Kawa Z750 vs ZZR600 for comfy ride?

[MadMaxmlin]

Hey everyone:

I'm looking for a second bike. I have just under 10,000 miles and 2 years on my KLR-650 (that's a 35 hp dual-sport for anyone that didn't know). I've been hankering for something with more oomph on the street. Recently I boiled down my cool street bike choices to these:

-Kawa Z750
-Kawa ZZR600
-Yammie FZ6
-Honda 599

More about my riding style: I do short trips around town, commute to work and back, and somehow often make an 11 mile ride home into 40+ miles. I don't generally hang with anyone, preferring to ride alone and I feel no strong urge to perform or stunt for anyone. However, there are many times when the ole KLR-650 just didn't have the horses I wanted, especially at highway speeds. I can ride the highways just fine. I just can't roll on the throttle and expect to accelerate very fast. I like the standard seated position of my dual-sport, and I removed the KLR windshield for quieter air noise but with more direct wind blast. I don't mind bundling up in the winter even without the windshield. I ride year-round.

Lately my first choice has been the Z750. MCN had a beautiful review of it praising the linear throttle response and giving it high marks of 4 or higher on a maximum 5 scale in all categories of engine, transmission, suspension, brakes, handling, styling, riding impression, instruments/controls, attention to detail, and value.

MCN described the Z750 as "Not a standout in any one particular area, it combines very good performance in so many ways that it nevertheless makes a stellar and memorable ride" and rated the "sensation of flexible performance is easily in the Kawasaki's favor." compared to a Yammie FZ6 which they liked over the Honda 599.

Here's where my quandary comes in. I read about the ZZR600 and heard it's a much more comfortable seated position. Also, there's a used one for sale in my state (probably be sold by the time I finish posting this) with a moderately low mileage, and I was wondering if a used sport bike is a smarter way to get into the higher horsepower game. I would be looking for used Z750s but there just aren't many of them out there, if any.

So my question: How comfortable is the ZZR600 to sit on? I sat on a ZX-6R at the dealer today and it's obviously got way more of the "tucked in knees" position of typical sport bikes. Is the ZZR600 seated position much different from the ZX-6R? Also, in the pictures I see of the Z750, it looks much more "standard" than the sport bikes. i.e. much more comfortable. Am I off base here?

I may just wait to either buy a new Z750 or maybe stumble on a good barely used one.

How come I want to buy a bike so much in August?? This is the month I first bought my KLR in 2003.
:scratch:

[Logan]

I understand the zzr600 was redesigned in '04/05(?) & the ergonomics were changed.

The earlier style is reportedly somewhat more sport-touringish compared to the more sporty position of the newer model.


However comfort is relative. You need to look & decide for yourself.

[mudarra]

So my question: How comfortable is the ZZR600 to sit on? I sat on a ZX-6R at the dealer today and it's obviously got way more of the "tucked in knees" position of typical sport bikes. Is the ZZR600 seated position much different from the ZX-6R? Also, in the pictures I see of the Z750, it looks much more "standard" than the sport bikes. i.e. much more comfortable. Am I off base here?



The Z750 is a true standard. Great seating position, high bars (real bars. not clip-ons), low pegs, big seat, etc. Great comfortable upright seating position. Paired with a torquey 750. A great all-arounder IMO.

But the rush of the top-end on a ZZR600 wound up to 10K is a beautiful thing!

The ZZR will feel much more cramped than the Z750. 04 and older ZZRs are more comfortable than the 05/06 models. I can do 500 mile days on mine without killing my back and butt. And that's using the stock seat! The big banana seat is also a blessing for passengers.

For some reason, Kawi decided to depart from sport-tourer with the newer models. Giving up a plush banana seat and fairly high clip-ons for a sport seat (foam paddle), and clip-ons that are mere milimeters from the top clamp. So the 05/06 models sits like a true super sport, somewhat less aggresive as the ZX-6R (636). (the 05/06 ZZR is the same bike as the 2001 ZX-6R). The ZX-6R (636) is a fantastic bike, but you will need to give your back and wrists a rest every 50-75 miles. The ZX-6RR is just plain brutal!

Coming from a KLR you may find clip-ons awkward at first, as they require more effort to steer than wide handlebars.

Hope this helps!

[MarcS]

If you want a sportbike/ST, go with the ZZR. It's the only one on your list. But IMO the best standard available on your list is the FZ6 -- it's a very comfortable, very powerful bike, with sufficient aftermarket support. The Z750 is a good bike, but it just doesn't have the support of the FZ. Also, the maintenance intervals on the Z750, IIRC, are a lot more frequent than on the FZ6.

[VanDawg38]

Don't know if you've considered then discarded some other bikes, but Suzuki's got a 650 twin in a few different styles that you might find appealing.

If you're considering a ZZR, the YZF600R should be considered as well.

From across the other pond, a Speed Four (or a Daytona) might be worth considering.
http://www.triumph.co.uk/images/Main_SPEEDFOUR_01.jpg
You'd definately stand out in a crowd.

Of the four you've listed, I'd probably take them in the order presented.

[Chrystal]

I don't know anything about the other bikes you listed but my ZZR is pretty comfy.

I need a good break after a few hundred miles but the distance I can ride is fastly increasing. I couldn't imagine riding anything with a more aggressive seating position right now. Actually, I don't really think it's even that aggressive at all. If I squish up on the front of the seat and extend my arms out I can sit straight up and take a break from the regular position.

Good luck with which ever bike you choose.

[El Guapo]

I've sat on all of those bikes and to me the most comfortable ones were the Z750S and FZ6. The ZZR is a fair bit more sporty in the ergonomics department but I found in that one way too short ride I took on one is that they sing so beautifully when you're winding them up. Honestly, I wasn't sure if I could do a 300+ mile day on the ZZR when I rode it. I took a short ride on an FZ6 and I thought I could easily do a nice, long day provided I had one with a Corbin. I haven't ridden the Z750S but the ergos felt oh so great. Speaking of comfy ergos in a great package, have you considered a ZRX 1200R? Used versions can be had for a song and from what I hear they are just oustanding all around bikes with plenty of juice. I've sat on one and they are so comfy. Yeah, they're a little aged in the looks department but what do looks matter to a guy who rides a KLR? Oh, sorry if I inadvertantly offended. Here's a pic:

http://www.kawasaki.com/kawasaki_main/images/products/MOTORCYCLE/1431_800.jpg

[Smitty]

I have had a '97 Yamaha YZF600r which is very close to the Kwacker ZZR600. In a comparison of the two, two yrs ago the ZZR600 won out basically because of superior comfort. Still I think the American version of the newer ZZR600 is different to the Cdn version so I could be so darn wrong & YES that test was in Cycle Cdn magazine.

Still I know the 600r would be more comfortable to many though it has a bit of a lean forward & footrests are up & back a bit to where it is NOT a REGULAR riding position.

[MadMaxmlin]

I've sat on all of those bikes and to me the most comfortable ones were the Z750S and FZ6.
(snip)
Speaking of comfy ergos in a great package, have you considered a ZRX 1200R? Used versions can be had for a song and from what I hear they are just oustanding all around bikes with plenty of juice. I've sat on one and they are so comfy. Yeah, they're a little aged in the looks department but what do looks matter to a guy who rides a KLR? Oh, sorry if I inadvertantly offended. Here's a pic:


Bwa ha ha ha!!! Oh the "looks and a KLR rider" comment had me laughing!

The ZRX1200R looks don't bother me. The huge engine seems intimidating to me, though. Along with the ZRX1200R I also include the Kawa Z-1000 in the "muscle bike" category. Once again those big liter-plus sized motors seem a bit of a big jump for me. I'm sure I'd handle it okay but it's sorta wasted horses for my "adventure-commuting". This next point is not a huge factor in my decision, but I think insurance takes a leap over the 1000cc mark.

Sounds like my choices are all spot on in the comfort department. Z-750, FZ6, ZZR600, maybe I'll just go with the best deal. Oh waitaminnit, the FZ6 has them all beat there. Some dealers on cycletrader in my state have them for $5700. Man, that's a selling point right there since it's at least a grand under the Z-750 price tag. Nuts, when's the next IMA show in Atlanta, January??? Seat checks of them all next on the agenda.

[MadMaxmlin]

Coming from a KLR you may find clip-ons awkward at first, as they require more effort to steer than wide handlebars.

Hope this helps!

Yes all the comments do help.

I'm new to the sporty bikes though: What are clip-on handlebars? :scratch:

While we're at it, anyone use handlebar risers on their ZZR-600 or other sport-standards like the FZ6?

I remember the MCN article said the Z-750 bars could pinch your thumbs against the tank which isn't good but I found some genmar risers that *might* solve that problem.

[asp125]

Clip ons are the stubby bars that you see on sportbikes, instead of a one-piece handlebar going from left hand to right hand, each side clamps onto their own respective fork tube; nothing joining them in the middle.

[MarcS]

The FZ6 has pretty comfortable handlebars. IMO they are probably in the ideal all-around position -- low enough to let you tuck a bit if you want to, but they obviously aren't designed for riders who are hanging off the bike. The FZ6 does use a handlebar attached to risers, and not clip-ons.

[MadMaxmlin]

Forgive me my Kawasaki sport bike ignorance, but the older ZX-6E and the older ZZR600 is the same bike, right?

Let me take a moment to say you guys are awesome. Thanks for helping this sport bike noob.

Also, 2004 is the last year the ZZR600 was the "more comfortable" design and in 2005 it went to the more "ZX-6Rish" less comfortable but more sport tucked style, right?

I noticed on cycletrader there are at least 3 dealers who still have 2004 ZZR600s in my state. hmmm.....

[MarcS]

The 2005 and 2006 US ZZR600 is the 2002 ZX6R with different front suspension components and different fairing stay bracket (it's inverted and follows the fairing). At some point Kawasaki renamed the ZX6E the ZZR600 in the US; up until 2004, they were the same bike.

[MadMaxmlin]

Affirmative! ZX-6E = ZZR600 up to about 2004 as I read it

Thanks a bunch!

[MadMaxmlin]

Hey y'all, thanks a bunch for your help!

I'm picking up a 2005 slightly used Z-750S on Saturday.
Woooooo, I'm excited! My second bike! :banana:

I decided if I could find a Z-750S the smoother power delivery would suit my laid back riding. Having said that, it was a VERY close decision here between a Z-750S and an FZ6. Some 2004 ZZR600s are still new at dealers, too. The price of the used Zed is competitive with a new FZ6.

Again, thanks for your input everyone!

[El Guapo]

So did you get your new ride? If so, make with the pics already!!!

[MadMaxmlin]

So did you get your new ride? If so, make with the pics already!!!


I posted a picture on the General Discussion page, but here it is again!

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid184/pfdb3e41a578a20ea5175a746b849d08c/f27ccac7.jpg

The difference in tech design is so striking comparing this Zee to my KLR-650.
The Zee has a digital display! It even has a fuel gauge! Push the "mode" button and one readout changes between odometer, trip meter, and even a CLOCK. Like, WOW! :smile: