Advise on buying Kwak ZX1100

chrisb · Derestricted Danger Joined: 05 Nov 2004 Karma :

Hi People, I currently run a Harley Heritage and for everyday riding a Kawasaki GPZ500s. I love riding the GPZ it's a pokey little machine, light and easy to handle but I have recently started to do my IAM training and relised that I need a larger bike that is more suitable for this type of riding. I have been so impressed with the GPZ that I am considering a 2000 model ZX1100 that's for sale. Does anyone have any knowlege of this bike or any scare stories! advice sort for or against. I understand that it is basically the ZZR 1100 but more geared towards touring? or sould I favour a Blackbird?

Chris Rolling Eyes

Tarmacsurfer · World Chat Champion Joined: 29 Jun 2004 Karma :

It is a ZZR1100, probably a D7 on a 2000 reg. Good bikes, solid and pretty reliable. I run a ZZR1100C, other than a fairly minor problem with a worn connector block it's been no hassle really(intermittent electricals are always a bastard to trace).
The earlier motors were notorious for letting go on the big end of no.3 pot (badly designed oil channels, oil starvation at high revs or running the engine with a low oil level caused wear and eventual breakdown) but I *think* this had been sorted by the mid nineties.

Personally I love them, it'll do "sensible" if you are just wanting to pootle around or go through traffic, but take it out onto a road with some space and they'll go like stink. Assuming you're not too small then they also handle suprisingly well, not sportsbike territory but with properly set up suspension and the weight to persuade it then it's pretty nippy. I certainly wouldn't trade mine for anything else.
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chrisb · Derestricted Danger Joined: 05 Nov 2004 Karma :

Cheers for that Tarmacsurfer, most reviews comment on the high running costs, have you found this to be the case above any other bike this size? I had a K1 BMW for a couple of years, now that was expensive!!

Chris Confused

Tarmacsurfer · World Chat Champion Joined: 29 Jun 2004 Karma :

I'd not noticed it being exceptionally bad. The only points I'll make are if you buy cheap tyres and chains then yes, they'll wear out in nothing flat. Buy decent quality and they last accordingly.
All in all the running costs, even of heavy usage, can't be that bad. I used to know a lad who worked for Apollo who dizzied on a ZZR quite successfully (distance circuit work, but still).
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Zoffo · Brolly Dolly Joined: 01 Feb 2005 Karma :

Owned many Kwaks and now a BB. The Bird is a far superior machine from the standpoint of build quality, reliability and all round complete package. It's got all the poke you would ever need and since your coming off a Hardly it's nice to know there is still plenty of power low down in the rev range. Get a Bird, Join https://www.ixxra.com/ and have a ball with some bloody good blokes Thumbs Up

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chrisb · Derestricted Danger Joined: 05 Nov 2004 Karma :

Well thanks for all your suggestions, I have taken the plunge and have bought the bike in question on ebay Embarassed

lets hope all is well with it, I shall report back in case anyone is interested. Watch this space..

Chris Smile

chrisb · Derestricted Danger Joined: 05 Nov 2004 Karma :

Well I've had the bike nearly a week and have done about 400 miles 100 of which was during an IAM observation ride out, so this put it through its paces, and I am really impressed with its handling. I needs counter steering and light handling and the rear suspension is a little hard and needs adjusting for single rider unloaded, but for a large bike this handles very well both in urban and country roads, it really eats up the motorway too. All in all a great bike. I know the Blackbird is suppose to be better ( I have never tried one) but they area also a lot more money. If you are buying on a budget and want a good allround superbike I can highly recommend the ZZR1100 post 2000.

Chrisb