Bike choice (ZZR v Thunderace) follow-up

Re:
http://groups.google.com/group/uk.r...5ef0fc/f82933512ef58fe6?#doc_db3da91635aec510

In the end it came down to a choice of one because the bloke sold the
Thunderace within hours of first mentioning it to my mate.

So I went to have a look at the ZZR (shown here
http://www.flickr.com/photos/innybiff/sets/72157604316520496/) and it
looked fairly tidy. Full stainless exhaust system, braided hoses, two
almost new tyres and Scottoiler (not fully working but only needing 1
new pipe). The only rust seemed to be on the grill behind the front
wheel. It seemed promising.

Unfortunately, when I took it for a ride it was snowing rather heavily
so I was mostly crapping myself about dropping it. Also, it handled
like a pig, very much like it had no air in the front (he said he'd
only pumped the rear up). It seemed extremely heavy and did feel like
it would give me wrist ache. I had 2 mates with me and one was sure it
was worth the 1450 asking price, the other suggested more like 1200.
Anyway, he hasn't advertised it yet so I may go back up to Cleveland
some time (with a pressure gauge) and see how it handles in the dry.

Assuming it is just too sporty for me though, any suggestions for an
alternative to meet the requirements - ie 80 mph all day cruising at
50 mpg with a bit of go when needed? The killer is that the budget is
sub-1500.

 

220225345328 - although you may need to work on the budget a bit.

 

Spam and eggs. Actually, I'd love one of those for touring on and my
little girl would love that pillion seat. Not convinced it'd meet my
mpg requirements. Absolutely convinced I'd never pick the bugger up if
I ever dropped it.

 

platypus wrote:

Christ, there are two like you - 330228744710

 

What do you mean by "handled like a pig"? That it steered slowly or
ponderously? Or something else?

In what way did it seem heavy? When at rest? Or do you mean the
controls and responses were 'heavy'.

A ZZR will give you wrist ache when ridden slowly. It's not a town
bike. You need the acceleration, and then a bit of wind blast to the
chest, to take the weight off your wrists.
--
Champ

ZX10R | GPz750turbo | GSX-R 600 racer
My advice as your attorney is to buy a motorcycle
To email me, neal at my domain should work.

 

Bit of a derelict, that. The reason the front brake is stuck on is that he
doesn't realise he's got linked brakes, and one of the front calipers isn't
seeing any action. Anyway, who'd want an 1100?

 

Thanks for all that Nige - I'll be sure to keep it in mind next time I
have a look.

 

In one was it reminded me of when I first got my ZR-7, which had about
1/2 the tyre pressure it should have had. I only did low speeds, I
didn't want to drop it and my jeans were getting piss wet through with
the snow, but the front had a tendency to try to turn in further than
I wanted it to. So I was actively pushing against the turn (as if
countersteering) at very low speeds. I'm convinced that's down to
pressure.

The other thing was that the front wheel was wobbling side to side
slightly. I have no idea what that was about.

All of the above. However, if I'd have managed getting it over 30 it
may have been a different story.

Well, I guess I'm just not used to that sensation only ever having
ridden fairly upright bikes for any length of time.

 

You speak truth. Looks like I need a trip up North on a dry day. Don't
fancy my odds.