New Bike

[sexysi]

Now this is interesting. After the little trip to Hastings at the weekend I quite fancy a Naked bike.
Now I have been reading reviews on a 1000 cc naked. It gets 4/5 stars from bike magazine. Gets to 60 in 3.5 secs has a top end of 150mph and has loads of low down torque at the bottom end 68.9 @ 8,000 RPM.
Looks very pretty as well, I know it's not a twin, but loads of us have Triumphs :shock:

http://www.sportrider.com/bikes/2003/2003-kaw-Z1000_043.jpg
http://www.sportrider.com/bikes/2003/2003-kaw-Z1000_033.jpg


Now just got to decide on colour, should I go for the bright orange one!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
sexysi

[rictus01]

Si, My brothers got one (http://www.bureaunet.com/FTP/Rictus/darrel.JPG), I've extensively ridden it. and also the Z750.


both bikes are more than enough power wise, given the effort you were putting in down the A21 at a 100mph (no wait that must have been 50mph, well couldn't have been quicker as I passed you and I never break the speed limit :wink: )

what's the point of 150 on a naked (it can be done, but be prepared for torn muscles :shock: ).

The Z1000,

I was prepare to love this bike if only for the name it carries, anyone from my time frame will remember the impact the original had, and it's still a name that smacks of power & performance.

the Looks:-

stunning, just about ticks all the boxes, gold usd forks, polished rims, quad pipes, just wicked 8) .
But wait, that's not an alloy frame? just some bits bolted on to a steel frame?
those smart looking forks? only one adjuster? what do you mean one doesn't do anything?
Brakes, nice painted gold, but budget items none the less.
and those beautiful quad pipe, but no split twins only :( (and sound real cr*p to)

the ride:-

Was expecting a bit of an animal to be honest, but although it could be compared with something from the animal kingdom, it's not the wild beast type, more the domestic horse, perfectly good at the job, but just not that exciting, perhaps that's a little unfair as my natural comparison is the speed triple, but ride wise, it's safe neutral and corners predictably (if not sharp), much as the Z750 dose, the difference in power between the Z1000 and Z750 isn't a great deal on the road ( the two bikes on the road, well lets just say the rider would make more difference).

It's built well (better than the SV anyway) and the engine is the wonder which is Kawaski's linier IL4 (ZX9) lump :thumbsup: .

Overall:-

Not a bad effort, but the looks are the thing and they have saved money inn areas I wouldn't.

I don't like the bolton bits if alloy on the frame, if it's got a steel frame then so be it, it works well on the bike, if not then give it an alloy frame :?:
Also not keen on the forks, what's that all about? we had that on bikes 20 years back, given the single front shock thing, I'm not sure how or even if you could upgrade the standard forks to use both side, I think the only way would be to fit a 636 front end (gold usd, fully adjustable), now that would also sort out the brakes from the budget items fitted,
and lastly the pipes, I tried to sort my brothers, but ever taking out most of the baffel plates it just sounds nasty (and not in a good way), in the end he settled for taking the originals off and fitting a pair of two brothers race cans, don't sound bad now.

To be honest if I was in the market for something like that, I'd probably get the Z750 and use the money saved (£1,000) to do a front end swap, perhaps polish the rimes, but probably just paint them, the exhaust, well the Z750 uses a 4-1 pipe so I'd just change the can (also any ZX9 system or can will fit 8) ). but if you wanted, it wouldn't be a major job to get it split to go to twins at the back.

My final thoughts, well having ridden the naked SV1000, Z750 & Z1000 I'd say the SV had it for "involvement" if nothing else, and given the cost would get one of those instead, then spend some dosh on cosmetics*.




*this of course prosumes I haded heard of Triumphs

Cheers Mark.

[Iansv]

Nooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo ooooooooo

I will be getting one either end of this year or early next year..... Lovely bike, loads of info here:

http://www.riderforums.com/

[rictus01]

Nooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo ooooooooo

I will be getting one either end of this year or early next year..... Lovely bike, loads of info here:

http://www.riderforums.com/

It's a lovely bike Ian, but just not what I expected; it's not a super bike without fairing (like the speed triple) but rather a bike built to a budget and for a look.

It'd be unfair to say "all show and no go" but I would have expected the sports bike forks & brakes as a minimum :( .

I kind of like my bikes to be a bit threatening, dangerous and not just look it :roll: , still I suppose a great main what the look without the "fear factor" and this is another bike designed to deliver that (unfortunately the new Speed triple is a bit the same, although perhaps not to the same extent).

If all you want is a safe predictable ride, a good engine, decent build quality and a stunning look then buy it.
If on the other hand you want much the same look, engine and sports bike type handling then get the Z750 and do a front end swap (or just a thought, why not get a ZX9 (a couple of years old) and street fighter it/ alloy frame, great forks & brakes, top yoke conversion, and still have some cash left for a spray job 8) ).

But if you are after something in the order of a beast; the looks and feel, then don't (or at least be prepared to be under whelmed).
The SV 1000 feels better, but stuff like the tuono (?sp) Speed triple or even a buell are more rewarding.

As I said, not a bad bike at all, and most would probably be more than happy with it (especially coming from a SV650), just not IMHO what it purports to be :shock: .


Cheers Mark.

[sexysi]

cheers guys,
Was after the look and the idea that I would, or couldn't be bothered to do work to it straight away. The sv1000 looks cool, but not as nice. Want to try a big naked bike, that I wouldn't have to respray or add flames to :lol:
Understand what your saying mark, but I also commute on this bike every day, so don't need a totally focused machine. Sat on Swisst's Triumph and although it might be a great bike. Still seems a bit uncomfortable for me. Must be getting old.
Did see the orange z1000 at Westons and it did look the Bolloxs. Maybe I will upgrade the front end eventually. Can I just upgrade the brakes and ohlins, or would it be full front end, which is loads of work.
Plus also I can get a year old one of these for about 4 1/2k with very little miles on it that is mint.
sexysi

[Sudoxe]

cheers guys,
Was after the look and the idea that I would, or couldn't be bothered to do work to it straight away. The sv1000 looks cool, but not as nice. Want to try a big naked bike, that I wouldn't have to respray or add flames to :lol:
Understand what your saying mark, but I also commute on this bike every day, so don't need a totally focused machine. Sat on Swisst's Triumph and although it might be a great bike. Still seems a bit uncomfortable for me. Must be getting old.
Did see the orange z1000 at Westons and it did look the Bolloxs. Maybe I will upgrade the front end eventually. Can I just upgrade the brakes and ohlins, or would it be full front end, which is loads of work.
Plus also I can get a year old one of these for about 4 1/2k with very little miles on it that is mint.
sexysi

Just get the speed triple and be done with it 8)

Dan

[Jelster]

Just get the speed triple and be done with it 8)

Dan

Si, for that money, look at a decent '04 Trip, having ridden one a few times, it would be my choice. But if money allows, the new naked Fazer Thou' (FZ1) has got to be worth a look......

.

[rictus01]

cheers guys,
Was after the look and the idea that I would, or couldn't be bothered to do work to it straight away. The sv1000 looks cool, but not as nice. Want to try a big naked bike, that I wouldn't have to respray or add flames to :lol:
Understand what your saying mark, but I also commute on this bike every day, so don't need a totally focused machine. Sat on Swisst's Triumph and although it might be a great bike. Still seems a bit uncomfortable for me. Must be getting old.
Did see the orange z1000 at Westons and it did look the Bolloxs. Maybe I will upgrade the front end eventually. Can I just upgrade the brakes and ohlins, or would it be full front end, which is loads of work.
Plus also I can get a year old one of these for about 4 1/2k with very little miles on it that is mint.
sexysi

Have to agree with DAN on this :shock:

But no, if that's what you want then fine, just knowing beforehand saves disappointment, the commute thing, well I covered about 1000 mile as week on the triple so unless you've moved to Scotland it's not going to be an issue, and as the Speed triple has upright bars it's not as demanding as the Daytona.

the front forks on the Z1000 are as I said limited and one leg doesn't do anything (suspension wise) so I don't know if it would be possible to build up say a set of zx9 internal or even just springs and oil? I'm not sure that the legs are designed internally the same, or if after doing it they would work to the same rate? so in general I'd say play it safe and either leave well alone (after all they aren't bad) or do the front end swap.

As to the rear and lines, Darrel swapped to braided lines and it helped, the shock well it's money, no doubt a better rear shock would help, but nowhere near as much as sorting the front end out, I'd spend the money there.

Cheers Mark.

[rictus01]

But if money allows, the new naked Fazer Thou' (FZ1) has got to be worth a look......

.

Don't like it at all, funnily enough, on spec it should tick all the right boxes, but the look and legendary Yamaha build quality put me off.

admittedly I've only ridden one in a car park, so I can't really say how it goes, but most nakeds have enough performace for the type (is it a naked?)

Bars are a bit high (OK not a biggy to change), but it's that fairing, no just don't cut it :? and to me it still looks like it's built out of the spare parts bin.

But each to there own, that's why they make more than one type :wink:

Cheers Mark.

[Iansv]

Yeah the triple is the other I was looking at, but they're getting a bit common now :wink:

I know what your saying Mark but for me and my limits riding wise its ideal as i'm hardly going to push the envelope so to speak and I just love the looks etc.

The Noooooo bit was actually to Si's original thread rather than yours Mark, from the research i've done on it, your spot on

Si's gonna steal my thunder now tho :evil: :lol:


edit.... The riderforum site has a huge list of swappable parts for the z1000 that are pretty much bolt on, ie, gsxr brakes etc so modding it seems pretty easy, altho for me the base spec with better hoses, pads will probably be more than enough machine for me... Altho the zx9 streetfighter may be worth a thought :lol:

[sexysi]

cheers ian , I really need a test ride first.
Funny isn't it I liked twins and faired bikes. Within a week I've written me bike off,
Rode a new fazer for 300 miles (naked) the bike that is, which is a 4 pot :shock:
Now all of a sudden I want a naked 1000cc 4 pot, funny how life is!?"£$%^!*
sexysi
cheers Ian I need to find a nice little forum like this and get some ideas.

[Jelster]

But if money allows, the new naked Fazer Thou' (FZ1) has got to be worth a look......

.

Don't like it at all, funnily enough, on spec it should tick all the right boxes, but the look and legendary Yamaha build quality put me off.

admittedly I've only ridden one in a car park, so I can't really say how it goes, but most nakeds have enough performace for the type (is it a naked?)

Bars are a bit high (OK not a biggy to change), but it's that fairing, no just don't cut it :? and to me it still looks like it's built out of the spare parts bin.

But each to there own, that's why they make more than one type :wink:

Cheers Mark.

Mark,

I did say "The new naked Fazer Thou" 150 BHP etc etc...

[jonboy]

Every road test I've seen gives it the thumbs down saying that the previous model is better - a big disappointment as I really like the looks.


.

[rictus01]

But if money allows, the new naked Fazer Thou' (FZ1) has got to be worth a look......

.

Don't like it at all, funnily enough, on spec it should tick all the right boxes, but the look and legendary Yamaha build quality put me off.

admittedly I've only ridden one in a car park, so I can't really say how it goes, but most nakeds have enough performace for the type (is it a naked?)

Bars are a bit high (OK not a biggy to change), but it's that fairing, no just don't cut it :? and to me it still looks like it's built out of the spare parts bin.

But each to there own, that's why they make more than one type :wink:

Cheers Mark.

Mark,

I did say "The new naked Fazer Thou" 150 BHP etc etc...

you're right, I didn't know there was a naked one.

http://www.bureaunet.com/FTP/Rictus/fz1.jpg

just looked through the yamaha blurb and a couple of reviews, guess what by the lack of discription, It looks like it comes with budget suspension :?: Yamaha describe it as "telescopic upsidedown forks" (no mention of adjustment) and "swing arm linked monoshock" (again no mention of adjustment), now if I was the advertising guy at Yamaha and it had those features, I'd mention it :!: .

Looks pretty, but the Z1000 looks better IMHO, I would guess it'll be on a par with the Kwak (fag paper between them on the road, after all I've got 140 bhp or so, but you can't use it anything over 100 bhp is fine in a naked), and just down to personnal preferance.

Cheers Mark.

[sexysi]

Well I'm riding the 600 and it seems a pretty good bike a bit soft with no adjustment anywhere, apart from the clutch/brake cables :lol:
But for a budget bike seems ok. Does have a weak point when booting it. It looses all power for a second and then picks up. Unless i'm not giving it enough rev's. but it is the first 4 pot I've ever riden.
sexysi
Just looked at the Yamaha website the price difference between the 600-1000 is £2,500. Just to add 400cc a bargin.... not...............

[rictus01]

Just a note,

http://www.kolumbus.fi/antti.korhola/isoroba1.jpg

Now doesn't that look better than the silver/grey plastic stuff on the frame?



Cheers Mark.

[Iansv]

Yeah, thats the desktop background I have at work :lol:

[Jelster]

Does have a weak point when booting it. It looses all power for a second and then picks up. Unless i'm not giving it enough rev's. but it is the first 4 pot I've ever riden.

That's the art of riding an IL4, you have to keep it "in the zone" otherwise you lose momentum.....

You need more practice mate, get out there and ride it :lol:

.

[sexysi]

Cheers mate,
This 4 pot stuff is all new to me, Arranged a test ride on a brand new Z1000 next Saturday, so should be interesting, bloody hope I don't drop it.
sexysi

[Sid Squid]

That Zthou just looks sooooooooooo sharp.

I need one of those.

[Iansv]

Out of interest where have you found a testride Si ? and what arrangements do they need ? I really need to sort a testride

[sexysi]

All I did was go through the Yellow pages for Kawi dealers near me. I then rang round and asked if they had any Demo Z1000's in. Then booked it with a company down in the medway towns, Bowen motorcycles, I think. I will have to put some money down for their insurance to cover me if I drop it.
But apart from that and a driving licence, sorted. I will let you know how I get on.
sexysi

[sexysi]

Well after the test ride, how was it???!!

To sum it up.................. I WANT ONE.

The bike is stonking, my SV had ohlins on it, but this feels harder and racer. The bike pulls in more or less any gear @ any speed, with a deep rasping sound, coming from the 4 standard gold pipes. Brakes are good enough, stopping with very feel problems.

I find with the new fazer, that when you boot it from the lights, to start with there is a dip in power, were it sort of thinks about it and then picks, nothing like this with the Z. Constent power all the way up.

With the wide bars it is easy to throw this beast around, and whilst riding you attitude changes. Goes from Mad ricer (SV650 RIDER) to (I'M A ******* GET OUT OF MY WAY) Z rider. I think the first thing I will buy after I get the bike, is one of those matt black Craft Helmets :twisted:

When riding the bike you are leaning forward, which I must admit is for good reason, as this thing just wants to drive on one wheel only, all the time :shock:

Clocks are good, nice and clear to read, and standard cans look the biss. The bike needs the larger screen to deflect the wind, as riding at speed, well let's just it, it's good being 16 1/2 stone and having a grip like King Kong.

In conclusion.

I just sat on a 1000 4 pot, and it was like riding a big SV, this thing has a lot of bottom end torque. I felt straight at home with it. It is also a licence saver, as travelling at speed is a pain in the neck, if you get my drift.

As rictus says adjustment on only one of the front forks, easily solved, get the dealer to fit the preload on the other side as well. God knows why they left it off. (To save money!!!!) It's only £65 for the other side, so I will be having this fitted as standard.

The dealer is also throwing in the seat cowl and the larger front screen. I have been on the new R&G website, and they do loads of stuff for it,
Crash Protectors(Points cover) Fork protectors,crash bungs, tail tidy and exhaust sliders.
So I will be getting these.

It is a very quick, strong, nice bike, only trouble is I'm limited to Black, Titanium or Blue. The Tit and Blue are a silk finish.
Toss up between the Titanium and the black.
:shock: :shock: :shock:
And now 0% over 3 years sorted :twisted:

So me money goes into the ISA at 4% and I pay montly @ 0%, this saves an additional £500 over three years.

The bike ends up at £6,000 which includes OTR bits, 2 year warrenty, rear seat cowl, larger screen and 1 extra pre load. :D

Bowen moto in Chatham are a good bunch of guys, you get free coffee here, and they have a red demo bike. Book a test ride and have an hr's worth of fun.

sexysi

[Jelster]

Sounds like you've found your bike then Si. Most 1000cc IL4's have a decent amount of torque, that's one of the reasons I love the 'Blade. So, are you going to make the "South goes North" trip in June ?

.

[Iansv]

Nice one Si, thanks for the writeup, I'm hoping they'll bring back the green or orange for 07 otherwise i'd go black.... if I get one

[sexysi]

Gone black today deposit down on a brand new black one. £6,395 otr. Includes seat cowl,tail tidy,pre load adjuster, tiny indicators, bigger screen.
http://www.kawasaki.co.uk/Objects/w604h453_000003400EEA7997.jpg
sexysi

[sexysi]

Sounds like you've found your bike then Si. Most 1000cc IL4's have a decent amount of torque, that's one of the reasons I love the 'Blade. So, are you going to make the "South goes North" trip in June ?

.
What's that then :shock:
not up on all the posts.
sexysi

[Viney]

all you need now are http://www.edecals.com/products9/FLM601as.gif :lol:

[sexysi]

No I think a craft black helmet, black leathers and a red light going from side to side on the front of the bike.
sexysi
"Simon Ewbank a lone crusader in a world of SV's"
Can't do the sounds to knight rider
http://www.tv-series-on-dvd.com/cover/knight-rider-3.jpg


New bike name "KIT"

[Viney]

No I think a craft black helmet, black leathers and a red light going from side to side on the front of the bike.
sexysi
"Simon Ewbank a lone crusader in a world of SV's"
Can't do the sounds to knight rider
http://www.tv-series-on-dvd.com/cover/knight-rider-3.jpg


New bike name "KIT"

Oh dear! ;) You will never be as legendary as THE HOFF!! :shock: :lol:

Nice bike by the way.

[Sudoxe]

New bike name "KIT"

Why, are you planning on rebuilding it already :lol: :lol: