

Don't let some blowhard on here tell you that unless you go for the ZX-10 or another race replica, for street riding, that you're somehow inadequate.

Buy what YOU like!

Happy hunting.

RedDog
Retired SportBike Bum

Date Joined Mar 2003
Total Posts : 11268

Posted 10/25/2009 8:48 AM (GMT -8)

The Z1000 is a great bike and fellows that have it, are very happy owners. Southspice's (where is she?) hubby has one. Sweet bike.

RedDog

Think Ahead! Travel Light & Leave Your Fears Behind You!

Normal People Scare me! Travel Light and Leave Your Fears Behind You!

Bullet
Registered Member

Date Joined Apr 2008
Total Posts : 156

Posted 10/25/2009 1:34 PM (GMT -8)

I looked at some aftermarket seats for it since it feels ok but I might want to ride to St.George or Vegas on it. The Corbin seat looks pretty good and my brother has one and says it great. Hmmm, now all I need is the bike. The wife gave me the green light so I may go down tomorrow and see about it. This will be the first bike that I will not pay cash for. I am going to have to finance it. Going to be weird.

"Sometimes you just have to say WTF!"

Bullet
Registered Member

Date Joined Apr 2008
Total Posts : 156

Posted 10/25/2009 8:28 PM (GMT -8)

Well, all I have to do is think about buying a bike and here comes the snow. I am going down Monday 10/26 to see what the payments will be but I can't get the bike tomorrow. Have to watch the forecast and see if I can squeeze it in another day.

"Sometimes you just have to say WTF!"

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