Kawasaki Sportsbike Riders Club - Australia - Online Forum

At the moment i own an 04 ZX6R but after riding about 300k's on the weekend i was feeling very sore. I have always found the riding position of sportsbikes to be a bit uncomfortable and i have had a few issues with back and neck pain recently (not related to riding). My bike has 7000k's on the clock and about 20mm of unused tread on the outside of the tyres.

My question is would it be worth my while selling it and buying a z1000? I have more recently fallen in love with the look of them and other nakeds (mostly bikes). However the bikes in my price range have over 20000k's on the clock and that is causing me to be abit hesitant as i don't want to buy a bike that is going to need new brake discs or tyres etc soon after i buy it.

My other option is to spend a few dollars on the ZX6R and turnit into a street fighter. I think it would look very similar to the z1000 just a bit smaller.

Thanks
Terry

Street fighter a 04 zx6r next thing you will tell me its a green one .

I found my six hard going at first but learnt after about 4000kms and a bit of hard going that it can be adjusted so that its not so bad really...no pain no gain.... might sound like a funny thing but if you can set your preload at the front to about 35mm or less sag its ride actually will get softer well maybe less harsh and sing out if you need a hand with this.

Either that or get a z1000 I have also thought of this probably a orange one but as time goes by the six really grows on you, just dont try to carry a pillion.

the hard suspension isn't my concern more the bent over riding position.

i would also like to carry a pillion in the near future so i guess that answers my question.

ohh just fit a damper and sit upright, I did the big yawn and stretch and let go of the bars going up the freeway one day and nearly fell off the back lol...if your going to sell it post her up with a piccy in the buy and sell.

Have you ridden long on that bike? I remember my first time on 2000 ZX6R I was sooo sore on the wrist and back and turns out that I put too much weight in front (lazy riding position). After few advise from good old ksrcian fellows now my weight is not on the wrist anymore (I can ride with no hands ) but on the legs rather. A 700k weekend is quite normal now with the record being 900k and not sore.

i have had the bike for twelve months and done all 7000k's myself. my wrists are usually fine its my thighs and lower back that ache after a ride. i have had problems in my lower back and neck after a car accident a few years ago. unfortunately the bike tends to aggrevate it and puts me off riding for a few weeks. i think a more upright riding position would solve that. also i don't think i will ever use the performance benefits of a pure sportsbike. i think most of my tyres (which are the original ones from new) still have mould release wax on them.

Anyone with a Zed thou is instantly cool in my book.

a z1000 is a sports bike with no fairing

and i wouldnt worry about having to replace brake disks untill at least 50 odd thousand if your a heavy braker or you go to the track alot.

i rode one loved it.

Shifty wrote:Anyone with a Zed thou is instantly cool in my book.

word

first things first, pull the farings off the 6 and see if you like the look, it might decide it then and there for you if you still like the look, then go for gold you can do a halfway decent looking SF for around $400-$500 if you shop around a bit, not too much work either. headlights $200 for a new set of twin lights, mounts $60, indicators $50, risers $100, bars $80. and you can do it cheaper than that if you manage to pick stuff up second hand (like i've managed to get 2 sets of lights on the cheap now).

personally, i'd do it. but then, id fighter anything so i guess i'm a little biased

Mate, the Zthou sounds like it will suit you more. It is better for all types of riding outside of going as quick as you can. I agree with Phil re: the brakes too. Besides, they ain't THAT expensive when you're talking about buying a bike.

I love streetfighters myself, but you need to be aware that not only will it cost you money to do, it will also decrease the value of your bike. I think if you still wanted to ride it pretty hardcore it would be a good option, but for your style of riding a Z1000 would be much better.

just had a look at afew of the used bike sites and there is quite a few good ones with lower k's then i had seen previously. so i guess i better get a roadworthy organized.

The Z1000 is very high on my 'to do' list, currently fighting with a yellow TLR as the bike of choice when the time (and budget) arrives. I am not the biggest fan of the sportsbike pose, but having done a few big days in the saddle of a GSXR600 mixed with a couple of weeks of commuting, I think you get used to it pretty quickly. By the time I had to hand it back when the owner returned from holidays my GPX (and even the GPZ!) felt so upright I thought I was about to fall off the back every time I accelerated.

In my case, and yours, it comes down to personal choice and is a matter of riding (and pricing) both. Unfortunately it's hard to tell from a short test ride whether you can live with a bike on a long-term period. You really need to find an understanding mate with a good insurance policy that has the bike you want and is prepared to trade for a few days.






Or, if you're a die-hard Greenie:

damn they look hot.

Shit yeah. But I am undecided on the belly pan. It looks awsome, but makes it less 'naked'.

the belly pan would be a good place to hide a turbo and still keep the sleeper look.