Choice of two - please help.

By way of coincidence, just as my ZR-7 is really starting to show the
effects of all my winter commutes, a friend happened to get talking to
2 blokes selling their bikes. So I'm begging for advice on the
relative merits of each and what to look out for in each.

First up is a ZZR1100. R-reg, looks to be in very good condition
except looks like the tank doesn't match the plastics. When I once
said that I'd just like a bike that'll accelerate well, cruise all day
at 80 and still return 50 mpg someone (Champ I think) suggested that a
ZZR would do that. Sounds ideal. The seller is looking for about 1300.

Second, a Thunderace. Not seen yet. R-reg, supposedly mint at 1350.
Have read mixed reports on these but, mostly, owners seem to love them
for touring.

A few considerations. I am planning to do some touring soon. When I do
commute it's about 300 miles per week, mostly motorway. I am 6'2" and
have a 34" inside-leg, so looking for a bike that'll suit someone
fairly tall. I know SFA about things mechanic and need an OMF guide to
what to look for when I inspect/test the bikes.

 

Using the patented Mavis Beacon "Hunt&Peck" Technique, the man with no

In the fine tradition of recommending bikes you've owned, a ZZR1100 is a
Very Fine Motorcycle indeed.

I am out of touch with second hand bike prices, but this (if in good
nick) sounds like a pretty good deal to me.

 

Looking at it as someone who has owned 3 ZZR1100s and sold the last to
buy a Thunderace[1], I really miss my old Ace, but not too bothered
that I sold any of the ZZRs. Don't get me wrong, the ZZRs were all
great bikes, but I got on better with my Ace. It went better, handled
better, braked better, was comfier, didn't suffer from winter riding as
much, was lighter, had longer service intervals and was just as good on
fuel as the ZZRs. Overall it was a better bike and had the advantage of
looking more sports than tourer.

[1] I found out today it was sold last year to a guy in Glasgow and it
had 135K miles on the clock at that time.

--
Lozzo
Suzuki SV650S K5
Honda CBR600 FW trackbike
Yamaha SR250 Spazz-Trakka
Suzuki GSXR750 L
Suzuki TS50X
Suzuki TS50X

 

I'd go with the Arai. YKIMS.

 

That's impressive! Is that because it was very well looked after, I
don't imagine they all reach that mileage? Is there much difference in
riding position? All the bikes I've had have been fairly upright, like
the ZR-7. I have ridden sportier bikes (CBR, R1) and found that they
made my wrists ache.

 

I've found some of his previous posts, including common problems (I'll
be looking out for the revs holding at 7k and then dropping to
normal). He does paint a picture of a beautiful machine.

Lozzo said the Ace winters better, I assumed he was talking about
finish etc. I've not seen either in the flesh but a mate reckons the
ZZR is a physically bigger bike and it would suit my size better than
the Ace.

Well I am a bit concerned. Can you give me any pointers regarding
problems to look for. I've been sent some pics and it looks tidy. I'm
going to see the real thing next Sunday and could do with at least
giving the appearance of having a clue.

As I've never owned any stands, it would be a nuisance.

 

Ah, you're just the man for the Ace. TBH, I have back problems and am
a bit concerned about being leant to far forward and I actually prefer
an upright position. Do people ever fit something like bar risers to
Aces or would that just be a silly 'defeats the object' kind of thing.

Not having met you, and having no idea about your height etc, would
you say the Ace is suitable for a lanky bloke like me?

 

From 11K to about 38K it had FSH, near enough, but was binned a couple
of times (nothing major). Lozzo can comment thereafter..

The double bubble screen keeps the wind in your shoulders, not your
head. Yes your wrists ache after a while going slowly. The answer is
not to spend too much time going slowly.

 

The Ace will be cheaper. Just is. Colin Irvine loves his.

Of the two, I'd go for the ZZR, though, simply because there are plenty
to choose from, and they seem a bit better built and finished than the
Yam. I'd be a little bit wary of a ZZR priced at £1300, though.

Don't think the Ace has a centre stand, either, which is a definite
minus point.

 

Indeed. Really the exup valve is about the only thing that can cause
problems. You can end up replacing the sensor, and the servo motor if
the bike's been run with a stuck valve, but that's about it. If the
valve is sticking you can get lubricating exup juice on ebay or via
the T/A mailing list.

 

Several owners have fitted them, and IIRC are quite happy with them.
If back posture is that important, however, I think I'd be going for
something like a Triumph Sprint rather than a full-on sportsbike that
happens to be for sale.

I'm 6'1" and it suits me perfectly.

 

Both a very good bikes, and a good example of either will almost
certainly meet your needs. Of the two, the Thunderace is just a
little sportier, in the sense that it feels like it carries less
weight, and can be chucked about a bit more. But there's not a lot
in it.

I think there are many more ZZRs out there - they sold *loads*, and
the model ran for the best pat of a decade - so there's no reason to
go for the first one you find, and, as TOG says, 1300 *is* a little
low for a decent one. They have an excellent rep, and consequently
still fetch decent money. The Ace sold less, over a shorter period,
so there's less around, and they just don't have the rep of the ZZR -
it was realy a fill-in model between the original EXUP and the R1.

Really, you need to look at them, sit on them, and ideally get a ride
on them.

 

What colour are they?

 

I assume you're TTP. Nevertheless, you can have a look at the ZZR
here:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/innybiff/sets/72157604316520496/

I think it may have had some "been down the road" colour scheme
adjustments.

 

Your assumption is wrong.