ZZR1200 Advice?

[Heath3n]

The ZZR engine is much stronger than the 'bird.  And besides, with the 'bird you have to deal with those annoying liked brakes.
*The above statment is biased as I truly luv my Zed!!!

I agree with the Zed having the stronger engine...I did like the linked brakes of the XX I owned though.

[birdrunner]

The ZZR engine is much stronger than the 'bird.  And besides, with the 'bird you have to deal with those annoying liked brakes.

*The above statment is biased as I truly luv my Zed!!!

The two engines are almost the same HP,  the ZZ's engine only seems to make more HP because it shakes like a cement mixer.  

Of course if you're only riding it to the bar, you might not notice

[Heath3n]

The two engines are almost the same HP,  the ZZ's engine only seems to make more HP because it shakes like a cement mixer.  
Of course if you're only riding it to the bar, you might not notice

And jealousy rears it's ugly head!  

I'll just direct you here:
http://www.motorcycle.com/shoot-outs/honda-cbr1100xx-vs-kawasaki-zzr1200-15400.html

[droptine]

I rode both the Honda and Kawi on the same day one after the other when I was looking to buy. I remember the first thing I said when I got back to the dealer. I told him that the ZZR-1200 would walk away from the Honda. It's like any thing else, solely up to the one with cash in hand. I am not biases by any means but I was sold on the Kawi. Just ride is what it boils down to (safely).

[1KPerDay]

I've ridden them (XX and ZZR) back to back and the ZZR has noticeably more low and mid-range, though the XX is smoother. Top end... meh... both are shoulder-socket-pullers.

I feel the XX handles better, at least the one I rode.

[birdrunner]

The ZZR was developed to compete with the XX.  Kawi put the Honda in their sights when they developed it.   I guess imitation is the sincerest for of flattery.



FWIW,  When I got my XX, I was also considering a ZZR.   The Honda came in the color I liked.  

[dalan]

ZZR1200, hell yeah!

Hard luggage, custom seat, and you're good to go.



That is all.  

[ohpossum]

Hey,

Thanks again for all the posts! Unfortunately, I won't be able to afford the extra $2,000.00 at this time.

However, when I dropped the ACE T off to have the front tire replaced, there was a "new" bike on display outside.

A 1996 Triumph Trophy 1200, dark blue, side cases, 45,xxx miles. It was traded in by a passer-through experiencing charging troubles.

Their asking price is $3,995.00. One of the managers is supposed to let me know how they would trade. I think the Shadow is worth more and hopefully can get them to include 2 new tires, new battery, and maybe a top case. It also has a Corbin seat.

Keeping my fingers crossed, my wife didn't seem too opposed to the thought of it, I showed her a picture of one on the 'net.

Waiting for better weather,

oh'

[1KPerDay]

You can get a ZZR1200 for 4 grand if you look around.

[ohpossum]

I don't doubt I can locate a deal somewhere. However, I pretty much have to stay in the local (25-75 miles) area.  This in turn has more bearing on what are deals or not, for me, anyway.

If money were not an issue, I would jump all over this ZZR, as it appears that it's likely still on it's original tires and extremely well taken care of.

The Trophy, though a bit higher in mileage than I would like, is definitely on my wish list. And it was hard to believe it was there when I rode in the other evening.

Thanks again,

oh'

[emillard]

I've ridden them (XX and ZZR) back to back and the ZZR has noticeably more low and mid-range, though the XX is smoother. Top end... meh... both are shoulder-socket-pullers.

I feel the XX handles better, at least the one I rode.

What he said.  

I have both.  The ZZR is a torque monster no doubt and has much better wind protection for longer rides.  However, the XX is 50lbs lighter, handles better, and is smooth as glass.  

[Heath3n]

What he said.  

I have both.  The ZZR is a torque monster no doubt and has much better wind protection for longer rides.  However, the XX is 50lbs lighter, handles better, and is smooth as glass.  

Just my .02 cents. I have owned both bikes as well and I feel that the ZZR handles noticably better than the XX did. I will agree the XX was smoother and less buzzy though. But I definitely prefer my Zed to the bird I had. The Zed's also more comfy IMO. You really can't go wrong with either of them though.  

[Fast Blue]

I've had my ZZR since june 03
 adjusted the pilot screws - added Holeshots and a K&N
New front sprocket - rear down two teeth to a 42 and a chain.
It has approx 63,000 km
I went on an epic western journey last year  19 days 6,400 miles - the bike ran flawlessly. - And yes I still ride on the stock seat - I like it - the warden sometimes not so much after a couple of hours. I will be looking into making some changes on that.

This bike has been bullet proof - very pleased that I own one - the only one around for miles and miles.

[atadaskew]

The ZZR was developed to compete with the XX.  Kawi put the Honda in their sights when they developed it.   I guess imitation is the sincerest for of flattery.

The XX was developed to compete with the ZX11. Honda put the Kawi in their sights when they developed it.  I guess imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.

[1KPerDay]

  PWN3D

[BradleyRas]

Great choice in a super sport tourer. My Zed has 45000 miles on the clock, my friend Tony has 65000 with nary a problem.

I have nothing else to add that hasn't already been said.  

[windsorgreen1]

Great choice in a super sport tourer. My Zed has 45000 miles on the clock, my friend Tony has 65000 with nary a problem.

I have nothing else to add that hasn't already been said.  

Had an 04 that I bought in new June of 05. I put six k on it in 3.5 months & then went over the handlebars cuz in essence I rode while very tired. I miss it.