fancy something that'll chomp up big miles and complement the fireblade. Still be keeping the bkade for fun days...., anyone had a zzr1400 they can comment on?
I have been looking at the ZZR as well, with the idea of it being an upgrade for the Blade. I have decided not to replace the Blade with the ZZR, because the Blade is a good handling fast light weight all rounder. But I notice you are thinking of getting one in addition to your CBR. In which case I think the ZZR is the ultimate sports tourer - keep all your FJRs, GSs, and Boxer twins. I would love one !
yip, mate has one, but do yourself a favour and get the performance model, other than that great bike for what it is, big comfy and fast
If you aren't buying new try a blackbird great for 2 up touring commuting and with a few simple mods handle supprisingly well
I would agree 100% with that. I have had 3 Blackbirds and done in excess of 100,000 miles (300,000 in total) on all of them. The only modification I made was I fitted an Ohlins rear shock as the standard unit tends to fail and has to be scrapped, whereas te Ohlins can be rebuilt and provides a more secure back end. It is balistic in the right hands, and I have given many a Blade and R1 a run for their money, and it was a bile where I could blast down to my holiday home in the Black Forest (650 miles) in day, have my tea and then go out for another ride. Anyway, the reason I mention this was that earlier last year, I was in the market for a new bike and of course the Bird is no longer built. So I thoght the ZZR1400 would be the ideal and obvious replacement for the Bird. Whilst it is quick and like the Bird a mile muncher, I found the engine harsh by comparison to the Bird, but more worryingy it felt very cramped by comparison, but then I am 6 feet 5 tall and the Bird fittted me like a glove.. I did not think the build quality was as good as the Honda either. So I then tried the VFR1200, and I have to say that I was impressed. It lacks the character of the Backbird, but a hell of an engine, nice riding position, shaft drive and handles like it is on rails. It was also cheaper than the ZZR. So my order for a new VFR1200 went in and then I suffered my heart attack and subsequent heart failure and the order had to be cancelled so I I cannot make any long term comment other than what I have read. But the process I hope will start late spring when I get the all clear to start riding again, and I am still thinking VFR over the ZZR or......The big Beemer which I am told is also very good, same sort of manners as the other 2, but I have not yet ridden it so I cannot comment.
Thanks for the comments guys.....I'm not normally impulsive but I've just been impulsive. Zzr1400 on its way!! Turned out my local dealer had one that had just arrived, and I kind of know the previous owner through a friend of a friend. Had a test ride and its a seriously impressive machine. Gears are a little clunky but once moving its very capable indeed, super smooth and actually leans in really well, much better than I thought. Just a great mix of power and comfort and I reckon it'll do everything I want and more. Photos in a few days!
ZZR1400... As a do it all bike it could arguably be the best there is. Has a proper throttle and behaves impeccably in this area; VFR1200 ride by wire is way off the smoothness of the ZZR's traditional cable arrangement. Suspension? ZZR all day long over the VFR. Engine and gearbox are equally sweet performers. ZZR build quality is excellent but the VFR is built like a Swiss watch. Decent tank range on the ZZR when you're not in the mood. For me a ZZR fitted with the performance Akrapovic exhausts has the most stylish and smooth tone of all bikes; definitely the Sinatra of the bike world.
Cheers Edmund, cracking assessment and you're obviously a fan. I've only done a handful of miles on mine buts it's already proving to be very capable and standing up to your observations. Thanks
Get one but keep the blade, (I kept my blade as they offered 2k for it part ex) I'm getting to the stage of thinking of putting blade to track day.
I was sorely tempted to get one... took one out a few times on long test rides. They are ballistic fast, but smooth with it. If you want a traffic light missile machine, there’s nothing to touch it. Handles as well as the blade too. Downsides, a bit heavy for really tight hairpins. i ended up going for a Ducati supersport instead as it’s as comfy but loads lighter....
Funny this thread should be bumped today.... it’s nearly 4 years since I started this thread, and 4 years i’ve owned a zzr1400. I bought one and still have, a great machine. Still have a blade too, also a great machine!
Good choice I like both of mine I got cbr1000 r4 and zzr1400 abs. Got the blade for country lanes and ride outs the misses hates it as I took her to Nairn Scotland from Staffordshire and back it took me 2 years to get her on the back of it again , She loves the zzr1400 and will go anywhere on it.
