Kwak ZZR600 as first big bike

[AndyT]

Has anyone got one of these as a first big bike? I am looking at them as an alternatrive to the CBR/Bandit 600's as i want a bike that can comfortably take 2 people (me and the wife) on a bit of touring, but at the same time stil retaining a bit of sportiness (SP?) and i only have a budget of around £1200. Any other recommendations? Or comments on them? Cheers all - also did you guys buy your first bike before or after passing your test???

[sunbear]

I found stepping up to a bigger bike a piece of cake. Although i had been riding 125's for 8 or 9 years.

The ZZR should be fine. I have heard they are a good starter bike. I had the 400 version, and it handled great. I think the 400 / 600 share the same frame
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Bikes had : BMW F650, suzuki tr50, gt125, SV400, GSXR600 SRAD. Honda CBR900RRP, CBR600FX, CBR1000F, VT600, Transalp 600, mtx125, nsr125r, CB500T, Yamaha fy50, tzr125, tdr125, XV535, Diversion 600, Fazer 600, TDM850 MK1 & MK2, Majesty 400, XV 1100. Cagiva mito evolution, Aprilia rs125, Piaggio x9 125. DNA 125 . Suzuki Bandit 600, GZ125 Marauder, RF600 , RF900RS2, Kawasaki ZZR400, ZX6R Ninja, ZZR600 . Ducati 750 Sport . Triumph Tiger 955i. CURRENT : 2004 Kawasaki Z750 and LOVIN IT !

[AndyT]

Cool - i like the ZXR/CBR type bikes but they are a little out of my price range and i want something that can go 2 up fairly comfortably for both!!

[krebsy]

I got a Divvy before my test and the ZZR recently.

Nice bike. feels light and is quick without being scary. It can rocket along at 120 two up (apparently) but the lightness is apparent in high winds.

Usual checks for crap after market plastics and hatchet jobs on the rear to "Tidy" it need to be done as most I've seen look a bit pants. check the brakes, check the downpipes for rot and the gearbox for clunkyness.

Comfy for two and will give a lot of bigger bikes a run for their money "The 600 that likes to think it's a Thou'" - Mr. Haynes.

K.
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[Zimbo]

ZZR6 is an ideal first big bike and will do all you need very well indeed. They don't handle that quick but can still be pushed along at a pretty respectable rate, engine is very good, gearboxes same (make sure it doesn't jump out of 1st / 2nd) downpipes rot, rear shock goes off quickly, otherwise it's good all round. Very comfortable, good at pillions, practical too.

[Whosthedaddy]

[AndyT]

Excelelnt thanks everyone - so i need to check the usual stuff plus downpipes, reaer end, shocks and make sure it doesnt jump out of 1st and 2nd - might be a stupid question but how do i check it doenslt do that?? Is it just put it in gear and accelerate upto high revs and check it in 1/2/3 gears?? Fingers cross i pass my DAS!!!

[Whosthedaddy]

Good luck fella
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Current : MSX 125 Past : CBR 900RR Monkeybike : c50 LAC : ZXR750 H2 : FZR600 : ZX7R P3 : YW100 : TRX850: Trophy 900 T309 : GSXR 600 L0: Monkeybike : XJ6S Whosthedaddy

[MAG Energy]

Hi Andy from another Andy. I got a ZZR600D2 as my first big bike after passing my test and you can't go wrong. Travelled two up with tent and panniers all over the country. It'll easily cruise at illegal speeds and mine got around 50mpg as well.

Test the gears by accelerating hard then, towards the top of the revs, let the throttle off then back on again to see if it stays in that gear, be ready for the revs to rise quickly if it jumps out of gear. Sometimes they'll jump out of gear if you're too light with the gear change.

If the bike you're buying has an after market exhaust make sure it's had a re-jet and a trip on the rolling road to set the fuelling up properly.

A lot of people chop the rear mudguard down because they think it looks better but I prefer my ass to stay dry A hugger is essential to keep the rear shock and the linkage in good health. Check the rear linkage for wear by putting the bike on the centre stand then lean over the bike and grab the rear wheel. Pull it up to see if there's any slack in the linkage. If there is it'll fail you're next MOT. Also have a look at the centre stand to see if it's been ground away on the road, a sure sign of some abuse on the corners.

Best of luck on your DAS.

[bunglehaze]

Hi Andy,

I can recommend the zzr600, I have the E1 model which is nice and quick even with my 18stone frame on the back. As it has already been said the clunkiness of the gearbox is a thing to watch, apparently they all do it but as they get more worn they can jump out of 2nd - its only a cheap repair if you buy the parts and do it yourself but you need to strip the bike down to do it (daunting for a novice but im just about getting used to it all)

Generally mine acts worse when it warms up than in the cold and is not noticable if I change gears properly ( ie not stamping down or lightly tapping up) so a definate push into 2nd usually does the trick and a nice light but definate push to click it into 1st and I have no problems...

That said its an excellent bike, puts a real smile on my face and shuttles along at illegal speeds without even blinking, with my wife on the back it scares the hell out of her with its accelleration and to top all that the insurance is a great deal cheaper than the equivalent zx6r (which I would love but must wait)

hope this helps

leigh
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[AndyT]

Thanks everyone for the useful advice - i am picking up a k reg zzr600 next weekend with 14k on the clock and 8 month tax and MOT! Fingers crossed for my DAS test now!!!! Does anyone have any good sites for ZZR bits and pieces/specs/info???

[AndyT]

Does any one know how to tell the difference between a D3 ZZR6 and an E1 ZZR6??

[KTM Gordo]

The only thing to bear in mind is that the ZZR has a full fairing, and will be very expensive to replace if you drop it. Your insurance might be a bit hefty too for that reason.

If it's your first big 'bike then you're very likely to drop it - I managed it within two hours of buying my brand new Fazer

Whatever you buy; enjoy it.
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KTM 990 Adventure | KTM EXC 250 Racing | Land Rover Freelander SE Td4

[krebsy]

Dropped mine...

It Bounced...

Only a tiny scuff on the mirror and minor blemish on the transferrs..



K.
____________________
What's my New Year's resolution?

1280 x 1024.