There is something about the styling of the Zed that I have always loved... When they first came out and had the gold coloured double piped mufflers I thought they were cool, but it was very much a love it or leave it situation.... The 2007 model has a bizzare set of pipes which are even more inclined to bring on a love/hate conversation... But I LOVE em!
Styling: I mean look at this bike, it is a thing of beauty... The lines on it are so agressive that pitbulls try to avoid making eye contact! If you didnt know any better, you could park this bike next to a few heavily modified streetfighters and it would win the beauty pageant... I think its Grouse! Interesting fact #1, it doesnt come in green (in aus) and it also isnt available in the very chic matt/metallic blue of the previous model.
Riding it: So, the dealer gave me the keys and I jumped on. The first thing I noticed was the riding position. Naturally when jumping from a SuperSport like my 03 ZX6R, it is going to be more upright, but I hadnt expected it to be quite so much. The seat height was also a fraction lower than my ZX6, but fortunately not so much that it made me feel silly (I am 6'2").
One thing that I also noticed is that it is incredibly comfortable... I have no doubt that I could ride this three times as far as my ZX6R and still feel comfortable. The lack of fairings didnt seem to matter so much as far was wind resistance goes... that little front guard does a suprisingly good job of keeping the wind off. It was easier on the knees, butt, forearms and back..... after riding the ZX6 it was like a massage from a swedish masseuse...
Engine power: I had thought that jumping from a 636 to a Z1000 would be such a difference in power that I would be intimidated, but the power delivery on this bike was incredibly friendly.... I have to admit that I was a little dissapointed.. Dont get me wrong, it has a very powerful engine, and rolling on the throttle in any gear instantly delivers a smooth increase in power; but there is no "powerband".... which is something that is quite an addictive thing when you ride a supersport bike. To be honest, I noticed the engine power of the Z1000 most once I swapped back to my 636 and it was missing.
Cornering: The salesman from Race Replica told me to take my time, and find some twisties; and who am I to argue with a professional; I know of a spot out the back of Hoppers Crossing and made my way there. These roads are full of little short twists with a few high speed long sweepers thrown in for good measure. Cornering was one thing I was probably most worried about with this bike but I was surprised at how the bike felt, it was fun.... I mean, a LOT of fun.... I guess it was because I was so much more upright than on the supersport bike, throwing the bike into a corner involves a lot of movement.... and it makes you feel like you are a super motard world champion.... I dont think I stopped grinning the entire time I was riding....
Things I would do this bike if I bought it:
1. I realy needs something to stiffen up those handlebars.... You can get a Rhenthal bar stiffener, they are not expensive.
2. Steering dampner on the front. This bike really needs it, that front wheel gets really light.
Overal impression: I would be in the process of purchasing it right now, I told the sales guy before I left exactly what my budget was, they came back with a price only a few hundred dollars over that..... When I told them my budget I really wasnt kidding..... so they miss out..... or I miss out, whichever way you want to look at it.
