Took a test ride on the Z1000 .. input needed

[Richo]

Ok .. so went bike shopping today being my day off ....

Went up to Image Motorcycles at Wyong (previously in Gosford) .. took an 07 Z1000 for an hour long blat and realy like it ..

I do have some questions to other Z owners though ...

Upon mounting this steed, I felt like there was simply no front end .. it just wasnt there .. perhaps this was just the upright riding style but it just had me a little perplexed. This was more apparent in the cornering as I felt it was very twitchy and light (from my 220kg Gpx ..anything is light) ... maybe its just from what Im used to ???? .. but felt like if you over did it into a corner there could be some tank slapping in order ...??? ..

Having said that ... the low mid range was awsome, i actually lifted the front wheel twice just on the test run without trying and felt overall comfortable ..

Questions here are. ... once ya get used to these things ... how are they into the twisties... is the wind just unbareable after too long goin fast?(being zero fairings on the things0 ... how are they for pillioning .. and general pros n cons. ....

[Six Addict]

.. the Z won't actually be too much lighter than your GPZ....

paddo pilots one fairly quickly round EC and in the twisties... so they can do it but i can't vouch for the actual handling... i think i've heard paddo say that it gets "fun" when u start pushing it...

at the legal speeds the buffeting shouldn't be unbearable...

i don't think the pillion seat is ideal but the bike would do it...

wattie is the man u want to talk to as well.. his misses did some pillion time.. and well u know how quick he is on the 10 and i dont think he was much slower on the ZED...

[6maniac]

On any naked, its uncomfortable at sustained speeds over $1.40 - ie neck. If you fit a bug-catcher screen it helps.

[BikerBoy]

I've an 07 Zed, and i can't talk it up enough...

Awesome power and Torque, perfectly happy to ride to work and back round town, then smash some twisties on the weekend.

Front end can be a little twitchy if your suspension setting are off, the Qualifers are ok tires, but it felt like a different bike after i put a set of Pirelli Corsa's on.

www.riderforums.com ----------- go to the Z1000 section, heap of info, bling, advice etc.

Trust me, you'll be a happy camper on a Zed.

[Wattie]

that weird feeling yoi get is mainly because you dont have the fairing in front of you.

the big bars can make it feel twitchy, but a steering damper will help that. mind you i never had a damper and only had one ass clenching moment of tank slapper variety.

my 04 Z was ok for pillioning. but i think the new one has a smaller rear seat? no major for little trips but wouldnt want to go touring on it.

they are quite capable and rideable fairly quick. i was only 3 seconds slower around EC on the Z than i am on the 10

[Richo]

Thanks peeps ..

Had a good sleep on it last night, and have decided to persue the zed

Now ... gotta put some dosh together

[Stereo]

When I test rode one I was chomping at the bit to buy it... and would have if the ZX10R I wanted didnt just drop in price a little....

I testrode an 06 and an 07 and found the the steering really weird too.... I personally think the handlebars need stiffening up with a road brace and that would have been an imediate purchase for me.

Something like this http://www.renthal.com/File/product16c. ... &bikedate=

[Six Addict]

woo hoo!!!

i'll be chasing you now mate... they are a sweet looking bike.... u going second hand??? 07???

i should go to that dealership... 1 hour test rides!!!!!

[Nelso]

They do feel light and nimble but I've never had a tank slapper on mine. You are more comfortable cruising at 120-130 up the freeway than 140+ but it is fine in the fun stuff, where they will keep up with just about anything else as long as the rider is up to it. In fact I think mine makes up for my lack of ability at times and lets me keep up when I am not up to the task.

If you prefer the 06 model to the 07 there is a bog standard blue one in Wollongong with $10990 on it that is meant to only have about 3 to 4000kms on it. They've had it there for months so they would be pretty keen to get rid of it by now, and they are a Ducati, Buell and Harley dealer so they don't get many through that are after Jap bikes.

[dave#3]

Don't forget the z has a 17" front wheel (as opposed to your 16") so it wont turn as quickly, although this is probably offset for the most part by the wider bars. So when do you pick it up???

[hoffy]

Just lean AND rev the carn't !!

[Blurr]

com'on richo just do it and apoligise to the missus after!!!!

[Possum]

Felt the same (no front end) when i first took her out - but you do get used to it .. wouldnt mind a slightly longer screen.. ive had a few mechanical glitches.. but they seem to all be ironed out now.. glides through twisties.. need better tires than the stockies.. but as an overall package an awesome naked..
no regrets...

[pk]

Go on Richo do it
You know you want to.
You wont regret it

[Richo]

Well, definately goin the Z1000 ... just might not be as soon as I had hoped. Will check out a steering dampener if the thing turns out to be too light ...Gonna sell some of my previous hobby paraphernalia and get some more funds . .(Anyone lookin for some wood-working tools/machines????? ) .. Im hoping this will all happen before x-mas

Even sooner if PK agrees simply to swap!!!