Considering a ZZX1100 : Kawasaki ZX Forums: Kawasaki Ninja Forum

KSon · 10-08-2009, 10:30 AM

Long story short:

I'm living in Europe, but lived most of my life in the US. Had a ZX6R back home, but totaled it and shortly decided to move back to Europe. Wanted now to buy another ZX6R here in Europe, but found out that insurance rates would kill me.

Asked a couple of biker buddies and they said, "Forget pure R bikes, they cost too much to insure, go with a 'Sports Tourer'". They recommended the ZZR1100.

So here I am, needing some input and opinions (guidance?) in what I should be on the lookout for in regards to a 1100. I've read a little in this part of the forum, and have come to understand there are two major versions of the bike, a C model and a D model.

What is the primary difference between the two? I'm hoping for a 94' or later bike.

Would appreciate any advice ya'll can give!

Kawi_T · 10-08-2009, 12:06 PM

I rode a 1990 ZX11 C for a few years. I absolutely loved that bike. I think if you find a nice specimen of either a C or a D you'll be in good shape. I think the differences are fairly minor.

KSon · 10-08-2009, 02:14 PM

Thanks for the info Kawi!

I thought that maybe a later model 1100 would be easier to find replacement parts for should the need arise, and it almost certainly always does. :)

rnoliver · 10-08-2009, 03:07 PM

This fella had the same question so you can see the answers here-
http://www.zxforums.com/forums/zx-11...c-vs-94-d.html

I think there's another C vs D thread around as well.

The changes are more cosmetic than performance related, but that does add up to quite a few parts. When you think of the first thing you'll break in a small spill (bodywork) it makes a pretty big difference if you're looking for parts from '91-'93 or '93 1/2-'01.

The differences I can think of (sure to miss some):

All the body work
Seat
Ram Air system and Airbox/air filter
Carb jetting, I think carbs are the same though
Rear brake caliper (not sure on rotor)
Front forks
Front rotors
Transmission and counter shaft sprocket (A D transmission can go in a C engine and vice versa, but the transmission parts are not interchangable)
Gauge cluster
Fuel tank

That's all that come to mind right now. Hope you find yourself a good one!

KSon · 10-08-2009, 03:16 PM

Thanks rnoliver! Bookmarked the thread for later viewing.

I've grown to like the later models stylings better, primarily how the frame looks.

KSon · 10-10-2009, 09:21 AM

Ok, read up a little about the 1100 and read some "user reviews".

They all were very positive, except in one part: Handling. I've seen people say the handling is mushy and unstable and won't do twisties. (I'm no chicken striper so being able to hit the twisties on the bike is a must. Especially since there are a lot of them around my neck of the woods.)

I've seen a youtube video that says otherwise, showing the 1100 to be quite agile for such a "big bike".

However, I thought it'd be a good idea and see what you 1100 owners have to say, get some more input regarding it's handling.

I appreciate it.

ejmesq · 10-10-2009, 11:57 AM

[quote=KSon;204235] . . .snip> I'm no chicken striper so being able to hit the twisties on the bike is a must < snip. . .

I've put 25K miles on my "C" lots of fast, long trips. I'm always out on weekends (Northern California). Run the bike hard.

I am now searching Craiglist to pick up a second bike for the twisties: ZX 636 '03-'06.

The 11 has around 130-135? Horsepower/503 lbs dry. 58.9" wheel base
The '03-'04 ZX 636 is 118-120? Horsepower/355 lbs dry. 55.1" wheel base

If your a twistie junkie then the ZX 6 is your ride, not the 11. If you want to tour Europe on an awesome handling ICBM then go the 11. The 11 idles at a 100 and tuck-in-a smidge it cruises smoothly at 130, with bags.

If you can control it, your perfect compromise is the terrifying ZX-10. 54.5" wheel base 375 llbs dry.

KSon · 10-10-2009, 03:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ejmesq

If you can control it, your perfect compromise is the terrifying ZX-10. 54.5" wheel base 375 llbs dry.

That sounds scary, however I like it.

Problem is, is finding bikes in my neck of the woods that won't cost you an arm and a leg. A 1994 model ZZR1100 will run me (at the CHEAPEST) over 7,000US.

I miss the days where I could go check out the local classifieds and see bikes for a grand. But that was back in the US. Things here are totally different.

KSon · 10-10-2009, 05:02 PM

On another note:

Can any 1100 owners tell me how they feel their bikes handles? I'm trying to find the youtube vid where a ZX1100 is handling the twisties pretty good. Found it: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4NL1hRZcpaI

Looks like it does nice in the curves, although he's not "laying" it down much but it doesn't look like it's impossible to handle.

I have no clue, hoping more of you 1100 owners will chime in! :)

rnoliver · 10-10-2009, 07:19 PM

KSon, you've given me a bit of a quandry. I can't really compare the 11 to modern 600s or the 10R. All I can say is that it does everything I've asked and feels rock solid doing it.

I must say though, that I'm a pretty big guy (6'7" 350 or so) and can flick it around where someone else might think it's handles a little sluggishly. For the same reason I find the 600s a little uncomfortable. Also, although they make great power, the curve is a little different. When you double the weight of the bike (in other words I get on

) you have to be a little more careful about shift management to stay in the power band. OK for track days, but I like to have a little more flexibility.

In reality, it all comes down to what you want to do. I think if you want to do a variety of things, long rides twisties, whatever you would be pretty happy with an 11.

Good luck with your choice!

Jet · 10-10-2009, 07:51 PM

I'm 5'8" tall, weigh 215 pounds with a 30" inseam and 33" arm sleeve length. While I do NOT expect my ZX-11 to handle like my Ducati 1098 I DO expect to be able to handle most curves with relative ease and for me, it does. It is heavier and obviously does not have the brakes the Ducati has but with minimal planning, I can handle all the curves as fast as I am comfortable doing it. It is much, much, much more comfortable for most of my riding and if I were taking a trip, I would not be concerned at all about using it. My Ducati would beat me to death, has no practical luggage capacity nor does it have the range. Different bikes for different purposes. I view my ZX as more of a grand touring or sport touring type of mount with big horsepower but still comfortable for the long haul. I don't think I will EVER sell it unless somebody just offers me bags of cash. I think you would have to be a pretty good rider indeed to push it beyond its limits. Not saying you can't do it because it is a heavy bike but I just think most riders maybe aren't really as competent as they think they are and the bike can handle probably about anything you throw at it if you just use some common sense.

Respectfully,

Jet

ejmesq · 10-10-2009, 08:06 PM

[quote=KSon;204340]On another note:

<snip. . .Can any 1100 owners tell me how they feel their bikes handles?. . .snip>

The bike feels light and points perfectly. In tight turns I just climb on the tank, bring it over and keep it pointed. The transmission shifts smooth, clutch is perfect.

I replaced OEM warped rotors w/EBC rotors and EBC HH front pads. I have stock exhaust, no carb kit, stock aircleaner and it delivers a ton of C-3 right now. Its power curve starts the instant you roll it on and then expotentially star-wars your ass to high triple digits.

Very responsive to light body English, so it can be ridden agressively. Never shakes or wallows in turns or under acceleration.

KSon · 10-11-2009, 10:59 AM

Thank you all for your comments. This is pretty much what I hoped to be reading. I'm no expert on motorcycles, even though I've driven (and owned) a few.

I'm 5'11'' and weigh about 235 so I'm hoping I'll get used to the bike. Thanks for ya'lls input, appreciate it!