[PeteBKK]

Hi all. I've just been offered an upgrade from my Z800 to Z1000 with 0% financing over 2 to 4 years. I already have the Ninja 1000 which I love riding. I test drove the Z1000 and it feels different to the Ninja, I can see it being a blast to ride over shorter distances, and the more compact form and less fairings make it easier in traffic. The way I see it, if I get the Z1000 and modify that for the around town fun factor, it will help me dedicate the Ninja 1000 to be the sport tourer. So the Ninja 1000 gets the sprocket changes, the Z1000 gets the tail tidy and the loud exhausts. Too much, too similar, thoughts?

 

[rcannon409]

The z 1000 is a vast upgrade over the 800. Much more power, and its lighter.

I know the z and ninja are the same, but when the fairing gets added, it really is a different bike. My vote is yes.

 

[Day Trippin]

Wow, tough choice. Rarely do I ever want 2 of almost the same bikes. At their core they are both very good bikes and I think the Z1000 is much better than the Z800. From that perspective it makes sense.

I think what might happen is you end up replicating a lot of the changes from one bike to another. A lot of the things that make the Ninja a better tourer can help around town... I like the taller gearing in town. I gave up virtually no peak acceleration either.

 

[PeteBKK]

I think what might happen is you end up replicating a lot of the changes from one bike to another. A lot of the things that make the Ninja a better tourer can help around town... I like the taller gearing in town. I gave up virtually no peak acceleration either.

True, but keeping things like the licence plate holder to stop rain splash, the standard exhaust to keep the noise down when on the highway, do add some differences and keep the ninja quite wide and long, but great for longer distances. I wouldn't want to compromise on that. Also less fairings should hopefully allow for the z1000 to stay a bit cooler around sweaty Bangkok. Having the second bike will also allow the inner hooligan to have a thug bike, like I have the Z800 setup already!

Thanks both for your comments.

 

[sprockethead]

The Z1000 is an awesome streetfighter... the Ninja 1000 a fantastic light touring machine. At the core they are the same bike, but with modifications you can have two very different riding experiences. My vote is yes as well.

 

[PeteBKK]

The Z1000 is an awesome streetfighter... the Ninja 1000 a fantastic light touring machine. At the core they are the same bike, but with modifications you can have two very different riding experiences. My vote is yes as well.

Thanks, exactly the same thought as me. Haha, I thought that this group, typically being more mature riders, would have a more sensible mind set... I'm glad you are all still as bike crazy as me

 

[PeteBKK]

Then the more difficult question, crimson or green?! I'm leaning towards crimson because it comes with the carbon black main fairings. The green is with silver main fairings and that green has gold flecks in it. Motoaholic is the bike shop.

 

[BrokeSolid]

I've always been a fan of the first gen Z1000 with the 953cc engine. I've been keeping my eye out for that super deal on one, think it would be a fun light little bike with crazy cheap insurance to thrash around on.

 

[rcannon409]

I vote for green. The red one has red forks. If you ever want to change colors to something you love, the red fork will be tough to blend in.

 

[Day Trippin]

Good point RC but I really like the red forks. I think they could work with a lot of things. One great thing about the Z over the Ninja is it has MUCH better headlights. The vibes won't be as much of an issue around town. I always liked the look of the Z. I seriously considered buying one over the Ninja just on account of the much better headlights but at the end of the day I wanted the fairing protection.

If I bought the Z, definitely and exhaust and some barend mirrors. I don't know how easy it is to get in BKK but Ivan's tune would be on my list of course (for either bike).

 

[luciano136]

There are definitely benefits to having a similar bike but I would want something completely different .

 

[Day Trippin]

That is sort of my point but if I had twin supermodel girlfriends...

 

[luciano136]

That is sort of my point but if I had twin supermodel girlfriends...

Well, instead of two hot Asians, maybe a hot Asian an a hot Italian

I personally like a supersport and the N1K as the "sensible" choice

 

[PeteBKK]

I've test rode a few "hot Italians" but they are temperamental and VERY high maintenance

 

[PeteBKK]

I vote for green. The red one has red forks. If you ever want to change colors to something you love, the red fork will be tough to blend in.

That is a good point, and the one reason the green is in the thought process at all. I could perhaps have the green parts wrapped in a matt black finish...

 

[russperry]

Unless you've got room in your garage and budget for many bikes, I would think those are pretty close to the same intent/operating target. I'd be stretching out a little further if it was my hard earned money - maybe an adventure bike (F800GS, Triumph Tiger, etc...) or maybe a hard core supersport, or maybe a cruiser, or maybe wait for the new MT10/FZ1 from Yamaha that will hopefully come stateside by next year?

 

[mrsand]

Hooligan bike

The Yama fz09 would make a great second bike..cheaper too

 

[PeteBKK]

Hi all. I'm not really in to adventure bikes or cruisers, the intent is for something around the streets. And I already have a supersport, my CBR1000RR, that is more than powerful enough for my needs. I looked at other brands for the naked, specifically Yamaha and Suzuki, but I can only get the trade in and 0% financing from Kawasaki. And to be honest, I personally find the Suzuki GSX-S1000 looks rather bland and the yamaha MT10 is just plain ugly. As for the FZ09, I'd rather stay with my Z800 Thanks for all the comments!

 

[Day Trippin]

I saw an incredibly tricked out FZ09 in a local shop. Obviously someone who REALLY likes to ride. It had a nice little windscreen, custom saddle, LED aux lights and a lot more. Very nicely done and a lot of attention to detail. The FZ is a lot of fun to ride and if I was just in town, I'd consider one. A great bike if you like to wheelie a lot.

 

[sdkoskey]

Too much? Nah. That Z1000 is one seriously sexy bike. I'd have one too if I could... or maybe a smaller, higher mpg city bike... or a more aggressive rocket... or a.....

The list goes on.