Apologies for a bike related post. It's that time of year again, when an old bloke's thoughts turn to one of whether to upgrade his 2 wheeled conveyance. Having been out on the the old barge yesterday trying to keep up with the boy on his 400, and my mate of his VFR800 I have come to the sad conclusion that the poor old Zephyr is not a confidence inspiring machine one one gets above 80. The problem with the Zephyr is that it is a bit bloody heavy, particularly when manoevreing. For instance, if one enters a clear roundabout at a fairly respectable pace, exit does bring one very close to the kerb as it goes very wide. In a straight line it goes like the clappers, unfortunately impending corners mean that this has to be scrubbed of smartish. Also, once respectable velocities are reached it has a nasty habit of weaving, which is very disconcerting. I do appreciate that I am not even an apprentice riding god, and a more experienced rider (Sweller immediately comes to mind) would prolly be able to get the old barge to behave itself a lot more than I can. Interestingly when I rode the VFR back from Braintree my riding was very much different, quicker and smoother, which is really what got me to analyse what I am doing on the Zephyr a bit more. Pity the VFR was so bloody uncomfortable. The 955i Daytona appears to be a handsome machine, and not overly expensive, unfortunately I have never thrown a leg over one, however I do recall Christofire getting his knee down on his once when we were out though, which has to be a good thing. The only time I ever got my knee down on the Zephyr was Jan 2007 at Excel, and that was only because I'd left the bloody disk lock on. I think my criteria for a replacement needs to be: Large engine Fairing Good for 2 up occasionally Quick Nimble Not too extreme a riding position. Able to carry gear to various 'OSMs Sub £2000 for something without spaceship mileage What recommedeth the FOAK. -- Dan L Too much time to think, too little to do. http://thebikeshed.spaces.live.com/ 1996 Kawasaki ZR1100 Zephyr BOTAFOT #140 (KotL 2005/6/7) X-FOT#000 DIAABTCOD #26 BOMB#18 (slow) OMF#11
ZX9R. (Not incredibly nimble in my hands anyway, but fits the other criteria.) Or, of course Gixer Thou.
ZZR1100. Surprisingly nimble for something that big, surprisingly cheap to run apart from tyres, as solid as they come, comfy, and a lot seem to come with pannier kits. They do handle, really. Not in the "I'll just flick it left/right here" sense, but they really do go round corners. You'll get a bloody nice one for £2k. And it even has a centre stand. Several times I've got close to buying one myself.
Are you allowed to use 'fit' as the past tense these days? It's damned annoying for an old fogey even if it is valid.
Hmm, that thought had crossed my mind. When did they stop making them? -- Dan L Too much time to think, too little to do. http://thebikeshed.spaces.live.com/ 1996 Kawasaki ZR1100 Zephyr BOTAFOT #140 (KotL 2005/6/7) X-FOT#000 DIAABTCOD #26 BOMB#18 (slow) OMF#11
The ZZR, ZXR9 and Freblade have all featured on recent ebay searches. Not too sure about the ZZR, they look massive and could be a problem getting into the shed. -- Dan L Too much time to think, too little to do. http://thebikeshed.spaces.live.com/ 1996 Kawasaki ZR1100 Zephyr BOTAFOT #140 (KotL 2005/6/7) X-FOT#000 DIAABTCOD #26 BOMB#18 (slow) OMF#11
VFR750, obviously. Powerful enough, wonderfully effective fairing, long-distance comfy two-up, superb handling. And cheap, of course.
Aren't Hondas boring? -- Dan L Too much time to think, too little to do. http://thebikeshed.spaces.live.com/ 1996 Kawasaki ZR1100 Zephyr BOTAFOT #140 (KotL 2005/6/7) X-FOT#000 DIAABTCOD #26 BOMB#18 (slow) OMF#11
Having ridden Adie's Daytona, I reckon you should try and find one for a test ride. I liked it - much smaller than I thought it would be - although I was used to bracing myself Mad Max stylee on the B12 at the time. Quick, nice sounding and probably capable enough for you, although Adie never really liked it IIRC. As for ZZR11 - they are certainly bigger than the Daytona but not like trying to ride a bus. The noise of the engine and intake is most amusing, and the ability to cruise comfortably at 120+ for as long as you like is nice. Luggage capability is immense with three full size boxes and a tank bag attached. The only down side I found was that sub 50mph riding for long periods left me with achy wrists, but that might be cos I've broken them several times. I'd go get some CIHAGM's and see what you think.
He's right you know - listen to the man who can crash them well, he knows of what he speaks. -- Lozzo Suzuki SV650S K5 Honda CBR600 FW trackbike Yamaha SR250 Spazz-Trakka Suzuki GSXR750 L Suzuki TS50X Suzuki TS50X
I've had a cossetted life -- Dan L Too much time to think, too little to do. http://thebikeshed.spaces.live.com/ 1996 Kawasaki ZR1100 Zephyr BOTAFOT #140 (KotL 2005/6/7) X-FOT#000 DIAABTCOD #26 BOMB#18 (slow) OMF#11
Excitement isn't on your list. If you want excitement, why not go out and thrash the tits off your wobbly Zephyr?
Wrong type of excitement. More like a blurred terror -- Dan L Too much time to think, too little to do. http://thebikeshed.spaces.live.com/ 1996 Kawasaki ZR1100 Zephyr BOTAFOT #140 (KotL 2005/6/7) X-FOT#000 DIAABTCOD #26 BOMB#18 (slow) OMF#11
There's a VFR waiting to be sold at a good price fairly soon, when I go and collect it from the owner's father. -- Lozzo Suzuki SV650S K5 Honda CBR600 FW trackbike Yamaha SR250 Spazz-Trakka Suzuki GSXR750 L Suzuki TS50X Suzuki TS50X
This would be the white one? Could you send me some details? -- Dan L Too much time to think, too little to do. http://thebikeshed.spaces.live.com/ 1996 Kawasaki ZR1100 Zephyr BOTAFOT #140 (KotL 2005/6/7) X-FOT#000 DIAABTCOD #26 BOMB#18 (slow) OMF#11
