Kawasaki Sportsbike Riders Club - Australia - Online Forum

Ok, I've been looking at other options for a second bike. I've decided I like the sports feel, but I want something a little more comfortable than my 10.

I'm thinking along the lines of a 9 or 12. Leaning towards a 9, as Phil and Marty can't say many bad things about them To be honest, I've never really heard anything negative about them.

12 is still an option. The extra grunt is nice, but not necessary. Never ridden one, so I probably should before I make my decision.

So does anyone have any feed back on a comparison between the bikes? I'm looking to do a few longer trips (Say, Melb to Adelaide etc). I used to travel 3 hours to work on my 10, and let's just say its not the most comfortable ride in the world, but definitely not that bad. Although, I can definitely say it's probably more fun!

Also, what should I be looking to pay for a 9 or 12? I dont keep in touch with the current market, so I am pretty much clueless on this issue!

my nine for your ten

I want a SECOND bike! Definitely not getting rid of the crim. Why would you get rid of the best?

Benno wrote: I used to travel 3 hours to work on my 10, and let's just say its not the most comfortable ride in the world, but definitely not that bad. Although, I can definitely say it's probably more fun!

Mate, if you travel 3 hours to work, I'd be investing in a helicopter

Comfort wise I don't reckon there's much difference between the 9 and the 10. I'll even go so far as to say I think my 10 is more comfortable than my 9 was.

The 12 is a mile muncher with stupid amounts of grunt , they turn pretty well and I think appreciably more comfortable so it might be the go although they're probably a bit dearer.

If it were my choice and the bucks stacked up I'd probably go the 10 and the 12.

By the way I'll be the first to say. Gee what a dilemna you have.... BASTARD

there are quite a few 9's around at the moment, ranging in price from about $6K up for a c model.

i've seen some f models, the last - and possibly best of the 9's for around the $9-10K mark.

its comfy and fast enough, thats all that needs to be said apart from "ya gotta love the 9"

i quite like the 12 but it is a fair bit heavier, thats really the only downside apart from tyre wear, get you boingy bits set up well and the 9 wont use tyres - well mine doesnt anyway, i'm sure the guys who rode back from the island will vouch for that

A fair few 2001 models around atm. Roughly advertised around 8kish. Not sure what model that is


I think I'll find somewhere where I can test ride a 12 and a 9. Both are bloody good bikes Going to be hard to choose.

Later model 9's easiest way to pick is the E model is the first "Alien Eyes" twin headlight model.
The F has the braced swingarm & no pillion grab bars.

I reckon the 9 would be the go Benno & as Phil said the F is worth the extra cash especially if you can get a low k's version.

ummm if u want sumthing comfy for commuting, but with balls ..u could always look at the zed!!..

tho i reckon at high speed on open highways etc it will be quite a bit breezier!!

if u were just gunna comute on it tho id go for a z7 or even early zx6r (comfy as)

As a reference Benno, mine was bought @ Sept 2006. 2000 model in black, 45,000klms, one owner with full service history. Nothing to spend. $6000

As an opinion on a bike! If it's straight line stuff buy a GTR or a big ol Beemer! As an all rounder which is pretty damn comfy (Allows my fecked up old back to do 1000klms in a day), and goes....stops....and steers awesome too, the 9 is the best I have owned. As far as reliability goes...touch wood...mine has done over 74000klms now! Doesn't use any oil and still seems to keep up with the likes of tens and 12's!!!!

But for a real long term opinion on em...talk to Sunny...errr I mean Phil! Tch tch tch....What's that Skip?

Those 12's are a barg! Every bloke I have ever seen ride em ends up sweating like a bastard at each fuel or food stop!! Maybe that fairing traps engine heat or sumfink????

Benno wrote:....I'm thinking along the lines of a 9 or 12. Leaning towards a 9, as Phil and Marty can't say many bad things about them To be honest, I've never really heard anything negative about them.

12 is still an option. The extra grunt is nice, but not necessary. Never ridden one, so I probably should before I make my decision.....

12 is great, but chews tyres - plenty comfortable for long blasts a bit heavy with fuel consumption , but passing B-doubles is a breeze

I have only ridden Stace's 9, it was fun. Having seen Phil, Strika and Ponti all do wild and crazy things on a 9, I can *guarantee* you that the 9 is plenty sporty, and pretty comfy with it.

The 9 would be the pick for an economical ride (tyres, juice etc), without losing much in speed etc, at all to the 10 or 12. Having said that, once you are hooked on a 12, there is just no going back......

pfffttt......how could you not get a 12..

hoffy wrote:pfffttt......how could you not get a 12..

maybe hes not an old fart who needs a tourer??

As Gosling said there is no going back.

The 9 would be the go, even a ZZR1200 is worth considering and is far more economical in comparrison to the 12R. For example the ZX12 has a 19L tank and will get you around 250km's, where the ZZR12 has a 21L capacity and gets around 450+km's and is far friendlier on tyres

Neka79 wrote:

hoffy wrote:pfffttt......how could you not get a 12..

maybe hes not an old fart who needs a tourer??