John MI blk/blk '01

I have always liked the looks of standards (naked) motorcycles. My first and only bike was a 1991 Kawasaki Zephyr 750. This spring I hope to buy another bike.

I am considering two which are in a different league than the Zephyr:

2003 Kawasaki 1000Z
2003 Honda 919 (Hornet)

The Kawasaki lists for $8500 and the Honda is $7999. The Kawasaki has 144 HP and the Honda is in the low 100's. Really both have more power than I'll ever need or use for that matter.

I'm leaning more towards the Honda because it looks a little nicer. The Kawasaki offers so much more performance, better brakes, etc. for a little more $. I would like to test ride both of them before I make my purchase. I would like a more relaxed riding position too. I haven't been able to find any reviews on the Z1000 but there has been plenty of good reviews on the Honda.

What do you guys think?

Chris S

I haven't ridden either.

I'm a Honda guy, but the Kawi looks infinitely cooler to my eyes. IMO, they focused too much on cost cutting (i.e. crap suspension, etc.) on the 919.

John MI blk/blk '01

Thanks Chris,

By the time summer comes around there should be plenty of reviews and comparisons between the 2003 standards. I'm just trying to do my home work a little early.

John

Chris S

This ought to help w/ the decision process:

http://www.motorcycledaily.com/17february0...i2003z1000.html

BTW, I saw a Z1000 at my local dealer this week, and pics don

John MI blk/blk '01

Chris,

Thanks for posting the article. It's the first review I've read about the new Kaw. I can't wait for a test ride this spring.

John

Chris S

Final paragraph of Motorcycle Online's review:

Somebody said $7599, and we were big fans--but the actual price is $8499. Hmmm. The Speed Triple remains a favorite, but it's getting a little long in the tooth now, it's bigger and taller, it doesn't have this Kawasaki's throttle response and it's $10,899. The Yamaha FZ-1 is bland in comparison--it's a better tourer than the Kawasaki, but more UJM than "naked sportbike." The Honda 919 is the motorcycling equivalent of hospital food. The Ducati Monster 1000ie is in the $11K range and looking dated itself... The only bike I can say I for sure like better of this species is the Tuono, base model, and it's $12K. For the money, then, this Z1000 is smelling like a truly tasty and unique morsel. It's a great everyday streetbike. A great backroad dive-bomber. Feels like, with its power and tautish suspension, it would love the occasional track day. I can't think of anything not to like. I think it's a winner.

In short, they loved it, and so do I. Wish I could justify buying one!

pfb

To revive a dormant thread...

I test rode the Z1000 yesterday (actually, twice!) and it was a hoot!

Amazing power, awesome brakes, super comfy ergos, and to use an overworked phrase, instinctual handling. So easy to ride. So easy to ride fast! Lots of fun for $8.5K.

All the reviews I have read loved the bike, but I've seen a few references to a Motorcycle Consumer News article that branded the bike as "don't buy - dangerous!" due to some supposed almost-mishap with a test rider. Has anybody read this article?

fanoftheliving

Yes! They said (and this is one publication that I believe) that their bike went into a tank slapper after hitting a small bump at fairly high speed.. MCN also said that someone else in europe also had the same problem, I will get the mag tonight and post the exact quote.

Chris S

I just sold my RC51 Saturday, and told myself that I was doing so to get off the street...however, I can't deny that some urge for a slower, melllower streetbike still exists (the RC51 needed to go too fast on public streets to be fun).

I REALLY REALLY want the new Monster S4R...that thing is a work of art! Hopefully I'll be able to resist the temptation...

Penforhire

Just put a steering damper on the Z before you go hot on the road.