[Kevin Rader]

Still in the process of buying my first Z fellas. What are the perks of the newer models? Worth the extra money it cost to buy one? I hear the motor has more torque down low on the 07/08. Coming off a supermoto so I love being on the rear wheel and I understand these bikes bring it up fairly easy.

 

[underdog]

I have an '07 instead of writing all the mods I've done I'll just include my sig. After all the power mods it does come up real easy in 1st and 2nd when done right but it isn't a supermoto by any means. Lots get them up in 3rd or even 4th but I'm still chicken to try at those speeds, just yet. Some will bang the '07-'09's for having a few less HP but I believe like anything else you can get those back with a few changes.
I like mine and find it has plenty of power, wears BT016's out like rice paper in the canyons and sticks like glue even with the stock suspension, if properly setup for you. It also keeps up with everyone I ridden with so far. I just rode 155 miles on Saturday, 180 on Sunday and another 175 today. I love mine and can't stay off it long!

 

[BennyV]

If you believe the "Professional" reviewers, the 03-06's were a bit more focussed than the 07-09. A lot of people claimed the 07/09 models went a bit soft. The 2010/11 models have been pretty well praised across the board.

As usual, it's probably all a load of crap. The extra top end HP that was lost was gained lower in the RPM band, but like underdog said, you could certainly regain the lost top end again just with a remap, (Albeit losing some midrange in the process).

As with anything, best bet is to try and ride a good example of each and see how you feel about it.

 

[kawtoy_77]

I love my first gen, It has so much character, and its just stone reliable. I think there is more mods for the first gens than second or third. The brakes on the 07's are better, but with a 636 mod you get the brake upgrade..... I think it comes down to what suits you best, and not what we tell ya!

 

[notabiker]

i bought my 2004 because i liked the way it looked better. more naked. the 03-06 has a little more HP than the 06-07. but it is not enough to buy the Gen 1 if you like the Gen 2 looks more. all of them are great bikes. nothing else is close. well maybe a MV AGUSTA BRUTALI he he. love that bike.

 

[zephyrboy738]

I have owned two 07's one stock & one totally not stock. Don't be fooled they are very fast bikes. But now I have a stock 10 except the secondaries are removed, and it has power when ever, where ever, and is very fun to ride! Don't know about the first gen never rode one. Maybe some day?

 

[AP Guy]

I just got a Z this last weekend. After looking for a while I was in the same boat. I know I couldnt afford a brand new bike but was on the fence also about if I wanted a first or second gen. I never actually looked at a 2nd gen but from the general consensus, and reviews all over the internet message boards the 2nd gen's were kinda a funk years for the Z. Not to take anything away from the 2nd gen's, and I have never rode one so I can't compare the two. I am only stating what I gathered from what I read. You also have people who love their 2nd gens. Guess it just comes down to personal preference.

I personally love the edgy, cut, street fighter look the 1st gens have. There was one close to me for sale, it was in great shape, so I bit on it. Probably could have found a 2nd gen for close to the same price but the 1st gen is what I decided on. I LOVE it so far, Im sure whatever one you decide to go with will be great. I don't ever buy a bike depending on a spec sheet. A bike might handle like a dream and have all the power in the world but if your not attracted to it, and passionate about it every time you open your garage door, its just a machine. But maybe I'm just crazy.

 

[Kevin Rader]

Thanks a lot fellas. I went with the 08 mostly cause of style. I figure since ive never ridden a 1st gen i really won't miss anything. Plus I got a great deal on one on ebay. 5500 for one that only has a little over 2000 miles on it and comes with Yosh slip on's a PC and Scotts Stabilizer. I pick it up next Saturday. The waiting is killing me.

 

[underdog]

Sounds like you got a good one. Be sure to take pictures and post them so we can see your new toy!

 

[Kevin Rader]

Sounds like you got a good one. Be sure to take pictures and post them so we can see your new toy!

You know I will. I paint cars for a living and do some custom work. I finally have a canvas I can play with. I'll get you some custom pics by winter.

 

[notabiker]

a bike has to speek to me, the speck sheet means nothing to me. the suspension set up ,track times etc booooor me. i bought my Z1000 cuzz i thought it was mean looking. i want to see the engine on a motorcycle, not cover it up. i made my engine area as naked as i can make it [ see galery]. my suspension is set on the soft side for comfort. a 636 rear shock and forks would go to waste on my bike. old school baby