ZZR 600 - GOOD BIKE?
andrew peake
I am thinking about buying a ZZR600. I would appreciate any opinions on
this bike. In particular, are there any pitfalls to look out for?
NB. I am returning to motorcycling after about 8 years withoutm one.
Is this a good bike to buy.
Thanks
--
Andy Peake, Derby, England
Dave Hodgkisson
andrew peake wrote:
>
> I am thinking about buying a ZZR600. I would appreciate any opinions on
> this bike. In particular, are there any pitfalls to look out for?
>
> NB. I am returning to motorcycling after about 8 years withoutm one.
> Is this a good bike to buy.
>
> Thanks
>
Andy
YES...Like you I came back into biking after a lay-off. The bike had to
be an all-rounder. I really wanted a ZZR1100, but common sense prevailed
:-(
Short list was down to ZZR600 or CBR600. I bought the ZZR600 with no
regrets, moved onto the ZZR1100, now on the CBR1100XX.
The ZZR600 is very rapid for a 600, but not a quick in the twisties as
say the ZX-6, which is the penalty for a more touring orientated and
therefore more practical bike. It is at home on track days as it is
touring with a pillion. It is certainly recommended for someone
returning to biking, but be carefull, it is very fast.
From your location, I trust that you will be buying from Pidcocks: their
pre-sales and after sales service is 1st class, very highly recommended.
Ask to speak to Mark Fisher on 01332 349673, mention my name. He will
set you up with a test ride, even in this weather!, provided your
license is not to dirty :-)
Email me direct if you want persue further, we could also have a chat on
the phone, and being local to you we could meet up some time.
--
Ride Hard, Ride Carefully
-.. .- ...- . .... --- -.. --. -.- .. ... ... --- -.
_ dave.hod...@xxvirgin.net
/ | _ _ /_/ _ _/ _ /_ . _ _ _ _ (remove xx's to email)
/_.'/_||//_' / / /_//_/ /_//\ / _\ _\ /_// /
_/ CBR1100xx Super Blackbird
--. -.... -.. .-. --- --. -.... -.. .-. --- --. -.... -.. .-. ---
Matt
In article <34792D...@virgin.net>, Dave Hodgkisson <davexx.xxhodgkis
s...@virgin.net> writes
>The ZZR600 is very rapid for a 600, but not a quick in the twisties as
>say the ZX-6, which is the penalty for a more touring orientated and
>therefore more practical bike. It is at home on track days as it is
You should ask BonzoDog about that.
>touring with a pillion. It is certainly recommended for someone
>returning to biking, but be carefull, it is very fast.
Can I just point out that it's the acceleration that gets learners/new
riders into trouble rather than the speed.
--
Matt - Dorset.
OT #4. TSTF2. AWA #3.
It only takes two-strokes to get me excited.
Peter Harding
On Sun, 23 Nov 1997, andrew peake wrote:
> I am thinking about buying a ZZR600. I would appreciate any opinions on
> this bike.
I bought one four weeks ago. Fucking gorgeous.
> In particular, are there any pitfalls to look out for?
Piling into the backs of things at 130mph?
--
Merry Christmas folks! Remember to say "Happy Birthday" to Jesus - even
though he's dead.
Ian Thomas
andrew peake wrote:
>
> I am thinking about buying a ZZR600. I would appreciate any opinions on
>
> NB. I am returning to motorcycling after about 8 years withoutm one.
> Is this a good bike to buy.
>
Fast, comfortable but a bit lardy compared with CBR, ZX6 or GSXR.
A good buy if its in good nick, service history is a must but was never
seen as a thrashers bike so you should be ok.
--
165mph officer? Impossible, I've only be out 10 minutes!
Phil & Sue Morris
andrew peake <"andrew...@virgin.net"@virgin.net> wrote in article
<65aa0a$bjl$1...@nclient3-gui.server.virgin.net>...
>I am thinking about buying a ZZR600. I would appreciate any opinions on
>this bike. In particular, are there any pitfalls to look out for?
>
>NB. I am returning to motorcycling after about 8 years withoutm one.
>Is this a good bike to buy.
>
YES.
I've had my ZZR600E1 for 18 months and its superb. I've added 20k miles in
that time and its taken me and the missus all over the UK, Ireland and all
the way to Sardinia, in comfort and at warp speed.
ZZR6s have a reputation for lardiness which may well be apparent on the
track, but on the road you can hustle along roads with anything else no
problem. Wind up the rear preload a tad for better handling (and/or
pillions) and knee-down corners are easy providing you trim away the
centrestand stops to the bare minimum - oh, and you might prefer to get rid
of the hero blobs. Two-up the ground clearance is still poor despite these
efforts, but rather than spoiling your fun, it just makes for some good
firework displays whilst cornering at night !
Pitfalls: a dodgy 2nd gear which I might actually get round to fixing
someday. I rode mine all through last winter and the exhaust was like a
Swiss cheese by the summer - never mind, excuse for a race exhaust, dyno,
K+N, hahaha... Similarly, you have to be religious about stripping the
brake callipers down regularly, or mine seize very quickly, despite it being
ridden every day.
Best insurance deal I had was from the Kawasaki K-Care scheme run by Lowndes
Lambert (0345 515516), with further discounts for various things including
being a member of the Kawasaki Riders Club. Joining the KRC itself entitles
you to discounts on spares, track days, etc.
For a brief summary of relevant points, check out the Buyers Guide from the
Nov. 97 issue of 'Ride'.
Enjoy!
Phil.
Jamie Flynn
whites of Swindon offered me a new '98 ZZR 600 for £5,850! is this a good
deal- its a proper UK spec- not parallel
andrew peake <"andrew...@virgin.net"@virgin.net> wrote in message
<65aa0a$bjl$1...@nclient3-gui.server.virgin.net>...
>I am thinking about buying a ZZR600. I would appreciate any opinions on
>this bike. In particular, are there any pitfalls to look out for?
>
>NB. I am returning to motorcycling after about 8 years withoutm one.
>Is this a good bike to buy.
>
Dave Hodgkisson
Matt wrote:
>
> Dave Hodgkisson wrote:
> >The ZZR600 is very rapid for a 600, but not a quick in the twisties as
> >say the ZX-6, which is the penalty for a more touring orientated and
> >therefore more practical bike. It is at home on track days as it is
>
> You should ask BonzoDog about that.
Who the hell's BonzoDog? And why not explained the relevance (if indeed
there is a relevance?
> >touring with a pillion. It is certainly recommended for someone
> >returning to biking, but be carefull, it is very fast.
>
> Can I just point out that it's the acceleration that gets learners/new
> riders into trouble rather than the speed.
Who's definition of fast? You could have a something that accelerates
0-60 in 2 millisecs with a top speed of 1 a mile an hour, is that
dangerous?
It is the deceptive pace at which a bike reaches its top speed that is
dangerous for the unwary. By fast I was refering the the combination of
speed and acceration.
> --
> Matt - Dorset.
> OT #4. TSTF2. AWA #3.
> It only takes two-strokes to get me excited.
ps Why can't people like you stick to the question asked instead of
butting in on a tangent? Most of the threads of this NG are irrelevent
and better consigned to the 'chat rooms'
Philip Luke
In article <v4tM7GBTzMe0Ew$r...@mdsmccl.demon.co.uk>, Matt
<ma...@mdsmccl.demon.co.uk> writes
>
>Can I just point out that it's the acceleration that gets learners/new
>riders into trouble rather than the speed.
No .... it has to be those sudden unexpected deccelarations!
:-)
--
Phil luke (MAG 97236) Rockape #1 Dorset Old Fart FAB#12 BOF#15 RTMiB#??
Portland Dorset 3rd cave from the left! remove <.NOSPAM> to email me!
Yamaha XJ900S Diversion <http://www.lukep.demon.co.uk/>
'Smoke me a kipper I'll be back for breakfast'!
Alan W. Frame
Phil & Sue Morris <mor...@globalnet.co.uk> wrote:
> andrew peake <"andrew...@virgin.net"@virgin.net> wrote
> >this bike. In particular, are there any pitfalls to look out for?
> I've had my ZZR600E1 for 18 months and its superb.
> Wind up the rear preload a tad for better handling (and/or
> pillions) and knee-down corners are easy providing you trim away the
> centrestand stops to the bare minimum
Did anyone else read this far, then stop and check the headers?
:-)
rgds, Alan
--
Ally Pally Bike Show 29/1-1/2/98 Advance Tickets #01440 704774
95 Ducati 600SS, 85 Guzzi V35TT, 74 MV Agusta 350 SI # 3.386
"Ride to Work, Work to Ride" MAG # 88673 DoD#1910
Commute score YTD: Guz 13, Duc 146, MV 11, Car 12 days.
Christopher Des Clayes
>Who's definition of fast? You could have a something that accelerates
>0-60 in 2 millisecs with a top speed of 1 a mile an hour, is that
>dangerous?
If the top speed is 1 mph, no you couldn't.
>
>It is the deceptive pace at which a bike reaches its top speed that is
>dangerous for the unwary. By fast I was refering the the combination of
>speed and acceration.
^^^^^^^^^^
I assume this measurement is only rerevant to Japanese M/Cs.
>
>ps Why can't people like you stick to the question asked instead of
>butting in on a tangent? Most of the threads of this NG are irrelevent
>and better consigned to the 'chat rooms'
New here, are you?
Chris.
__
Chris. Des Clayes
XJ900F, UKMC, MAG, IAM
Barrel Bikers (Buckingham) MCC
Phil & Sue Morris
Alan W. Frame wrote in article
<199711251...@newtechd.demon.co.uk>...
>> centrestand stops to the bare minimum
> ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
>Did anyone else read this far, then stop and check the headers?
>:-)
>
>rgds, Alan
>--
>Ally Pally Bike Show 29/1-1/2/98 Advance Tickets #01440 704774
>95 Ducati 600SS, 85 Guzzi V35TT, 74 MV Agusta 350 SI # 3.386
>"Ride to Work, Work to Ride" MAG # 88673 DoD#1910
>Commute score YTD: Guz 13, Duc 146, MV 11, Car 12 days.
Hmm, point taken Alan.
I only wish I had as many museum pieces in my garage as you have in yours
;-)
Phil.
Trevor Dennis
"Alan W. Frame" <alan....@acm.org> said
>Phil & Sue Morris <mor...@globalnet.co.uk> wrote:
>> andrew peake <"andrew...@virgin.net"@virgin.net> wrote
>> >I am thinking about buying a ZZR600. I would appreciate any opinions on
>> >this bike. In particular, are there any pitfalls to look out for?
>[]
>> I've had my ZZR600E1 for 18 months and its superb.
>[]
>> Wind up the rear preload a tad for better handling (and/or
>> pillions) and knee-down corners are easy providing you trim away the
> ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
>Did anyone else read this far, then stop and check the headers?
If Bonzo didn't write it, he's paying the man who did.
--
Trevor Dennis /`\ .(o~)-(o~). /`\ tre...@tdennnis.demon.co.uk
The Polite Brit / , \( _______ )/ , \ tden...@ford.com
OGH #1 ___/ /_\ /`"-------"`\ /_\ \___ Southern England
jgs`~//^\~_`\ <__ __> /`_~/^\\~`
`~//^\\~`~//^\\~`
Ian Thomas
I thought this was a chat room, oh no, I have run the wrong application
again.
--
Life is too short to use Public Transport.
Get yourself a nice Motorbike, thats the best idea.
BonzoDog
Matt wrote:
>
> In article <34792D...@virgin.net>, Dave Hodgkisson <davexx.xxhodgkis
> s...@virgin.net> writes
> >say the ZX-6, which is the penalty for a more touring orientated and
> >therefore more practical bike. It is at home on track days as it is
>
> You should ask BonzoDog about that.
I was waiting for that you fu...ha ha I mean what a splendid joke
matthew.
> >touring with a pillion. It is certainly recommended for someone
> >returning to biking, but be carefull, it is very fast.
>
> Can I just point out that it's the acceleration that gets learners/new
> riders into trouble rather than the speed.
>
Is it fuck. It was definitely the speed that got me into hot water
while I was learning. All a new rider needs to remember is to remember
his roadcraft and to maintain the highest possible speed at all times.
very sensible advice that.
BonzoDog
BonzoDog
Christopher Des Clayes wrote:
>
> On Mon, 24 Nov 1997 21:24:55 -0800, Dave Hodgkisson
> <davexx.xx...@virgin.net> wrote:
>
> >Who's definition of fast? You could have a something that accelerates
> >0-60 in 2 millisecs with a top speed of 1 a mile an hour, is that
> >dangerous?
You'll need to ask Mike Phlegming about that.
BonzoDog
Dave Hodgkisson wrote:
>
> andrew peake wrote:
> >
> > I am thinking about buying a ZZR600. I would appreciate any opinions on
> > this bike. In particular, are there any pitfalls to look out for?
> >
> > Is this a good bike to buy.
> >
> > Thanks
> >
>
> Andy
>
> YES...Like you I came back into biking after a lay-off. The bike had to
> be an all-rounder. I really wanted a ZZR1100, but common sense prevailed
> :-(
>
> Short list was down to ZZR600 or CBR600. I bought the ZZR600 with no
> regrets, moved onto the ZZR1100, now on the CBR1100XX.
>
> say the ZX-6,
STOP RIGHT THERE! Why isn't it as quick? You've definitely noticed
yourself going faster on a ZX6 than a ZZR6 have you?
The speed you can corner on a ZZR6 means you'd have to be flying fucking
fast to better it on a ZX6. No ZX6 ever caught me let alone beat me on
fast roads. Fireblades came and were dispensed with with nary a raising
of the middle finger, lightweights the same, specials, rocket bikes,
missiles etc
Don't claim a ZX6 is faster than a ZZR6 simply because you've read it in
a bike mag. If your riding skilss are crap then yeah, a ZX6 might feel
easier to throw around the twisties but good riders can make any bike
hussle and more than embarass their so called 'betters'.
best settings for a ZZR6: drop the front preload one notch below
standard and bang the rear preload *all* the way up to stiffen the rear
and get a little bit more height.
Other best settings are twisty country roads where all comers shall be
devoured and spat out.
> which is the penalty for a more touring orientated and
> therefore more practical bike. It is at home on track days as it is
> touring with a pillion.
That bastard Trevor's putting you up to this isn't he. At home on track
days? Wouldn't know, I've never really spent much time on one.
>It is certainly recommended for someone
> returning to biking, but be carefull, it is very fast.
Aymen!
BonzoDog
BonzoDog
Ian Thomas wrote:
>
> andrew peake wrote:
> >
> > I am thinking about buying a ZZR600. I would appreciate any opinions on
> > this bike. In particular, are there any pitfalls to look out for?
> >
> > NB. I am returning to motorcycling after about 8 years withoutm one.
> > Is this a good bike to buy.
> >
>
>
> A good buy if its in good nick, service history is a must but was never
> seen as a thrashers bike so you should be ok.
Hmph!
Matt
In article <3481F6...@thanany.one>, BonzoDog <fas...@thanany.one>
writes
>very sensible advice that.
Yes Bonz that's why I snipped it, can't have sensible advice round here.
Matt
In article <3481FA...@thanany.one>, BonzoDog <fas...@thanany.one>
writes
>That bastard Trevor's putting you up to this isn't he. At home on track
>days? Wouldn't know, I've never really spent much time on one.
Bloody hell! I'm headless now you twat, I bloody laughed it right off,
spat beer all over the keyboard and fell off me chair. Funniest thing
I've heard in ages etc.
Phil & Sue Morris
BonzoDog wrote in message <3481FA...@thanany.one>...
>best settings for a ZZR6: drop the front preload one notch below
>standard and bang the rear preload *all* the way up to stiffen the rear
>and get a little bit more height.
>
>BonzoDog
My ZZR6 doesn't have adjustable front suspension - will 'heavier'/more fork
oil do the trick?
BTW, Trevor Dennis seems to think that you paid me to write a previous post
on this subject:
- is the cheque in the post yet?
Phil.
BonzoDog
Yeah it's waiting in the till at the Spotted Dog.
Heavier fork oil will make a difference to the suspension but the *real*
problem with the ZZR is that it *steers* slowly (relatively) on standard
settings, particularly if the damping is at its lowest at the rear.
The point of lowering the front preload and raising the rear damping
(which actually raises the rear a tad) is to make the bike steer faster.
The suspension is always going to be a bit mushy.
I'm not sure I'd bother with heavier fork oil; if you really want to
improve handling try raising the rear preload. Trouble is you might
have to remove the shock to do it.
That said, maybe less but heavier fork oil at the front may do the
trick, though I'm not sure. (Elvis?)
There's nowt much I'd ever really bother doing with a ZZR coz of it's
'touring' set up. In reality a ZX6 (for instance) is a much tauter bike
and probably *feels* like it can be thrown about easier. It probably
can be, but again it's all relative and there's no substitute for
practice at highly illegal speeds and superior rider skill.
Anything you can do to raise the rear though may well prove to be a
bonus.
BonzoDog
The expansion (and resultant rapid cooling) of your consecrated culotte
sings the golden turnip with the mulatto touch-typist in my pants.
Elvis Presley
In article <3484EF...@thanany.one>, BonzoDog <fas...@thanany.one>
writes
>Heavier fork oil will make a difference to the suspension but the *real*
>problem with the ZZR is that it *steers* slowly (relatively) on standard
>settings, particularly if the damping is at its lowest at the rear.
>The point of lowering the front preload and raising the rear damping
>(which actually raises the rear a tad) is to make the bike steer faster.
>The suspension is always going to be a bit mushy.
>I'm not sure I'd bother with heavier fork oil;
Correct. I'm not sure what the ZZR is like at the front end, but most
road bikes are *overdamped* for one person as they are a compromise
between handling one up and staying upright with 2 germans and luggage.
Heavier fork oil could well make matters worse. If it slows the
compression damping for instance, it could actually make turning in even
slower.
>if you really want to
>improve handling try raising the rear preload.
Yup. Lowering the front is never going to be a good idea (although it
too would quicken your steering). Just ask Bonz about ground clearance.
Does it need to be any lower? No.
>Trouble is you might
>have to remove the shock to do it.
>That said, maybe less but heavier fork oil at the front may do the
>trick, though I'm not sure. (Elvis?)
I really don't know, cos I don't know what the forks are like to start
with, but I'd definitely think long and hard before using thicker fork
oil. (It may be desirable if you're short of compression damping, but
too much rebound damping can cause nasty front end slides. Using thicker
oil will affect both compression and rebound damping)
>
>There's nowt much I'd ever really bother doing with a ZZR coz of it's
>'touring' set up. In reality a ZX6 (for instance) is a much tauter bike
>and probably *feels* like it can be thrown about easier. It probably
>can be, but again it's all relative and there's no substitute for
>practice at highly illegal speeds and superior rider skill.
Correct. If you want to improve the handling of a ZZR, the cheapest and
most effective way is to sell it and get something else.
>
>Anything you can do to raise the rear though may well prove to be a
>bonus.
I have thought about making an adjustable rear shock linkage for the
CBR, but I'm going to buy an adjustable shock instead.
--
The King <elvis<at>presley.demon.co.uk>
Moped Racer Online Magazine.
Incorporating The Official Moped Mayhem Web Site
<http://www.presley.demon.co.uk>Last update:27.11.97
Ian Mark George
In article <r+TpeHG9...@presley.demon.co.uk>, Elvis Presley
<el...@cerfyrl.qrzba.pb.hx> writes
>>Trouble is you might
>>have to remove the shock to do it.
>>That said, maybe less but heavier fork oil at the front may do the
>>trick, though I'm not sure. (Elvis?)
>
>I really don't know, cos I don't know what the forks are like to start
>with, but I'd definitely think long and hard before using thicker fork
>oil. (It may be desirable if you're short of compression damping, but
>too much rebound damping can cause nasty front end slides. Using thicker
>oil will affect both compression and rebound damping)
It should be remembered that the grade of oil and the quantity effect
two different things:
The oil grade will alter the damping as Elvis has stated (although
going from 5 grade to 10 on K series BMWs seems to only do good)
The quantity of oil will determine the quantity of trapped air above
the oil and this aids springing. Effectively, the lower the quantity of
air, the lower the overall (coil spring + air) spring rate. And
conversely, more oil means less air and a higher overall spring rate.
So, reducing the oil level will cause the front to compress more under
braking and during cornering loads, but will not make the bike quicker
steering (except if you always turn on the brakes...)
--
Ian George
NT50F, R80RT, Funduro, pram.
www.funduro.demon.co.uk
Elvis Presley
In article <CVjGcJAV...@funduro.demon.co.uk>, Ian Mark George
<i...@funduro.demon.co.uk> writes
>but will not make the bike quicker
>steering (except if you always turn on the brakes...)
there's another way?