Plecostomus
Parking Attendant
Posts: 11
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posted August 29, 2004 07:03 AM
Any ZX-10R advice for a 2nd timer
Hello, I am new here and was considering buying a ZX-10R, but I first want to ask if this bike would be too much for me.
My first bike was a 1984 Ninja, back in '84. I rode for a year putting 14k miles on it, then sold it due to the necessity to get serious in college. I rode it very conservatively: no wheelies, 120 mph top speed once on the beltway, two burnouts--Like someone's grandmother! The question is, 20 years later, would the ZX10r be too much for me at this point? I wanted to get a Busa about 4 years ago, but chickened out. Thanks if you can help!
Curt
  
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kz2zx
Pro
Nobody in Particular
Posts: 1166
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posted August 29, 2004 07:29 AM
Curt,
I'll take your question at face value.
The 10R is not a good bike to get back into riding with. It does ride genteely and smoothly when the throttle isn't opened far, but the fantastic brakes and razor-sharp handling can lead to inattention with the throttle, and little tiny spasms with the throttle hand can launch you forward harder than anything you've felt before if the engine happens to be over 6,000 RPM at the time. The on-off throttle transition is pretty abrupt at lower RPMs, too.
A ZX-6R 636 makes more power than did your 900 Ninja 20 years ago, but has the same lightening handling as the 10R today. This would be a better choice. I love the 636.
In 2005, the ZZR-600 will be the pre-636 6R. I think this is a great choice for new and returning riders too - still more power and go than that 900 Ninja, and thoroughly modern suspension and engine, great handling and comfort too.
Insurance on the 10R is something to consider, too. Get a few quotes.
Do you still live in the DC area? The Beltway is no place for motorcycles at any hour of the day... I hated that road when I lived in Virginia (and worked in Maryland).
____________
ASMA 47
WERA 147
www.dhowellbooks.com
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BIKEMIKE
Novice Class
Posts: 60
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posted August 29, 2004 08:17 AM
Curt,
The "10" is my first sportbike, I'm 50 years old, have not ridden a bike for 10 years and I love this thing. I even went to a 16 tooth front cog to make it more street friendly (first gear is too tall for my taste). I'm taking it to the dragstrip this fall and might try a track day (to learn) next year. This bike is very quick but only as fast as I twist the throttle, not jumpy or unpredictable like I thought it would be. Treat it with respect and enjoy.
Good luck,
Mike
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gremlin
Novice Class
Posts: 87
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posted August 29, 2004 10:19 AM
Curt: Your 84 Ninja 900 had a dry weight of 503 lbs., and produced approximately 92 horsepower at the rear wheel. Let's compare that to Kawasaki's current big bore fleet:
ZRX 1200R: 110 RWHP, 490lbs
ZZR1200: 140 RWHP, 515lbs
ZX12R: 160 RWHP, 463lbs
ZX10R: 160 RWHP, 375lbs
Obviously, performance has progressed significantly in 20 years. Any one of these machines will provide performance unthinkable 20 years ago.
The bigger question is: Which one will you enjoy the most?
The bike most related to your 84 is the ZRX 1200R (aka Eddie Lawson Replica update). This bike is highly satisfying and incredibly flexible (tourer, canyon-carver, around town bike). Doesn't do anything great, but does everything well.
Next up; the ZZR-1200, esentially an updated ZX11, which reigned for 7 years as the meanest and fastest bike in production. It's currently regarded as a "Sport-tourer".
The most focused bikes are the ZX-12R, and the ZX-10R.
Bottom Line: All are dream-machines, and provide different levels of satisfaction. Based on your own riding assessment, I recommend the ZRX-1200R, maybe the ZZR-1200, or even the ZX-6R which will outperform your 84 Ninja.
If you can afford it, the 12R or 10R would make a great second machine to complement your primary bike, while still satisfying the thirst to know what the ultimate machine feels like on the road.
Good luck with your decision.
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swft
Needs a life
Full throttle!
Posts: One MEEEEEELLION
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posted August 29, 2004 10:33 AM
As an owner of both a ZZR1200, and a ZX10R, as well as a former owner of a ZX12R, I can vouch for what Gremlin is saying. The ZZR1200 is a great sport tourer, and works very well as an around-town bike. Not so big as to be unweildly, it still provides the protection and comfort for long trips. And the 10R is just fewking incredible. I get a rush every time I'm on it. Then aagin, I ride the ZZR all week, and save the 10R for the weekends.
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Plecostomus
Parking Attendant
Posts: 11
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posted August 29, 2004 01:56 PM
Kz, Mike, Gremlin, and swft:
Much thanks for your intelligent/well-thought-out replies. 
I have never wanted to settle for second best when it comes to high performance, therefore perhaps I'll pick the ZX10 in the near future. I like the smallness of the ZX10, in contrast to the hulking Hayabusa. I might have to keep it in public storage as to avoid pressure from the new wife.
Thanks again, guys.
Curt
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fish_antlers
Administrator
The Truth is Out There
Posts: 21895
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posted August 29, 2004 05:17 PM
 Edited By: fish_antlers on 29 Aug 2004 18:20
... my two Plecostomii are 10 years old...
BTW... if you do choose to purchase a ZX10R.. consider taking a refresher course.. .or consider a 636 and then stepping back up... you fall directly in the second highest category for death/ accidents ... the 2nd timer... so please be careful. If you havent already ridden one, you'll be shocked at the changes when you do... the changes from 2000 model year to 2004 are shocking enough.
____________
What business is it of yours where I'm from, Friendo?
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Plecostomus
Parking Attendant
Posts: 11
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posted August 30, 2004 01:20 PM
Hi Fish Antlers.
I love my plecos. I have a couple that are not more than a few years old, but they are huge since I overfeed them. A really beautiful fish in my opinion.
Thanks for that statistic. Today I was just thinking that perhaps I am fooling myself. I actually got a little nervous when I thought about having a bike this powerful. I think I will wait until the 2005 comes out and perhaps just ride it ultraconservatively. I have also gone into business for myself and it would be really bad timing to have a mishap on a bike.
Thanks for your kind words again!
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