Kawasaki Questions

[admin]

Let's say someone is in the market for a good mid-range sportbike...

Looking at the Kawasaki ZZR600 and the 650R, which would be your pick and why? Besides the obvious engine differences, how different of an animal are each of these bikes?

The bike would be used for daily commutes to work (30+ miles each way) and some weekend backroad fun, as an alternative to a big, heavy cruiser already in the garage.

All input is welcome!
Posted by: Mike K on Aug 25, 06 7:11:29 am

[admin]

The price of admission on the 650R is lower than the ZZR and the engine has a bit more torque down low. The 650 handles great and should be capable of eliciting a smile from anyone who cares to explore it's performance envelope. The lower revving, torquier engine will also be a bit more useful in traffic.
Posted by: Shooter Bob on Aug 29, 06 5:52:29 am

[admin]

If you were going to commute on a sporty model of KAw I wouldn't leave out the Concourse as an option. My brother bought one for the same reason that you're using. It makes for one heck of a ride when you want it to, but it's riding position is not so leaned over that you feel like you're hugging the bike all the time. I know the square saddlebags look very dated, but it's a tried and true bike for the kind of riding you're thinking of.
Posted by: JTravis1973 on Sep 10, 06 8:42:07 am

[admin]

I'm looking at the Concours for my next bike. I have a lot of lower back pain from a rear end auto crash and trying to figure out if I could tolerate the riding position. I don't expect to ride without pain but I can't get bikes out of my blood. Other than laying down the bucks to find out all input is welcome.
Posted by: WHBarnwell on Sep 19, 06 10:09:40 am

[admin]

Good suggestion on the Concourse... I'll have a look at it. Thanks!
Posted by: Mike K on Oct 2, 06 3:37:07 pm

[admin]

I picked up an 86 Concourse for about a grand. Mama said get rid of it, he did. I have been away from bikes for about 20 years, and I got this thing in the winter. He bought it a year ago and has not put 1,000 miles on it. She said ride it or sell it. I liked his choice. I asked him if he really wanted to sell it before we signed paers, he said he wants an ATV more than a bike.

My previous bike was a twin cylinder Yamaha 650, you can imagine my reaction when I opened the throttle and it responded in its normal manner. I was scared, but do not panic. I rode it home and proceeded to look it over and decide what I was going to do to personalize it. The second time I rode it, I was not scared, just aware and respectful of the power in this machine. I plan a road trip or two this coming summer.

I was telling a freind of mine with a Road King about it, he said he likes the concourse, asked what color it was, I told him it was the Kawasaki version of forest green. He said,"Cool, get down here so we can ride together." We live 1500 miles apart, it is HIS fault I got this one. I went to visit him and he took me to Bikes, blues, and BBQ in Fayetteville AR this year.

My second night there I began asking myself why I sold my last bike ...... not having a good answer, I bought another as soon as I got home. That is the logical thing to do, isn't it.

I had to show my wife the loan paperwork to convince her I did not pay several thousand dollars for it. It is pristine. This time of year, everyone gives me a thumbs up when I go out and ride, except a few people in cars who jusr shake their heads and talk to each other when they sit beside me at a light.

The shaft drive is one thing I like about the machine, all I do is drain, wash and refill the diff twice a year, as per the service book. One of the local ABATE riders asked if I was interested in riding with them. I told him I was just getting my cycle sense back, he said to come on down and they would help me get good at the machine. He said they have a couple of Concourses that ride with them.

It feels good to be back on two wheels
Posted by: Justarider on Dec 15, 06 6:15:29 am

[admin]

Great story! You'll be interested to know that the luggage on that Concours easily consumes a full face helmet. Something that will, uh, come in handy if you ride with those ABATE guys. LOL!

Enjoy the ride. You have a fine bike there.
Posted by: Shooter Bob on Dec 15, 06 8:25:06 am

[admin]

They will each hold a helmet, balaclava, two pair of gloves ( leather and thinsulate, depending on temp ) and a bottle for water. The ABATE guys I have met wear helmets, but do not get upset if you choose not to. Utah does not have a helmet law for adults, no one I have met lets a child or teen ride without a helmet. Wearing a helmet growing up tends to leave you in favor of a helmet when you are able to choose.

I do not like helmet laws, neither do I ever ride without one. I have an open face helmet for the moment. With the windshield lip, I don't feel any wind even without a faceplate. When I get the money, I will probably go with a modular full face helmet so I can choose which way to wear it. I will keep the other as a passenger or backup helmet.
Posted by: Justarider on Dec 15, 06 10:33:14 pm

[admin]

I should have clarified why I like the modukar helmet design. Around town, the windshield does a credible job of keeping the wind off me, but if I am on the road and "it" happens, I want my whole face left when I finish sliding. I realize speed does not have that much to do with that, but at street speed, there is not enough cooling from the wind to keep me from sweating into my eyes, which has it's own dangers.
Posted by: Justarider on Dec 16, 06 5:57:55 am

[admin]

How about espresso in a low roofed room, or one with chandeleirs. I have seen some espresso that could make that a safety requirement, lol.

If the ceiling is in enpough denger to need a helmet, I will probably get my food somewhere else.
Posted by: Justarider on Dec 17, 06 12:26:00 am

[Metric Rider]

If you are looking for a mid sized commuter sportbike, why limit it to Kawasaki? They are fine machines, but others make great bikes too.

[Shooter Bob]

If you are looking for a mid sized commuter sportbike, why limit it to Kawasaki? They are fine machines, but others make great bikes too.

Some folks just have green blood man! I must confess to being a bit of a Kawboy myself!

[vetryder]

I was looking hard at the Ninja 650 and almost bought one before choosing the KLR. I chose the KLR because I like to ride not wash and polish. If it gets dirty oh well. But I think the Ninja 650 is beautiful and everything I've read about it is positive. The riding position is more humane than the ZZR especially for everyday use. I'm also pretty sure you can get accessory hard bags for it too so it can be made even more useful. If you're interested in something even more comfortable look at the Versys too. It has the same 650 engine with a torquier more usable power delivery and more upright ergos.

[vetryder]

Dont overlook the Yamaha FZ 6 or the awesome Suzuki V Strom 650. The V Strom is especially good if you ever plan on taking bike trips or carrying a passenger. And what serious rider doesn't do that?