ZZR1400 - Thoughts?

[robbieguy2003]

Hey All,

I've been looking at the idea of getting a sports tourer. I think this will be in addition to the RR, as I couldn't really come to terms with loosing the flicky nature of the RR, I kinda like it.

So with that in mind, i've been looking around at a few of these. I've had a look around at Blackbirds, ZZR1200s, Hayabusa and the ZZR1400.

I've not rode any yet, i'm just in the looking around bit at the minute.

I'm split between the Hayabusa and the ZZR1400. The bit that has caught me with both is how cheap they can be had for. I've seen some nice Hayabusas go at between £3k-4k, and good ABS ZZR1400s can be had for ~£6k.

The main reason for this is while the RR is fun, doing mega long journeys or touring, especially with the other half on the back isn't great.

Has anyone got any experience between the two? Obviously they both go well but what about handling, braking, servicing ease etc? Any others that are worth looking at?

I've got a few weeks off so might go and test ride a few and see what I think. Prob wont be buying for a few months though but could basically buy as the winter comes in and the prices drop a bit again. That'd give me 3-5 months of it in the Garage so i could strip it and get it all nice and tidy (if it required it).

Anyway, any opinions/thoughts appreciated..
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Current Bikes: Honda CBR 600RR - '07, Suzuki GSX1250 FA ST '11
Old Bikes: Suzuki Intruder 125 LC - '2001, Honda CBR 600F - '92, Honda CBR 600RR - '03

[Frost]

They're all epic bikes but none will handle all that well due to their weight and length.
Given the choice i'd go for a ZX12 or blackbird as i just don't see the need for such epic power when you've got the wife and a shit load of camping gear on the back.
See if you can have a go on a pan european somewhere, they're surprisingly quick! Top end power isn't great but they have so much torque throughout the rev range that you can almost go any speed in any gear. Perfect for touring where changing gear loses it's appeal after about the 5000th time

[Gerrard]

Not had a XZ 12 but have had a Blackbird and riden a Busa and ZZ 1400 and the ZZ 1400 would be my choice but if cash is short a Busa would do..

PS. Get a ride on the Kwak.. it makes you smile thats for sure.
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Honda Blackbird the great all rounder.
Chillin near Malaga.
Marco Simoncelli 58

[Polarbear]

I've owned a busa. Ridden a ZZR1400 and owned a blackbird.

All are faster than you'll ever need unles you're Chuck Norris!

Busa - Brilliant engine, superb power, good handling, shit brakes unless you keep on top of maintenance. Tocico 6 pots. (unless you are talking of a gen 2 busa). Cramped for the size of bike, I fitted Gilles rear sets and it improved it a lot. Good pillion seat.

ZZR1400 - Lovely bike, as fast as the busa, handles well, lovely engine but uglier (in my eyes). Very very comfy for both rider and pillion.

Blackbird - Honda quality. Still super fast. Shit linked brakes (I know some people swear by them but I hate them). Comfy as an arm chair.

So all are good, which would I choose - NONE of them

For touring I'd have a Kawasaki GTR1400. Panniers, Shaft drive, fast as fuck!
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Triumph Trophy Launch Edition

[robbieguy2003]

Cheers all, im not expecting good handling, especially coming from a 600RR! I'm expecting sluggish and heavy, but a generally planted feeling, either way i'll ride some and see.

Polarbear, thanks for your thoughts. The linked braking was the biggest thing putting me off the blackbird, although i've heard for ~£100-150 you can get a kit to unlink it.

I'm thinking of getting a test ride on all before buying, I reckon i'll add the Pan and the GTR to the list.

The GTR seems pretty nice and the idea of a shaft drive for touring/long miles makes sense, especially with a motor pushing out that much torque, i'd imagine it could go through chains quickly!

I oddly like the look of both the busa and the ZZR1400, more so the ZZR, I dont know why but those lights make it look like something from close encounters!
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Current Bikes: Honda CBR 600RR - '07, Suzuki GSX1250 FA ST '11
Old Bikes: Suzuki Intruder 125 LC - '2001, Honda CBR 600F - '92, Honda CBR 600RR - '03

[mark83]

I'm sure you'll love it.

But here's my advice:

Don't buy one without trying a big v-Twin (Ducati etc) and a BMW.

Europeans do it best.
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Kawasaki ER6n -> Honda CBR600RR -> Honda VTR 1000 -> Moto Guzzi Norge 1200
Buy my Mercedes 350 Sport AMG Evo

[Liferider]

Just to add to this inlight of the announcement of the new ZZR1400 due out in 2012.
I have an 09 ZZR1400.
One word, AWESOME!
You might find second hand prices coming down for them (maybe!).
Whatever, buy one, you won't be disappointed.

[SirToU]

[Pete.]

[Gerrard]

[funmonkee]

I'm nearly 5'10 on a good day and have ridden a gen1 hayabusa thru France, Spain, Portugal, Germany, Holland, Switzerland and Italy. I find it's as comfortable as I could expect when doing 300 to 500 miles hops nearly everyday. Not ridden the Kwak or blackbird, but I have sat on them and TBH they are not that much different seating positions for me.

They are all big powerful competent sport tourers. Any of these bikes can be modified for the taller rider as well as the shorter legged folk.

You get used to the weight of these bikes, the sports tours mentioned have fairly lower centre of gravity. I don't understand why the poster further above comments on weight, then recommends a pan

I've taken my son to Holland on the back of my 'busa last year - he said it was comfortable for the first hour. You can get softer seat pads, but TBH he's a skinny arse so I guess he needs to eat more pies
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**** Don't ride faster than your angel can fly Get this Free Space
The democratically elected Mod of the Scottish Section - The Peoples Choice[b]

[Blau Zedong]