Kwaka Z1000SX Touring

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old git · #1 Post by **old git** » Sat Sep 17, 2011 4:17 am

I know I shouldn't, but can't help keep looking at it in that god awful luminesant green!
Anyone got one??
I have resisted having a test ride although I have been offered one by the stealer.
Someone tell me they are pants, then maybe it will help me decide i really don't want one

blinkey501 · #2 Post by **blinkey501** » Sat Sep 17, 2011 6:22 am

Never ridden one but i have worked with a lad at steel works who did. They are lightening quick but build quality is a bit lapse but this is not a honda, only after 12 months the paint on the frame under the seated area had flaked off so if you do buy one check second hand check the finish. If you buy new it might be advised to wax oil under and around the frame. Has with the comments about the finish it is not honda prices. I personally like the green one

randomsquid · #3 Post by **randomsquid** » Sat Sep 17, 2011 10:44 am

I've been hugely unimpressed with the build quality of my ER6 thing.
And Kawasaki's attitude to bits breaking, rusting or generally falling off.

IT'S A ******* BIKE NOT A GREMLIN - THEY GET WET OCCASIONALLY AND GO OUT AT NIGHT YOU BUNCH OF TOSSERS. Sorry.

The flagships models are supposed to be better though.
So you'll just have to buy a ZZR1400.

MartDude · #4 Post by **MartDude** » Sat Sep 17, 2011 11:21 am

At first glance it seems as if it might be ok - possible alternative to the Futura. But - no centre stand (unforgivable on a would-be tourer); panniers are an afterthought, & look like a pair of carbuncles on it's arse; exhaust is ugly - IMHO.

Some comments here from the Fut guys on AF1
http://www.apriliaforum.com/forums/show ... ight=Z1000

Some reviews I've read aren't particularly complimentary about it's suspension & handling; built to a budget.

But, if you're looking for a new/newish sports tourer, there isn't a great deal of choice. The Triumph Sprint is a bit long in the tooth (but loved by owners); the Sprint GT isn't a sports tourer - big & heavy; the VFR1200 is an ugly pig, with a stupidly small tank & no centre stand.

If I had the readies for a new Z1000 SX, I'd probably seriously consider spending the same on a s/h BMW R1200RT. Similar weight to the Kawasaki.

Would you consider a different type of bike? I find the Triumph Tiger 800 quite appealing. Some find the Tiger 1050 makes a good touring bike. Or, a good, late Caponord?

Moose · #5 Post by **Moose** » Sat Sep 17, 2011 4:23 pm

They are pants

This might help you make sense of it
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0fMBznmn ... re=related

sorry couldn't resist, I'll get me coat

blinkey501 · #6 Post by **blinkey501** » Sat Sep 17, 2011 5:02 pm

Can you translate, i understood Z1000SX and 13,500 EUROS

HowardQ · #7 Post by **HowardQ** » Sat Sep 17, 2011 11:15 pm

It looks an interesting bike. The motor is based on the last of the ZX9Rs, (like mine).
My 2002 9R has a very flexible motor (on carbs), it will pull very smoothly from very low revs like a big pussy cat until the revs build up, (no flat spots), just builds up like a big turbine. Although it does not have the low down kick of the Falco.
From about 6k it really starts to pull hard, above 8K the 9R is ballistic.
Mine is also incredibly economical if ridden with some restraint, I have it up to an unbelievable 58 mpg on a more gentle run.
The Z1000SX with more mid range and a bit less power should be a very nice engine.
As for build quality, my 9R surprised me a lot, my earlier Kwacks were not the best, but at 9 years old and 20odd K miles on the clock it is still pretty much unmarked. Don't think it had seen much rain before I got it but it's been through two winters with me, and as the Falco gets more use in fine weather these days, the Kwack sees more wet days.
If the latest build quality is the same, it should be fine.