Talk to me about Z1000s

[Pie-Roe]

I'm interested in getting another large naked, but don't fancy an X11, or a ZRX1300.

Looking at Z1000s, seems like it will do the job. Reviews suggest fairly agile for the size but the engine is underwhelming. I'll downgear/exhaust/PC anyway, so that's not much of an issue for me. Comfort, reliability and tyres/chain longevity are more a thing.

I'm mostly looking at 2005-2010, I like the price of the 2006ish range, but there doesn't seem to be an option for any form of hard luggage, which is something I maybe would want for Euro trips/commuting to uni and hospitals for placement.

Previously I've had big lardy bikes so the size isn't a particular issue. They are down on weight to the RF9, X11 and blackbird I've had before so that's not a thing for me.
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Previous: GSF600, FZR600 x2, ZXR750, XT600 Tenere, CB125, CZ125, ETZ 250, ER5, CCM R30, DRZ400, RF600x4, RF900x2, GS500, VTR1000F, 640 SMC, CB250 NIGHTHAWK, GT550x3, GPX750 TE610, CB500, X11x2, SV650, ZING 125, TL1000R,CB250 Superdream, CBR1100XX

[ADSrox0r]

Next door neighbour has one, build quality is dogshit.
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Current bikes: '08 VFR 800 VTEC(yo) , '07 ZZR1400 Winter hack: '95 Aprilia 650 Pegaso Currently lusting after: RC30

[monkeybiker]

I've got a 2003.

Comfort wise the seat is not great and you end up with a sore arse on long rides. I have done long rides so it's not too bad but not sure I'd describe it as ''comfy''.

Reliability no real issues however I did have a problem with the bike cutting out when hot and saying pick up coil fault. Changing coils did not fix but eventually a 2nd hand ignition control unit did. I think I was just unlucky with maybe a bad joint on circuit board as not heard of this problem elsewhere. Had the bike 5 years and other than that it's been fine.

Fuel economy I'm lucky if I get more than 40mpg but did once get 50mpg when riding with a 125cc biker. Average I get is around 35 to 40mpg.

Tyres/chain life is all dependent on how you ride but not much worse than a 600cc.

They ride pretty well and do have some grunt. You say you've heard engine is underwhelming, well depends on what you compare it too. You need to rev it for it to really fly but it ain't slow. Maybe people were expecting more low down grunt.

I'm happy with my bike and use it all year. I have not plans on selling. I largely got it for the looks but if I didn't get this it would have maybe been the speed triple. Depends what you like really.

[Pie-Roe]

[stevo as b4]

The poor suspension or rather the quality of the forks and std shock put me off, but the engine should be a bit lively being a big bored ZX9R lump.

The styling is a bit love hate like the 03 ZX6R, and i prefer the looks of the 900cc Hornet tbh.

Saying all that it's no more ugly than say an Aprilia Tuono 1000, but probably less fun and raw.

[evoboy]

Rode both an '05 z750 and z1000.

Bought the 750.

Both have pretty budget suspension but the 1000 has this lardy feel to it that made it feel more like the ZRX than a z750 with more power.

Buy a Fazer 1000 instead.... Or a ZRX11.
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Suzuki GT250 x7------- Fazer 600------CB250RS------Aprilia Rally 70----- Bandit 600

APT Motorcycles

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[craigs23]

I had an 03 in green last year - wasn't a bad bike, I liked the styling and slightly aggressive stance to the thing (in comparison to my ZRX1100 that is).

Sounded good alright-ish too, nice induction roar about 7k, but let down a little my average brakes and mediocre suspension. I say 'let down', but in same way, it added to the character of the thing. Bit grumbly and vibey, especially under 4k, and didn't feel as pokey as I thought a 950cc bike would feel at that engine speed, but just meant I opened it up more than I should.

Build was alright, a few stone chips here and there, paintwork was pretty basic, and the ally on the wheels had tarnished a little, but nothing too bad. The T30s I had fitted worked pretty nicely despite the budget suspension, seemed to get between 30-45mpg usually.

https://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y51/whers84/WP_20150722_07_58_59_Pro_zpshyofvfer.jpg

[Pie-Roe]

Sounds like things I can deal with. I love the styling. Not that green though. Did you find the engine just needed to be kept on the boil, or was actually flat? I enjoy working for power, the blackbird/x11s are easy and linear, but too easy to do 130 without feeling like doing 130.

Where you been at for the last two years?
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Previous: GSF600, FZR600 x2, ZXR750, XT600 Tenere, CB125, CZ125, ETZ 250, ER5, CCM R30, DRZ400, RF600x4, RF900x2, GS500, VTR1000F, 640 SMC, CB250 NIGHTHAWK, GT550x3, GPX750 TE610, CB500, X11x2, SV650, ZING 125, TL1000R,CB250 Superdream, CBR1100XX

[Albigularis]

I had a 2011.

https://i.imgur.com/QdwolzI.jpg

They're decent bikes but if you want to downgear, I'd suggest trying a different bike as the Z1000 is a notoriously close ratio bike. It feels like a rally car. Bang through 5 gears quickly and you're doing 40. You spend more time shifting than using the throttle. Build quality wasn't bad on mine. Didn't handle amazingly at high speed, I didn't find the stock suspension to be adjustable enough to suit me.

Very 'vibratey' bikes too, you won't appreciate motorway miles on one.
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Biking history so far-
Aprilia RS125 - Kawasaki ZXR400 - Triumph Street Triple R - Suzuki GSXR1000 L3 - BMW R1200GS - Kawasaki Z1000 - Kawasaki ZX10R C1H - Ducati Multistrada 1200 S Touring - Suzuki Hayabusa

[craigs23]

[Val]