Kawasaki Sportsbike Riders Club - Australia - Online Forum

Hello!

My name is Ruth and I recently bought myself a 2004 ZX10r. I believe I know some of the people that might be on this forum… Wayne? David S? Becky Sue who also rides a 10r?

I used to ride a VTR1000f. Always been more of a Honda/Yamaha girl, was tossing up between the 02/03 R1 and the 04/05 zx10 (and only this gen :p). Chose the ninja in the end. Just thought to say hello, but also to seek some advice.

I’ve been advised that this bike needs a steering damper. I have not pushed the bike hard yet in corners as I am getting to know her, and it seems very stable so far and holds its line well. But I do enjoy the occasional track day and pushing the bike hard in twisties when I am more familiar with her – would anyone who owns this gen 10r recommend one? And if so, any brand specific ones spring to mind?

Also, while I’ve done some research so far, are there any particular issues (engine, chassis, etc etc etc) that are inherent in this gen? There seems to be some info on a bike recall due to front wheel problems… is this true and did this affect Australian bikes? Are there any others?

Thank you very much for your help!
ruth

Welcome Ruth! Got a pic of your Crim?

Hi Ruth, welcome to KSRC
Speak to David S about wheels, he is our resident wheel expert
Oh & a Crim is the KSRC name given to that model 10R

There was a recall on the front wheel. Might b worth checking the log books or even ring the previous owner. It doesn't need a steering damper until u push hard, u get a bit of handshake, just stay light on the bars

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Hi Ruth and welcome aboard.
Having owned one of these fine steeds for the past 6 years (first 2 a road bike and currently a race bike) all I can say is - GOOD CHOICE...
If you are going to push it hard I would recommend a steering damper, the front does get a little light under gas and can be a bit of handful. I have a Hyperpro damper on my race bike, but had a Matris on my roadie and they are both fine, any of the name brands will do a good job.
There was a recall on the front wheel on the 04 model and If you have this year model it should have already been done but no harm in checking, your dealer should be able to do that for you with your VIN No.
I had no issues with my road bike other than some warranty claims on cracked plastics, and I don't believe the 2 subsequent owners have either (they are both on here) and the only complaint with race bike is the gearbox could be a little tighter as I tend to get a couple of false neutrals of I'm not shifting hard enough, but thats mainly when its hot (I do have a quickshifter which is a little tricky to get right.)
Check the rear plastics around the passenger seat as they did tend to snap at the mounting points and quite a few on here had them replaced under warranty. Other than that, keep it regualrly serviced and it will be a great bike..

Eeeep! OK I'll have it checked out. I don't have the log books I'm afraid. Thanks Dave, was looking to get something other than the uber expensive Ohlins. Will check those out when it's time, if I need one. And thanks for the other tips, time to go over the bike again tonight.

Crim, LOL. Is that short for criminal?

Sorry Tim, no pic yet. It's black, if that helps.

Hi and welcome

Hi and welcome Ruth. You only need the damper if you are cracking the throttle open as they tend to lift the front wheel under acceleration. If you're not hard on the throttle I wouldn't bother with one. They are called a crim as you're likely to end up locked up riding them because they are so brutal.

Hey Ruth! Welcome aboard

Great news about the 10!

Must catch up soon

Welcome to the forum, and great bike choice.

Hi Ruth, and welcome

Thanks guys. I still am yet to take pics of the bike LOL. Put around 1000km on the ninja so far under 2 weeks twisty riding. She's a very delicious ride. Hey Wayne Long time no catch up! And Mel, are you Mel Kawasaki on Facebook? Never thought i'd buy a Kwaka, but I've always liked the looks of the 04 Ninja. Glad I made the plunge. Loving it so far. And thanks again re: damper advice - I'll probably get it down the track. My front sprocket is 1 tooth down... it's more wheely friendly than my partner's 08 'blade. But I'm not a wheelie maniac, so it's been good so far

gidday..... nice bike

Badger wrote:... And Mel, are you Mel Kawasaki on Facebook? ...

Yep

Welcome Ruth!