[Onyx]

Hi Everyone,

I'm new to this bike, but have always appreciated its looks.

I'm hoping some of you guys might take a minute to tell me about your experiences with this bike.

Info I'm curious about is fuel economy, reliability, ease of maintenance, quality of build (does the paint chip easily etc.)

Just for reference, I'm coming from a Suzuki Katana 750. Thanks, can't wait to see what your thoughts are!

 

[kawtoy_77]

I have a 2003, and can vouch for 37mpg avg. As for maintence; shoe on new tires every 4-7k miles, and keep the oil changed regularly. @ 26,000 I had to replace the chain and sprockets. Reliable whether its -20 degrees or 120 degrees... it doesn't care; just keeps on pounding out the miles! Easy bike to ride/maintain/modify; I love it!

 

[notabiker]

look at my pics, click my avetar my 15,000 2004 looks like new. before my full system i got about 45 mpg. now with a full muzzy i get 40 mpg. 2 tires and front disc pads in 5 years. it needs very little MAINT. still on the org chain ,sprocket, spark plugs.it needs nothing and runs perfect. i like the looks of the 03-06 the best .others like the 07 up better. all z 1000s are good bikes.
my bike is a lot of fun to ride, i did 170 miles last weekend and my body is so happy i do not have a crotch rocket. under 100 mph it will do all things sport bike.

 

[kawtoy_77]

look at my pics, click my avetar my 15,000 2004 looks like new. before my full system i got about 45 mpg. now with a full muzzy i get 40 mpg. 2 tires and front disc pads in 5 years. it needs very little MAINT. still on the org chain ,sprocket, spark plugs.it needs nothing and runs perfect. i like the looks of the 03-06 the best .others like the 07 up better. all z 1000s are good bikes.
my bike is a lot of fun to ride, i did 170 miles last weekend and my body is so happy i do not have a crotch rocket. under 100 mph it will do all things sport bike.

on MY '03 Z1K.... I have 27,000 and some change. just changed the chain/sprox, still on the orig brake pads, put one set of spark plugs in (prolly didn't need it), and I am still using the original battery from 2003! Unless you are running some kind of a sport touring tire that is freaking excellent; tire changes every 4-7k results may vary. Its not what I was looking for when I bought it, but I liked it soo much.... I bought another same year, same color, when a series of unfortunate events occurred; ruining my first one.

 

[underdog]

I'll voutch for NOTABIKER. I saw his bike and drulled. It is almost as perfect as the day it left the showroom. It is so flawless it would be a shame to change anything!

 

[Z1000 Rider]

As others have said, they just require normal maintenance as any other bike. Really nothing special in particular that you need to watch out for compared to other used bikes when looking to buy one.

They are also fairly simple to work on as well and again, not too different to wrench on than any other bike.

Regarding reliablity, you will find that most people will say that their bike has not had any major issues or quibbles. I've had mine for a year and have only put about 3k on it and aside from a blown fuse, nothing has ever gone wrong or had any trouble. They are well made bikes, so no worries there.

Gas mileage, it all depends on your wrist and what mods the bikes has. Most report around 40mph, give or take a little. But this is a motorcycle, gas mpg shouldn't matter! j/k j/k

It seems you've caught the Z bug, so hope that you're able to find one that you're looking for!

 

[notabiker]

rock store

I'll voutch for NOTABIKER. I saw his bike and drulled. It is almost as perfect as the day it left the showroom. It is so flawless it would be a shame to change anything!

underdog, paul and i are going to the rock store Sunday around 8:am. let me know if you can make it.:welcome: