Tell me about the ZZR 1100

[-Monty-]

Well my 33bhp restriction is up this November (thank god) and I am now thinking about what to get next.

As I am thoroughly fed up with the CB500's (lack of) performance when out on the open road (particularly whilst on the Autobahn in Germany) I am considering a large capacity sports touring bike.

I want something fast, comfortable and cheap. So the ZZR1100 seems to fit the bill. I realize this will be an enormous step up from a 33bhp CB500, but the ZZR really appeals to me (I actually like the retro nineties look).

Anyway, I'm just hoping for some further information from owners/previous owners on here. I.e. what they're like to live with (comfort, reliability, fuel consumption etc), common problems and common upgrades/mods.

A minor concern I have about this sort of bike is the amount of rear tyres they must get through. My CB500 got through a rear in about 4000 miles and I can't imagine a bike with several times the power and far more weight is going to fair much better. What are other people's experiences with this?

I understand the later D1 models are the ones to go for due to numerous improvements over the original (fuel capacity, brakes etc). Would it be worth paying much more for the later model?

It won't be used as an every day bike as I will likely keep the CB500 for that, but whatever I get will be used for next years EuroJolly to Switzerland and other future trips away.

Thanks

Alex
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Present: [Kawasaki ZX7r][Suzuki DRZ 400s]
Past: [Honda PCX 125] [Yamaha RXS 100] [Honda CB 500] [Triumph Speed Four] [Honda ST1100 Pan European - Po-Po Edition]

[BenR]

[-Monty-]

[_mjs_]

A guy at work has a big purple one and loves thrashing it on sunny days.

He also has a ZZR1100.
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Previous Bikes: 2006 Honda XR125L > 2003 Yamaha DT125R > 1996 Honda CB500
Current bikes: 1997 Kawasaki ZZR 600 E5 > 2006 Honda Varadero XL125V

[ZZr]

heavy when pushing into parking spot, light when moving
Keeps up with most bikes on the straight ,
Always feels planted on the road.
Braided lines are a must.
Maybe its how i ride but the tyres lasted 6000 miles.
Not had any problem with mine ,bullet proof engine
____________________
bikers know why dogs stick their heads out of car windows

[-Monty-]

[Wonko The Sane]

Would you consider the ZZR600 as an all-rounder?

Mine is currently 33bhp restricted but happily plods around all day getting me to and from work but happily jumps at the chance of being opened up - I'm assured that un-restricted the 100bhp is very usable throughout the rev range.

saves having one bike for plodding around on and one for fun.

If you do go for the 600 then a common upgrade is to fit Nissin brakes to the front to improve the braking.


have a google of zzr-international forum, helpful and friendly zzr (all sizes) specific forum
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Looking to pass your CBT / Bike tests in Bury Lancashire? try www.focusridertraining.co.uk Would recommend.
They're also on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/pages/Focus-Rider-Training/196832923734251

[temeluchus]

[mentalboy]

Fastasfuki.

Nowhere's far on a ZZR

Tyres won't see 5K (run it on anything other than a tourer tyre and you'll be lucky to see 4K) Front likely to need replacing at the same time as the rear.

Eats sprockets and chains

Eats brake pads

Get the upgraded 6 pots if you want to stop in a hurry

Stop in a hurry and you'll be sliding down the road

Licence taker

Eats fork oil seals

Cans rot

Eats rear suspension linkage bushes and swing arm bearings

You can sit comfortably bolt upright at 120mph

50mpg if you're a senile old twat - 18 otherwise

Goes for miles without refuelling (if you are former in above line)

Parking can be a pain as it weighs 1/4 of a ton, park it on the wrong camber and you'll need a hand picking it up

Carbs need regular balancing (500 mile intervals according to manual!)

Vibrates like hell if you don't balance carbs regularly

PITA to balance carbs on a weekly basis

Bigger PITA to do valve clearances/shims

Only Zooey Deschanel going down on you will give you a bigger grin
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Make mine a Corona.

[Polarbear]

Loved my old C version. Bought it cheap (£900) and kept it for a year.

The engine was lovely, the brakes less confidence inpsiring but did the job.

I started to get electrical gremlins in the latter part of my ownerhip which is why I decided to get rid of it. First the fuel pump relay died, then the next fuel pump relay died so I just bypassed it. Then got bad connections in the loom so had to pull just about every connection apart, clean and grease.

Still a very very fast bike, even up against modern machinery.
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Victory Cross Country American tractor.

[_mjs_]

[jimspeed]

Heavy bike to move around mate, if you want have a go on my zzr600 when we go on the next trip its lighter than the 11 and still got enough go for me
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Hyosung cruise 125(passed test on, sold) Kawasaki el 252 (better than expected but sold on) Kawasaki GPZ500S first "big"bike.(sold) ZZR600 E5..Z750 2007,ER5, currently on a 2008 Enfield bullet electra x and loving it..
,"Alpha-9: Is there any correlation between dyno rod and dyno kits?"

[mentalboy]

Mine'll be up for grabs in the next 6 months as I've just started emigration paperwork!
____________________
Make mine a Corona.

[Tarmacsurfer]

Lovely bikes, I've always preferred the C to the D model, less civilised and a bigger grin. Any original suspension will be shot by now, as someone else mentioned - keep on top of oil changes.

I love mine, can't envisage getting rid of it.
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I'm immortal. Well, so far.

[-Monty-]

Thanks for all the replies so far

[_Troy_]

The fact that you simply won't be able to handle the powah is something to consider. This ain't no 500 twin!
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Current bike: ZX6R J1
Previous bikes: CLR 125 | GS500 | ZX6R G2 | SV650

[-Monty-]

[P.addy]

R1?

[Aff]

'Blade. Obviously.
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Current Bikes:Honda 929RR Fireblade, Honda CD200 Benly (Project), Stomp Z2 140
Electric Bike Project

[P.addy]

[-Monty-]

[Aff]

[wots]

[-Monty-]

[-Monty-]