Kawasaki Sportsbike Riders Club - Australia - Online Forum

Hey guys and gals.

So my story is I've been riding bikes round the farm since I was a kid. Not dirt bikes. Ag bikes etc.

A year ago I got a road bike to ride as a commuter to work.

Landed on a 2012 650rl.

Having done that for the l period and now ps almost over. (I'm 36) I'm now looking round for my next ride.

My dream bike is a ZZR1100, something I have wished for since I was a kid. But I'm looking for advice.

I do over 200km per day down the m5 and back. I love the 650. Especially it's rider position but it is pretty small seeing as I'm a pretty big unit.

Any input would be appreciated.

Cheers

Jamie

Zzr is pretty outdated now. Very heavy bike and not as nimble as newer bikes.

Gotta ride what you can and see if you like it...

Wattie wrote:.....Zzr is pretty outdated now. Very heavy bike and not as nimble as newer bikes. .......

The ZZR1100 is one of the best Kawsaki big-bikes ever built. Comfortable, fast and they lose that weight very quicky when they are on the move.

Sure, its no ZX10R and never will be. But for someone who wants a big comfy bike that still has plenty of mumbo when you twist the throttle - the ZZR1100/1200 is a really good alternative. It will chew through that 200km so easily you won't believe it. Way more comfortable for highway riding than any sports bike, especially for big units.

I rate these old jiggers really highly. They absolutely move out for a carbied bike of that age. Get one that has been looked after, spend a few more $$ - it will be worth it.

Test ride anything that mildly appeals to you. You'll know which one is the right one for you.

Agreed ! There's always something out there that will surprise you1

Cougar2007 wrote:My dream bike is a ZZR1100, something I have wished for since I was a kid

Regret is painful, so just do it.........
I had an 01 model for 7 years, longest I ever kept a bike for, no regrets
The only thing I would add is that the ZX14 is better still, does everything the 11 does, but better, faster, 20 kg lighter and more modern.
A couple of pic's for encouragement.....

smithy5 wrote:The only thing I would add is that the ZX14 is better still, does everything the 11 does, but better, faster, 20 kg lighter and more modern.

The 14 is no good for big units with bad knees, as there's no leg room. It's worth riding everything you can though. As Cath said, you will know the right one when you ride it.

Nelso wrote:

smithy5 wrote:The only thing I would add is that the ZX14 is better still, does everything the 11 does, but better, faster, 20 kg lighter and more modern.

The 14 is no good for big units with bad knees, as there's no leg room. It's worth riding everything you can though. As Cath said, you will know the right one when you ride it.

Bit like the zrx yeah?

Wattie wrote:

Nelso wrote:

smithy5 wrote:The only thing I would add is that the ZX14 is better still, does everything the 11 does, but better, faster, 20 kg lighter and more modern.

The 14 is no good for big units with bad knees, as there's no leg room. It's worth riding everything you can though. As Cath said, you will know the right one when you ride it.

Bit like the zrx yeah?

The ZRX is a bit lacking in leg room, but it's not as bad as the 14 with the standard seat. The problem is everyone cuts the seat down to make them more comfortable, which cuts even more leg room, like Phil's. I fixed the problem on mine by putting the sky-scraper seat on it.

I suppose you could always add a few inches of foam to the seat on a 14 and put higher bars on it to make it more comfortable.

I'm with Gos on the ZZR1100 though. Great cheap commuter than will eat up the miles in relative comfort.

As the guys (and Cath) said, test ride as many as you can.

Having said that, the ZZR1100 was always an iconic bike for me, I went looking for one, and I have never regretted buying it. I have done a number of simple 'improvements' (you you can check out my thread for some inspiration.

Definitely flip the eccentric chain-adjuster widget. Makes the bike so much more nimble. Costs nothing.
You may like to fit bar risers too, depending on your preference - I found them great for longer rides.

The bike has enough poke - even for TWO big units.

Feel free to ask questions, and good luck.

(-&

Just so happens I just finished a discussion with my wife, and unfortunatley it looks as though I'll have to sell my ZZR1100

see intro here. http://www.ksrc-au.com/phpBB3/viewtopic ... 58#p435535

Recently been made redundant and have been out of work for a little while and now getting to the point of needing doing somethin cash wise

Tough decision, I / We love this bike. Great to ride in any situation and every so often I get thinking about upgrading to a ZX14, but we just go for a ride and all that goes out the window.

We took it around Vic and SA http://www.ksrc-au.com/phpBB3/viewtopic ... 49&t=30663and another trip Tas and it never missed a beat, I ride it around Sydney and it is just so easy.

Any work done, not that it needed any thing other than service and rear tyre, has been done by Glenn at Allfixed.

if your serious about getting one PM me and we'll chat.

Cheers Rusty

RustyAs wrote:Just so happens I just finished a discussion with my wife, and unfortunatley it looks as though I'll have to sell my ZZR1100 ...

Cougar mate... BUY THIS BIKE!!!

(-8

By the way Rusty - loved your trip log and pics - seems my trips into darkest WA are childsplay in comparison...

Pm sent ha ha ha. Waiting on reply.

Thanks for the advice all. Ride ride ride I guess.

Brett ,
Thanks Mate, we are looking to do more in the future, Tassie again, Qld and eventually Italy
But gotta get over this hump first

Cougar PM sent

Has no one pointed out that the GTR1400 has the same motor as an 09 ZX14 and is one HELL of a lot easier to live with?