If not Z, then what?

[tenaciousz]

The Z is a great bike, but after 5 years I need a change. Just curious, what would be your next bike? I rode an FZ1 last year - way more comfy than the Z and an amazing top end rush. My other choice is a pre-Vtech VFR800 but haven't sampled one yet. 

[trenttheuncatchable]

Hmmm. My Z is the last bike I would give up; it's the best "everything" bike for me. What characteristics are you looking for? And which FZ1 did you ride? The carb'd version (pre-2006) or the FI version?

I had a CBR 1100XX which I loved, but I sold it because I wanted something lighter but still with a lot of power. So now I have a ZX10R, which I am tweaking.

Have you checked out the Street Triple? Or is that too much like the Z? You could also look at a Ninja 1000 or it's unfaired version, the Z1000.

[tenaciousz]

Honestly, I just turned 46 so I'm looking for sport touring but comfortable. I've tried everything with the Z seat and have given up. Worst seat I've ever had on a bike. The FZ1 was a carbed one, seat was great but not much legroom.
Also rode an FJR1300 last summer but the heat blowing up between the seat and tank is a deal breaker.
I like the look of the BMW R1150RT but will need to ride one, may be huge power letdown from the Z. Others for consideration are ST1300, 1100XX, Bandit 1250, BMW K1300S.

[Pie]

I'm planning on getting a 2010 or 2011 Z1000  in April. I've read good things about them.

[blackrat]

A lot will depend on your budget. The FZ8 Fazer is nice; comfy, pretty quick,flickable and fairly light. Had a test ride on the Z 1000 SX.........Awesome but still pricey 2nd hand as it's a new model.

[billyritchie]

Zzr 1400. Big comfy powerful weapon between your legs. Yessss

[doomus]

my current other bike is a triumph t595 daytona on a 97 plate. its currently in speed triple guise and it induces a grin everytime I ride.it. The newer speed triples are supposed to be damned good bikes for the money

[trenttheuncatchable]

I've tried everything with the Z seat and have given up. Worst seat I've ever had on a bike.

I agree. I couldn't ride more than ten minutes on the stock Z750S's seat. First thing I did was get a Corbin for it. I've got other mods on it, too (second mod was Rizoma rearsets, 'cause I actually liked less legroom so I could hug that skinny tank better). I've had to tweak every bike in some way before I got it just right, though.

[tenaciousz]

I tried a Corbin and gave it 2000 kms to break in. It didn't. These are not the same Corbins of 10-15 years ago. I actually had one custom made while I waited at their factory in CA, was a great experience and the people were super friendly. Now they use a different density foam, way harder and the seat weighs a ton. I took my seat to a local seat builder and it was great for awhile but now the foam has broken down. Running out of options here. Ive put on a 636 shock which made a big difference, the stock shock has very little rebound damping which made the bike feel like a pogo stick on the hwy.
I love the Z, the motor is brilliant, the stock exhaust sounds awesome IMO, the vibes have never been an issue. But that seat, man, that seat....

[tenaciousz]

http://www.motorcycle-usa.com/157/11820/Motorcycle-Article/2012-Kawasaki-Ninja-650-First-Ride.aspx

Hmmmm.

[lyricalslangbang]

My wife has a 2009 ninja 650 and thats what got me into sport bikes....I'm looking at getting the 2012 Concours 14 or my friends 2008 ZX14 and making it a touring bike.........I test road a BMW 1300 and 1600 and liked them both, but I didn't like the electronic throttle or price.....yep, as long as wife can handle me getting another bike (I've changed bikes every 8 months since I've started riding), I'll probably get the Concours 14

[canadianshark74]

I was looking at a zx14 or a vfr800.
But the price on insurance for the 14 was crazy.
The VFR holds its value very well, and I don't want to pay that much for a used vfr.
Those were my 2 bikes I would buy if I was looking used.

If I was to buy new, I would buy a new Ninja1000 with side bags.  Looks like the best of sport and tour.

So...... the mods continue on my zed. 

[spex]

With my finances tied up for the next couple of years, I'm "stuck" with my Z750 until 2013 at the earliest (not a bad place to be tbh).


For the longest time I've been lusting after a Speed Triple 1050, but lately I've been turning towards a KTM 990 SMT. Seems like a perfect mix of fun, practicality and comfort for a proper long-termer.

[tenaciousz]

Yes, good used 1999-2001 VFR800 might be in the cards. Though I sat on a 2011 Triumph 1150 ST on Friday - what a sweet bike and a very comfy saddle. May have to sell the cattle ranch..

[the prophet]

The Z is a good bike but I sold it and bought a SV1000. I love this bike. It has fully adjustable suspension, massive torque/power, comfortable seat and it sounds awesome. Super fun to ride.The SV1000 will kill the Z in the canyons. Anymore questions?