Thinking about a ZZR1200...

[falconati]

I found a few that are pretty inexpensive.  What issues should be sorted out on one?  I've heard lots of good experiences, any bad?

What are the valve intervals?  I found a maintenance book, but wanted to verify with an owner to make sure I'm reading it correctly.

[Ack535]

As I recall the real early models (2002 I think) had cam pitting issues. Other than that they are bullet proof bikes, and great bike for the $!

Ask your questions over at zzrbikes.com.

Pete

Here is my old ZZR1200.

[Akumu]

I found a few that are pretty inexpensive.  What issues should be sorted out on one?  I've heard lots of good experiences, any bad?

What are the valve intervals?  I found a maintenance book, but wanted to verify with an owner to make sure I'm reading it correctly.

As mentioned cam pitting, most notably on 2002's with a VIN ending in less that 5000. Valve checks every 12,000 miles and zzrbikes.com is your friend. (Wish I could tell you more but I haven't even ridden mine, yet. Too cold.   )

[caslaw]

Early 2002's had pitted cams but this never became a real problem.  Many report over 60k with pitted cams.  My 02 has pitting on #4 intake cam.  Meh . . .

A more serious issue with early 2002's are porous heads.  This results in coolant going into the head.  This usually is detected by seeing coolant in the plug wells.  

Otherwise this is a bulletproof bike.  2004-05 models have reboind adjustment on the forks.  Tremendous engine, great distance sport tourer, decent suspension and brakes.  Replace the stock seat and get bar risers if not already done.  As fast as a ZX14 until you hit the tight stuff.

[1KPerDay]

I found a few that are pretty inexpensive.  What issues should be sorted out on one?  I've heard lots of good experiences, any bad?

What are the valve intervals?  I found a maintenance book, but wanted to verify with an owner to make sure I'm reading it correctly.

Generally very good overall. Killer engine, easy (relatively) valve checks/swaps as you don't have to remove the cams, comfy/roomy riding position, good wind protection. Brakes could be stronger and boingers better if you like to ride at 9/10ths or more. For more reasonable and prudent 150-mph touring it's fine as is. I put a superbrace on mine, and had teflon brake lines which helped, and a $600 wilbers shock which sorted the rear end. I was never completely happy with the front but it was passable. Bar risers are good, helibars are better if you want a toury-sporter. SWmotech makes killer quick-release Givi mounts for it. I think the manual calls for valve checks every 8K but not many people do them that often. Shims are cheap and readily available.

The 02-03 forks were preload only, the 04-05s got rebound IIRC.

A new seat or an airhawk is a must unless you're a massochist. Throttlemeister or throttle lock is good also.

some buzziness about 3.5-4K on some bikes... a flattish spot about there that can be fixed with an easy carb needle shim.

If you're serious, get thee to zzrbikes.com and read up. good guys there and how-tos and whatever.

That engine...  

[falconati]

You didn't let me down  

Great stuff so far, thanks gang.  Exactly the kind of things I was looking for.  There's an 04 and an 02, so I think I'll focus on the 04 to start.  Keep these things coming, and I'll check out ZZRBikes.com!

[caslaw]

If you can get past the '04 color - aka "Metrosexual Silver"   (the color changes from silver to blueish silver depending upon the light)

Seriously though, I would only avoid a low mileage '02 - you want around 20k by which time any porous head issues should have surfaced.  The bikes are all the same except for the rebound dampening adjustment, so I would go with the best bike regardless of year.  Also, you might find one with risers, aftermarket seat, and aftermarket exhaust.  Price depending upon condition should be $3-5k.

Of course the '02 is the fastest . . .  

[Akumu]

I think the manual calls for valve checks every 8K but not many people do them that often. Shims are cheap and readily available.

This big thick 250+ page manual the previous owner gave to me shows checks for 12k. (Which is just fine by me...)

[FiremanBob]

Fantastic bike. It's the Kawi version of a Blackbird. Primary differences are carburetors rather than FI (don't know if this is true for later years), about 30 lbs heavier, ergos slightly more sportbike-like, engine not quite as smooth but still very nice.  I think these difference are usually reflected in the price, with Birds going for about a grand more than ZZRs.

The zzrbikes.com board is not only the definitive resource but a really nice group of people.

[Squareman357]

...Primary differences are carburetors rather than FI (don't know if this is true for later years)...

Same for later years.  They never released an FI ZZR1200.

[BradleyRas]

My cams have been pitted from 15K miles.....at 50K now and my dyno numbers have been consistant. The bike runs like a raped ape.

I had a problem with my throttle control modulator, resulted in a ticket for 68mph over the posted highway limit.... 5 points and a 15 day suspension fixed the problem.

The ZED is a big, comfy missle capable of all day adventures and 230 miles per tank. Rock steady at triple digit speeds.

[Akumu]

I had a problem with my throttle control modulator, resulted in a ticket for 68mph over the posted highway limit.... 5 points and a 15 day suspension fixed the problem.

Throttle Control Modulator is the hardest way to spell 'Right Hand' that I ever heard of.  

[caslaw]

My cams have been pitted from 15K miles.....at 50K now and my dyno numbers have been consistant. The bike runs like a raped ape.

I had a problem with my throttle control modulator, resulted in a ticket for 68mph over the posted highway limit.... 5 points and a 15 day suspension fixed the problem.

The ZED is a big, comfy missle capable of all day adventures and 230 miles per tank. Rock steady at triple digit speeds.

I found that it was cheaper to get a radar detector than fixing the modulator.  I still had modularion errors but no tickets . . .

[GS1100GK]

Generally very good overall. Killer engine, easy (relatively) valve checks/swaps as you don't have to remove the cams, comfy/roomy riding position, good wind protection. Brakes could be stronger and boingers better if you like to ride at 9/10ths or more. For more reasonable and prudent 150-mph touring it's fine as is. I put a superbrace on mine, and had teflon brake lines which helped, and a $600 wilbers shock which sorted the rear end. I was never completely happy with the front but it was passable. Bar risers are good, helibars are better if you want a toury-sporter. SWmotech makes killer quick-release Givi mounts for it. I think the manual calls for valve checks every 8K but not many people do them that often. Shims are cheap and readily available.

The 02-03 forks were preload only, the 04-05s got rebound IIRC.

A new seat or an airhawk is a must unless you're a massochist. Throttlemeister or throttle lock is good also.

some buzziness about 3.5-4K on some bikes... a flattish spot about there that can be fixed with an easy carb needle shim.

If you're serious, get thee to zzrbikes.com and read up. good guys there and how-tos and whatever.

That engine...  

I agree with 1KPerDay with one exception.  Slight buzziness from 4500-5000 RPM is the only place it happened on mine.  Everywhere else it was butter smooth.

[FiremanBob]

I really like that tall, bubble windscreen. What make/model is it?

[caslaw]

I really like that tall, bubble windscreen. What make/model is it?

Gufstafsson Super-G.  Small windscreen maker in Florida.  Infamously cantankerous owner.  http://www.bikescreen.com/

[1KPerDay]

The one in the pic is NOT a super-G. It looks like a Givi to me.

Here's a Super-G.




Zero Gravity with laminar lip



Without