Kawasaki Sportsbike Riders Club - Australia - Online Forum

I like my 600s and I think it's really...really fast already on the road. But my dream bike is actually the 2005 ZX10R.

So ... Is this article true?
https://rideapart.com/articles/11-reaso ... -literbike


One day... Is anything else resemble its beauty (and reputable madness )

Yes you can be lazy, yes they can kill you and yes they are awesome!

Wattie wrote:Yes you can be lazy, yes they can kill you and yes they are awesome!

... zactly why I bought a bigger one (in the 12R)

I took Rob's gumby for a good blat and absolutely LOVED it because of the power, the fact you can ride lazy if you want, but it's still "race" when you get up it. I tend to think the common sense progression is get good on a six road and track, then go for a 10. If I was getting a 10 I would get something with traction control though

I gotta say Andi, a lot of that article is full of shit. I feel a lot of it comes from someone who either doesn't have the experience or perhaps the money for a 1000cc bike and has the need to boost their ego whilst riding the smaller bike.

I am lucky enough to have spent a considerable number of years and KMs on both size bikes, commuting, hill riding and track days. These are my findings...

Lets start with the mighty dollar. It costs a little more to buy, run and insure a 1000 at least initially - not a lot different from upgrading your car from a V6 to a V8. Expect Higher fuel consumption, perhaps higher tyre wear as you'll no doubt use that extra power a bit (but ride sedately and it would be the same as a 600) and maybe a couple of $ more to service. However, as a road bike sticking close to the speed limit, the 1L bike will live its life lower in the rev range allowing for less wear & tear and longer engine life. I get almost as many KMs from a chain on the 1000 as I did my 600 - except for the one I snapped, but that was only a few weeks old and I believe was faulty.

Every day riding. Lets face it, the 1L bike is heavier oveall, but mostly has a heavier crank/flywheel. The extra rotating mass makes the bike harder/slower to turn, which on the road simply requires a little more effort to counter-steer. For me, I find the modern 600s are a little too small for my frame and I am more comfortable on the 1L bike. I also find for the commute the 600s higher rev buzz can get on my nerves along with the constant gear changes. Get out into the hills and it swaps a little; the high rev scream is lost on the 1L which takes some fun away unless you want to go into warp. The lighter weight and quicker turn in flick make the 600 a bit more fun too. However, the 1000 ridden well takes less effort for riding the pace in a nice smooth manner.

Get to the track or for key in brain out twisties and each bike has pros and cons. The 600 can brake later, turn in faster and the lower power output means you can really jam open the throttle from the apex knowing your not going to overpower the rear tyre. On the 1000 you have to be more aware of your throttle control, but you can apex at pretty much the same speed at the 600s. Once past the Apex, the acceleration from the corner is a whole other world from the 600. The 1L is more forgiving going in a gear too high, is an absolute blast rushing from a wave to torque into awesome power.

On the whole, both bikes are very capable for many many KMs of riding pleasure. The 1000 requires a little more respect concerning it's speed and power and when ridden hard is more expensive to live with. As for ergonomics, different brands have different set-ups and each generation has it's quirks. I'd say go test ride a whole bunch of both 600s and 1000s and see which bike fits you best. I've done 10hr days on both my old CBR600 and the 07 ZX10 and have no issues on either. I'm just getting into track days on the 1000 and am a little weary of over cooking the power on turn exit, but so far it's been almost as easy as the 600, and throttle jockeys who can't corner no longer pull away on the straight making passing them easier

I have never owned a 600 so cant comment but hey if u want to delv into the big bikes ,i have a 2002 zx9 up for sale $2500 ,and it will do it all street tour or track .

It's a great feeling going up the inside of a thou still hard on the throttle at turn one at PI......especially when they've just passed you down the straight.

I think it's reasonably simple. If you want to really learn to ride get a 600 first. If you want a faster laptime when you initially start get a 1000. But unless your amazing that lap time has arrived through hp and traction control not your ability.

Yes you can turn the throttle quicker on a 600 but if you think you can't high side it still, your not twisting it hard enough.

I kept adjusting my lap time targets before I stepped up to a thou and I still haven't. It's immensely satisfying to go fast on a 600.

I like the idea of chugging along in lower RPM. With ZX10 what RPM do you normally use in 60 or 80 zones (I will mainly commute )

Interesting that you mentioned the 10s are heavier to turn due to the engine. Because I thought they are as light as older 6s (171kg dry)... Could it be due to the 190 tyre too?

Cost should be no issue as I DIY the servicing.

The 05 zx10r seems to hover around $6.5k hopefully more affordable in the next 2 yrs or so

javaman wrote:The 05 zx10r seems to hover around $6.5k hopefully more affordable in the next 2 yrs or so

Seriously doubt anyone's GETTING $6.5k for a Crim unless it's still in the crate

Andy you may want to consider the riding position on a 10 if your commuting before worrying about power. I know for a fact I wouldn't like to commute on my H2.

Jonnymac wrote:It's a great feeling going up the inside of a thou still hard on the throttle at turn one at PI......especially when they've just passed you down the straight.

I think it's reasonably simple. If you want to really learn to ride get a 600 first. If you want a faster laptime when you initially start get a 1000. But unless your amazing that lap time has arrived through hp and traction control not your ability.

Yes you can turn the throttle quicker on a 600 but if you think you can't high side it still, your not twisting it hard enough.

I kept adjusting my lap time targets before I stepped up to a thou and I still haven't. It's immensely satisfying to go fast on a 600.

Would be interesting to see you get up the inside of the H2 on turn one,at speed its as stable as a rock plus getting even close on a long straight would have to be just about impossible.

z900/zx9 wrote:

Jonnymac wrote:It's a great feeling going up the inside of a thou still hard on the throttle at turn one at PI......especially when they've just passed you down the straight.

I think it's reasonably simple. If you want to really learn to ride get a 600 first. If you want a faster laptime when you initially start get a 1000. But unless your amazing that lap time has arrived through hp and traction control not your ability.

Yes you can turn the throttle quicker on a 600 but if you think you can't high side it still, your not twisting it hard enough.

I kept adjusting my lap time targets before I stepped up to a thou and I still haven't. It's immensely satisfying to go fast on a 600.

Would be interesting to see you get up the inside of the H2 on turn one,at speed its as stable as a rock plus getting even close on a long straight would have to be just about impossible.

See you down there. You need to be close enough coming out of 12 for it to happen......

Gday Andy

You won't regret buying a Crim. I've had a Crim roady, a Gumby tracky and a 2007 zx6 tracky and the Crim is a great mix of the other two. By comparison the Gumby is fat and heavy I reckon. The Crim feels like a 600 with a stonking motor. Don't believe all the bullshit though, they are a beautiful bike to ride and it really is up to the pilot.

It's worth no more than $5k though.

Jonnymac wrote:

z900/zx9 wrote:

Jonnymac wrote:It's a great feeling going up the inside of a thou still hard on the throttle at turn one at PI......especially when they've just passed you down the straight.

I think it's reasonably simple. If you want to really learn to ride get a 600 first. If you want a faster laptime when you initially start get a 1000. But unless your amazing that lap time has arrived through hp and traction control not your ability.

Yes you can turn the throttle quicker on a 600 but if you think you can't high side it still, your not twisting it hard enough.

I kept adjusting my lap time targets before I stepped up to a thou and I still haven't. It's immensely satisfying to go fast on a 600.

Would be interesting to see you get up the inside of the H2 on turn one,at speed its as stable as a rock plus getting even close on a long straight would have to be just about impossible.

See you down there. You need to be close enough coming out of 12 for it to happen......

It will be going to the island possibly January or Feb, it wont be like a 02 zx9 following a six around broadford ,mind you i certainly wont be putting the H2 in any danger at any point.

tim wrote:

javaman wrote:The 05 zx10r seems to hover around $6.5k hopefully more affordable in the next 2 yrs or so

Seriously doubt anyone's GETTING $6.5k for a Crim unless it's still in the crate

You'd be surprised how much a good one will still bring in road trim. You will pay more for a Crim than a Gumby, or even a Bug; for some reason they have a bit of a cult following which has kept the price inflated. In track spec though, they are worth fuck all, as the 4th gen 10's are far more popular.