How on Earth do you post pictures on here?
Anyway. She's a Black and Orange RRT. 918cc. Lots of owners but naff all miles (14K with MOT's to back it up).
I've bought her primarily to fulfil a desire to do more TD's after doing Mallory on a Bandit 12 last year and catching the bug.
Then I might Streetfighter her to make her a bit more comfy over long distance. Or I might leave her well alone. Not decided yet.
Managed half an hour out yesterday but, what with having naff all grip and my hands starting to tingle with the cold, plus the suspension settings are in desperate need of sorting, didn't really get to test her true abilities. She feels tight chassis wise but the bouncy bits issue upsets her big time on less than perfect surfaces, and she struggles to get traction as the rear shock is way too stiff. Led to a couple of 'interesting' moments did that.
Still, the engine is fit as a fiddle though lacking in bottom and midrange grunt compared to the Bandit, my old ZX9, and the Falco. Could be something to do with gearing because they're supposed to be reasonably strong. Or it could just be that I've been spoiled over the last few years. I'm ordering a C&S set next month and will put standard sprockets on (16F + 42R). Haven't a clue what's on it now. Nothing wrong with the delivery higher up the rev range. She takes off like a scalded cat then so I may have to 'relearn' how to ride a 2 stroke 4 stroke.
Brakes are good but she'll need pads at the front before I do take her on track. I might put braided lines on at the same time though there's no appreciable 'swell' in the hoses as yet. We'll see.
I don't want to spend too much on a 13 year old bike other than consumables tbh. I could fork out £1000-1500 and have a minter but I'll never see that money again and she might not be a keeper other than as a TD tool so is it worth it? I'll decide later in the year I suppose.
She'll be treated to a service, proper clean, and a thorough check over before summer comes. And then we'll go and have some fun. At least I like going in the garage again which is more than can be said when I had the Bandit. Just never got on with that bike.
Oh yeah. The ZX9 is a fabulous bike. Truly. If I hadn't written mine off in May I'd still have it. Plenty of power, decent handling, good looks, loads of room for proper sized people, comfy over distance (better than the Falco if I'm honest), reliable, cheap(ish) to run - cheaper than most on Insurance and 50mpg on a run_- and wail like a Banshee at high revs. Oh yes. A brilliant and vastly underrated bike. So enjoy Howard.
[/img]