[notabiker]

why did you get a Z 1000

i wanted a naked sport bike real bad, i felt this is my last time around [ 63 years old ].
as much as i think all out racing street legal bikes are great that is not what i want to ride.
so looking around i saw a 03 [ black] Z 1000 at a bike gathering. it had the usual mods. on the spot i fell in love. i told the owner that it was my fav bike of all the bikes their. he was very flattered.
to me my 04 Z 1000 looks very much likea real sport bike. but the riding position is street fighter. besides the sit up bars the rest of the bike is all sport bike. i bought one on looks alone. the big plus is i also fell in love with everything else about how the bike runs and handles. it is a way better bike than i expected.
if yamaha sold a real naked FZ! i would have considered one. that chin faring everybody seems to love so much SUCKS IN MY BOOK. SAME THING ON ALL THE BANDITS.

 

[jrick56]

first; the reason i got a 2010 z1000. everyone on my block has one so i thought why not? just kidding. it's actually just the opposite. no one around for miles has one. when i go somewhere i never see a bike like mine. whem i finish(is there such a thing) i hope to make it even more so. second; i had one feeling left and you just stomped all over it. have always loved standards since my first ltd 1000. have been watching the z bikes since 03. almost bought an 07. made the mistake of testing a 2010 it was love at first ride. not necessarily first sight. the looks have kind of grown on me over the last three weeks. most people either love it or hate it. even the ones who don't like the looks try to say something nice. in the end the way this bike rides, handles and performs,are all that matters to me. as time goes on i'm sure i'll change things. i always do. oh, in case you missed it. i'm hurt. ha! ha!

 

[mingus76]

I had to give riding bikes with clip on bars because of complications from a broken wrist in 2006. The Z just grabbed my attention right away. I wish I had looked at Z's long before that happened. I've been addicted ever since. Its a plus that not every squid is out riding one too.

 

[streetmaster]

After my Cruiser got destroyed by an inexperienced cager, I started to look around for another bike.
Decided I'd had enough of cruisers as I ride just too aggressively for them, chewing out front tyres every 7 - 8000 miles or so (quick for a cruiser!)
Just loved the look of the full fared bikes, but a super sport was out of the question (Bad back!)
So that left the sport tourers. Never really liked any of the Nakeds (standards)
Then i saw 'IT'
2010 Z1000 in white/orange & fell in love!!
Took delivery 1 week later.

 

[jrick56]

sold my 07 street bob because i sat up too straight. made my left leg go numb and hurt something awful. riding was so painful almost quit. went back to a zrx and was better. not sure now, having so much fun on this bike i may forget a bout pain. just kidding about the pain part. lots of fun no pain.

 

[notabiker]

riding a Z 1000 at 63 years old is like dating a 18 year old at 63 years old. LOVE IT

 

[BeastIncarnate]

Because I fell in love with the Ducati Streetfighter.

Then I felt the ergos of it. And looked at the total cost. And the insurance costs. And heard plenty bad about the fancy pants suspension. Etc. Etc. So, I started to consider the other options out there.

Looked at KTMs SuperDuke, but didn't care for the price tag and couldn't find a good used example. Looked at Aprilia Tuonos, but only liked one color and couldn't find it locally. Looked at Speed Triples, but I don't like them in person.

I hadn't looked at the Z in all of that time because I had a bad impression of Kawasaki. Not any question on the quality, just an aversion. But I was floored when I took a serious look at the Z. Comparable performance to the most expensive bike I was considering, outstanding price, relatively low insurance costs all appealed to me. Sitting on it sealed the deal, though. The bike fits amazingly well. That was it.

I originally saw it at the International Moto Show, but only glanced at it in passing. Had I taken a seat back then, I wouldn't have wasted so much time shopping around.

I still like the looks of the Ducati more, but everything else is 100% Z.

 

[ZMan]

riding a Z 1000 at 63 years old is like dating a 18 year old at 63 years old. LOVE IT

LOL, you said it!

 

[jrick56]

notabiker, fun probably lasts a lot longer on z. and when your done you can put her up til your ready to ride again. just sayin'. probablly will cost less in the long run too.

 

[notabiker]

notabiker, fun probably lasts a lot longer on z. and when your done you can put her up til your ready to ride again. just sayin'. probablly will cost less in the long run too.

YOU THE MAN
in the past i changed hobbies way to often, but i married my bride 42 years ago and still have her. from 1985 till 2002 i was into drag racing etc. well in 2002 i picked up a used 93 honda night hawk 750. so in 8 years i went threw 7 bikes. i think the ZED is a keeper though. i go in the garage, turn on the radio and polish something already polished. screw the TV.

 

[notabiker]

Because I fell in love with the Ducati Streetfighter.

Then I felt the ergos of it. And looked at the total cost. And the insurance costs. And heard plenty bad about the fancy pants suspension. Etc. Etc. So, I started to consider the other options out there.

Looked at KTMs SuperDuke, but didn't care for the price tag and couldn't find a good used example. Looked at Aprilia Tuonos, but only liked one color and couldn't find it locally. Looked at Speed Triples, but I don't like them in person.

I hadn't looked at the Z in all of that time because I had a bad impression of Kawasaki. Not any question on the quality, just an aversion. But I was floored when I took a serious look at the Z. Comparable performance to the most expensive bike I was considering, outstanding price, relatively low insurance costs all appealed to me. Sitting on it sealed the deal, though. The bike fits amazingly well. That was it.

I originally saw it at the International Moto Show, but only glanced at it in passing. Had I taken a seat back then, I wouldn't have wasted so much time shopping around.

I still like the looks of the Ducati more, but everything else is 100% Z.

the duc street fighter is one bad *** bike, no doubt. but my friend did a demo ride and said it was just too dam edgy. it did not like slow speeds or traffic. that is the place i do most of my riding.
i also like the MV AGUSTA BRUTALI a lot. but all and all i am very thankful i have my little old 04 Z 1000. japanes bikes have been good to me ever since my first bike a new 69 honda cb 750 [red].

 

[BeastIncarnate]

Have you seen the Brutale in person? That's what really damaged my view of the bike. That freakin' headlight I just can't get over. And I'm not paying that much for a bike where I feel so motivated to make a drastic aesthetic change.

That's the nice thing about Japanese bikes - very few are poorly made.

 

[notabiker]

Have you seen the Brutale in person? That's what really damaged my view of the bike. That freakin' headlight I just can't get over. And I'm not paying that much for a bike where I feel so motivated to make a drastic aesthetic change.

That's the nice thing about Japanese bikes - very few are poorly made.

yes i have seen the bike up close more than one time. that craftsmanship and in line 4 just do it for me. to each his own i do not mind that headlight at all. it is the only bike i lust for . but like i said i am just nuts about my 2004 ZED. i like how clean the lines are on the ZED. the MV is like the DUC lots of brackets , hoses,etc. would i trade my ZED for a MV sadly YES. would it make me happy prolly not for long. i would be a fool the get ride of my bike. it just does everything perfect that i want in a motorcycle.

 

[bakwheeltango]

Because I fell in love with the Ducati Streetfighter.

Then I felt the ergos of it. And looked at the total cost. And the insurance costs. And heard plenty bad about the fancy pants suspension. Etc. Etc. So, I started to consider the other options out there.

Looked at KTMs SuperDuke, but didn't care for the price tag and couldn't find a good used example. Looked at Aprilia Tuonos, but only liked one color and couldn't find it locally. Looked at Speed Triples, but I don't like them in person.

I hadn't looked at the Z in all of that time because I had a bad impression of Kawasaki. Not any question on the quality, just an aversion. But I was floored when I took a serious look at the Z. Comparable performance to the most expensive bike I was considering, outstanding price, relatively low insurance costs all appealed to me. Sitting on it sealed the deal, though. The bike fits amazingly well. That was it.

I originally saw it at the International Moto Show, but only glanced at it in passing. Had I taken a seat back then, I wouldn't have wasted so much time shopping around.

I still like the looks of the Ducati more, but everything else is 100% Z.

BeastIncarnate wow are you me? lol
I swore I would never buy another kawi. after my POS. 06 ninja 650r.
screwing around and trying to fix that cheap fairing made me run the other way. fun little motor though.

but one ride on a buddies 2010 z1000... and some reading - that changed my mind quick! I had watched kawasaki pull their socks up over the last few yrs.

so much of what made u decide z1000 was the same for me.
I looked at the Ducati SF. Duke, Aprilla etc. budget and practicalities quickly made me do an about face. The biggest issue was service or the lack of on the exotics.

Luckily I have top notch service at my dealership. The other thing is with 2 kids and a limited budget... I strettttch my motorbike budget to the last pennie. This z1000 is the best bang for the buck.

For 4 years the speed triple was always the girl I wanted but instead I decided her chubby sister (the sprint) fatter heavier and warmer in the winter lol.
The 2006 Triumph Sprint with ABS. a Sporty touring bike... I hardly toured on it, only once a year.

I regeared it, added a slip on (6hp) and I wheelied the s**t out of it.
Fellas, I have discovered that I have a habit of buying a bike and turning it into something it is not. I have done this with dirt bikes in the past also.
A waste of cash! buy what u want and be done with it!!!
I was getting bored on the sprint and to the point I didn't even care to ride anymore. I felt like I had taken it to it's limits.

So this time around I am embracing the hooligan inside me. short fast easy to turn and tons of power. It's supposed to be about having fun. I only ride to 75% of my level- so I always feel safe.

At my height and weight (5'8" , 185lbs) this bike fits great.
The new 2010 Z1000 is an exhilarating ride. I'm freaking loving it and I can't wait to ride it again.

 

[jrick56]

that's what i'm talking about. my z makes me feel younger, and is more forgiving than any 18 year old. did i say that? man, i am getting old. never thought i would say that.then again any 18 year old that wanted anything to do with me would have to be crazy anyway and should be avoided like the plague. did i say that? here come those men in their nice white coats.

 

[desertrat67]

I bought my 03 brand new in 06. I had been off a bike for 8 years and had the itch to ride still(not again, still). I was split between the FZ1 and Z1000. I knew I wanted a large standard and couldn't get the Yamaha guy down to the price I wanted. I found the Z(wonderfully orange) and it's sister(a Black) and asked my daughter which one. She said Orange. Well, after the first ride I was very happy with my choice. Quick, fun, rowdy. Put a smile on my face then and had me grinning as I write this.

I sold her in 08 before I deployed for a year so someone else could ride her and to get rid of the payment.

Then it happened. Kawi introduced the 2010. January had me searching the dealers for one. I wanted orange again, but didn't like the white. I got the Black/Silver and couldn't be happierI am going to put the orange panels on it in place of the silver when I get home next summer). Better than the 03. More comfortable, better handling, looks better(IMO). Much more refined, yet still mean and aggressive

Now, I am 33 and have had two back injuries, have osteo arthritis in my neck and my right wrist still bugs me from time to time due to having been broken when I was 20. I can ride this bike without my back or neck hurting and my wrist does not start to ache on the ride. To be able to ride a sporty, fun bike still without discomfort makes this the best bike available for me.

 

[zriderguy]

I wanted a sport bike but not a full on crotch rocket , everything I read about standerd naked bikes was not that good untill the new z came along great looks and performance to go with it . Then I rode one and that was it had to have one

this bike is a blast to ride and the sitting position is spot on upright but still forwared

 

[Keith Hart]

I own a Suzuki "Busa" and as much as I love this bike, it's not as forgiving as I would like. At 56 years old, with a really bad neck joint, leaning over the tank and raising my head up to see down the road is something I pay for every time I climb on board. After 2 hours I'm toast. I looked around for a bike that would allow me to sit up straight and I finally chose the Z1k, with that, I'm going to wait until this winter and take the plunge, hopefully, the price will go down a little more on a left over 2010 model.

 

[jrick56]

if there are any left. seems around here they didn't order enough. sold out at the local dealers. maybe too many people are on here readind about them.

 

[notabiker]

i did a 200 mile ride sunday on my ZED with a sport bike club [ocmoto.com] my baby got real dirty from fog and drizzle. i love this bike so much i did a major detail top to bottem. i even took gas and a rag and got rid of all the grime under the bike in hard to get to places. to me it is like rewarding a great looking lady that treats you right and brings you a lot of pleasure. 6 years old and 13,000 mile and she looks better than new. full Muzzy, tail tidy and turn signals, sport mirrors. DONE i doubt i will ever do a air box mod. it just runs to good to screw with it.