Z750 or Z1000?

[1stGarry]

Hi Folks

I'm after an everyday use bike.
It must be reliable.
Easy to ride around town, longer journeys, and must handle well.
I've pretty much decided on either the Kawasaki Z750 or Z1000.
Mostly because the dealer is only 1/2 mile away, and they do look the biz.

Has anyone ridden these bikes?
Your thoughts?
Is the Z1000 worth the extra £2K?

Any valid thoughts would be appreciated.
Thanks in advance.
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1stGarry

[byke95]

I've ridden both and they're both great - although you'll be hard pushed to justify the extra 2k for the Z1000.

The Z750 actually handles better and although it hasn't got the Z1000's insane rush it's definitely got the grin factor!

I'd recommend getting the Z750 and spending the 2k on customsing it!

I'm hoping to get a Z750 myself soon!

[byke95]

Oh, and the Z750 is only about 0.3 seconds slower than the Z1000 on 0-60mph. Roll on power of the Z1000 is better but on nakeds it doesn't make too much difference - once you hit 100mph your neck is going to feel it big time!

Shame about the pipes though, those Z1000 4-in-to-4 are nuts!

[1stGarry]

Thanks Byke95
Maybe the lighter weight of the Z750 helps its better handling?

I'm test riding them both, back-to-back, tomorrow morning.
I'm currently riding a big v-twin, so an inline 4 is going to take some getting used to!
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1stGarry

[byke95]

You'll love them!

The MCN website has got loads of news/reviews on the Z750 (and probably the Z1000), might be worth a look!

[G]

The difference will more be in stuff like top gear roll ons I suspect.

Do you want a bike that you have to rev a bit and keep it on the boil to go fast or a bike that you can be lazy and use the torque to do the work?

For commuting etc it's definitely nice to have a big chunk of torque.

[1stGarry]

Got all that with the Buell.
I'm looking for reliability, fun, reliablity, handling, reliability, good looks, oh and did I mention reliability.
Anyway, that's enough about me!!!!!!!
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1stGarry

[byke95]

I'm pretty sure that Kawasaki reliability really good, as with most of the Jap bikes.

If anything does go wrong I guessing that a Kwak will be cheaper to fix than a Buell!

Out of interest, how old are you? I ask only in terms of insurance costs - I'm 25 and the cheapest quote I can get on the Z750 with 1 year NCB is £800 odd. I'm guessing you're older than me (young types don't ride Buells! ) and I am interested in the difference.

[1stGarry]

I'm 46.
Haven't got a quote for either of the Zeds yet.
But fully comp on the Buell is £195.00
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1stGarry

[byke95]

Lucky bugger!

£195 fully comp is well worth the extra candles on the cake!

[dainesefreak]

Great insurance. What model is it?

Oh and forget these Z thingies a Blade is the only way to go!

[byke95]

[dainesefreak]

[1stGarry]

[byke95]

[dainesefreak]

The problem with being naked is the over exertion of certain muscles. Bikes without fairings cause similar problems.

[1stGarry]

LOL

[dainesefreak]

Hehe, I've got no preference really, only to the bike I have now. My first bike was a naked little Aprilia, took me to Wales and back, good fun.

[1stGarry]

Oops looks like I pigeon-holed you!
My apologies.
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1stGarry

[byke95]

Lets face it, if we had the cash we'd probably get one of each kind of bike!

Personally i'd get:

Tuono

Fireblade

And some KTM beast!

If I was stupidly rich I'd even get a slow ass shiny Harley to!

[dainesefreak]

No probs mate, only a bit of banter.

Byke - Too right, I'd already got my garage planned for the last lottery superdraw! Which reminds me, superdraw this weekend I think. £15m will do me for a start. Right www.national-lottery.co.uk here I come.

[Reevo8]

Z1000, im pretty sure you would get one for almost as cheap as the z750, im also pretty sure that if you look in mcn bikemart there is one with around 200miles only, and cost's around £5,500

[Reevo8]

https://www.motorcyclenews.com/nav?action=proximitySearch&page=motorcyclenews.search.basic.results&proximity_radius=1000&advert_age=14&proximity_use_miles=true&resultsPerPage=20&workflowStatus=LIVE_GRP&really_search=true&tradeIndicator=TRADE&tradeIndicator=PRIVATE&product=MCN&fixture=CLASSIFIED_AD&make=KAWASAKI&makeSelect=42&model=Z1000&modelSelect=1157&proximity_postcode=Sp9+7pq&x=63&y=7

Abit long i know, but click this link, and there are a few z1000's under £6000!! I prefer the exhausts on the thou aswell!

[G]

[1stGarry]

Test rode the Z750 on Saturday.

My impression - excellent all-rounder.
Very strong and smooth power delivery.
Plenty of torque.
Brilliant handling, despite the suspension being downgraded from the Z1000. Stuck to its line on corners, bends, sweeps, left to righters. Whatever I did it just inspired confidence. I expect the choice of tyres helped - 207s if I remember correctly.
Brakes were instant and impressive, if a little snatchy.
The Z750 is as good pootling round town as it is on dual carriageway, or on twisty B-roads. An unusual combination for a "bargain basement" bike.
In fact round town it feels so light (for a 750) that weaving in and out of traffic was a doddle.
It's also a bloody good looking bike, and looks a real street hustler in mean and moody black.

Like the magazines say, the Z750 is suitable for both beginners and the more experienced, it just depends how you ride it!!

I had meant to test the Z1000 straight after the Z750, but the guy who'd already taken the thou out still hadn't returned after an hour of waiting! I'm booked in next Saturday to take it out.
I'll let you know how I get on with it.
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1stGarry