I have the 2002 version (my second. Bought a new one in 2002, traded it in '04 for a z1000 which got stolen. Nowdays I'm on another '02 ZX9)
Great bike, which I still like better than modern hypersports.
Super-comfy, very stable, sounds awesome, heaps of top end. Even the stock suspenders are pretty good, and I never like stock suspenders.
I can fang with a mate on a new blade, and he's a much faster rider than me, so they are certainly capable.
Downsides? Errrr.....well it's heavier/wider than modern tackle. Throttle response feels less precise than current machines (though still prefectly smooth & fine from where I sit)
Can get carb icing when its really cold (mind you, this was riding in freezing fog from Canberra to Cooma in winter)
I love the things.
