Blackbird/ZZR1100 as a longish distance commuter?

Hi,

I've been using an old ZZR6 to commute 60 miles a day into central
London for around the past 5 years. I do my own servicing and regard
the current cost of this as acceptable.

The zzr6 has now done 93,000 miles and is getting a tad rough.
Additionally I'm now doing 80 miles a day 2-up. I'm therefore
considering getting something a bit bigger for a more relaxed commute
but which can still be fun when I want it to be

I'm not bothered about keeping bikes looking pretty and I'd probably
treat the replacement much the same as the zzr6. I.e. just keep
replacing bits until it expires.

Any reasons why either a blackbird or ZZR1100 would be a bad choice
(looking at bike in 3-4k range, Insurance is OK on both but zzr11 is
cheaper)

Obviously I'd need to take a few test rides, but how do people find
these bikes in traffic?

Which of the two is more likely to clock up high mileage without a
major engine work?

Presumably the ZZR would be easier to maintain (less complex) but are
honda blackbirds particularly difficult. Should I stay clear of Fuel
Injected bike from the servicing point of view or are they reasonably
home mechanic friendly? I guessing that tyre/chain wear would be at
worst double the zzr6 and that other stuff would be fairly similar in
cost (plus a bit more in petrol costs).

Any other bikes I should consider? I suppose a Pan (too expensive) or
a BMW would be obvious choices but they just don't appeal.

Many Thanks

Jim

 

Both bikes are pretty good in traffic considering their size. The
Kawsai may just b a bit clumsier.

The extra fuel costs won't be an issue. Tyre wear will, but you've
factored that in. And yes, the Kawasaki will be eaiser to service, as
regards carbs, but OTOH the Bird's FI shouldn't need attention much
anyway.

Either would fit the bill.

Alternatives? 900 Diversion, but that definitely doesn't fit the "fun"
requirement. Very, very good long-distance commuter, though. Kawasaki
GTR1000, if you can find one - available very cheap, but a bit of a
barge. Big trailie like a Triumph Tiger, or better still, a BMW
R1150GS? Slower, but *huge* fun, and the Beemer, I'm convinced, wasn't
designed by BMW at all - they borrowed a technical adviser from Mad
Max, and fed him amyl nitrate.

And with the GS you'll get all the nice stuff like luggage, heated
grips, etc. Only prob is finding one cheap enough.

 

Hi Mate,

You can have a go on my Blackbird anytime, and buy it off me if you like ;-)

BTW, I still owe you a UKRMRM# ....

Give me a mail if you've lost my number.

Cheers,

Paul.

 

But then you never did get round to the decent front fork springs and
Bridgestone 020s?

Transformed the bike for me. Having said that, I've not got your
mileage or experience, so more easily pleased.

 

Since Germany ditched its 100bhp restriction some years back, I'm not
aware of any issues beyond the usual speedo and headlight ones.

I'd still recommend getting a pukka UK bike unless this Bird is really
cheap.

 

You wanna buy my nice UK carbed one if you're going to work on it yourself

New C&S, FHSH ... you know you want it !

[e-mailed ...]

Cheers,

Paul.

 

Hi Paul,

Your email doesn't seem to have come through (yet?). Did you get the
one I sent you yesterday?


Jim