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ZRX 1200 - opinions?

I have a 2001 Kawi ZRX1200r that you can come and check out. Pm me with your info and I'll get back to you ASAP.
 
I had wanted this bike but not sure if I'd be happy with one. I heard it's got a strong motor but the extra weight seems like a signficiant downside on twisty road handling. So what's this bike good and bad at? Why put up with the weight? What's the real attraction for its owners?
 
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the bike handles well with some work on the forks and provided your shocks are not dead.

quite stable in corners. zrx weights 500lbs? not that heavy compared to most sport touring type bikes.
 
Gary856 said:
I had wanted this bike but not sure if I'd be happy with one. I heard it's got a strong motor but the extra weight seems like a signficiant downside on twisty road handling. So what's this bike good and bad at? Why put up with the weight? What's the real attraction for its owners?
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Bikes are more than just numbers on a spec sheet. The ZRX engine is like a V8 muscle car and it handles much better than you would think. For reference, it weighs about the same as a VFR800 vtec or Sprint ST 1050. Its not a sophisticated bike but it is fun to ride.
 
I always just wanted to be like Eddie Lawson.....(the Eddie Lawson Replica was THE cool bike to have when I was 16)
 
If you go to the website & look around you can find out anything you want about this bike (www.zrxoa.org) You will have to register, free! :D

Those worried about weight, there are many who have lightened the bikes, with some of them below 400lbs. (!) Good suspenders (Ohlins/Works/etc.) converts them to great handling bikes on any pavement, & engine work is a huge bonus. Great for the garage hot rodder as the engine has been in production 20+ years on 6 different models...

-ebd
 
All the ZRXs out there are too much right now. I want a clean one for 3k. If they're asking in the 4-5000 range I can get an FZ1 instead. Actually I'm looking at a ninja 650 tonight. Ya I know .... not even close to a ZRX, but I might settle for it. At least its fuel injected and has more modern suspension.
 
deanzaZZR said:
Not sure about that. ZRX front forks are fully adjustable cartridges. Isn't the Ninja 650 damping rod? (just guessing)
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You could be right about that but being on the ZRX it felt really flimsy and weird compared to more modern bikes. I'm sure some new springs and fork oil would do wonders on it if it has damper rods
 
Var said:
I'm sure some new springs and fork oil would do wonders on it if it has damper rods
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True, damper rods are not the kiss of death. Out of the box the fork on the DL650 (damper) were better than the DL1000 (cartridge). Having cartridges, even crappy ones, does give you the option of doing a rebuild.
 
The ZRX has a fully adjustable cartridge fork and fully adjustable shocks. The Ninja 650 suspension has a non-adjustable damping rod fork and a shock that only allows for preload, IIRC. As for the ZRX you sat on, all ten year-old bikes are going to need the suspension serviced.
 
DogBoy said:
As for the ZRX you sat on, all ten year-old bikes are going to need the suspension serviced.
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Try and tell the seller that when you're negotiating the price.

(BTW i bought a Vstrom with 60k miles that felt amazing. I don't think it had any suspension work other than changing the fork oil once)
 
I take it you didn't go to the website & check these things out.

The stock suspension is fully adjustable front/rear for compression/rebound damping, & spring preload. If your a light rider who does light riding, the stock stuff is ok. If your heavier, &/or you want to do twisties/trackdays, suspension upgrades are in order as it would be w/most bikes.

On my 1100 I had Ohlins out back, & Racetek springs & cartridge mods in front. Those mods were enough to get this 300lb. rider out to trackdays, twisties, & everything in between. I'm a heavy guy & ex-racer, so suspension mods were a must for me as I demand precision in suspension & the stock stuff wasn't good enough. Simple...

Here is a pic of a guy who put ZX14 front end, ZX9 rear end. Bunch of ZRX riders are into serious mods...:teeth :ride
 

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EastBayDave said:
I take it you didn't go to the website & check these things out.

The stock suspension is fully adjustable front/rear for compression/rebound damping, & spring preload. If your a light rider who does light riding, the stock stuff is ok. If your heavier, &/or you want to do twisties/trackdays, suspension upgrades are in order as it would be w/most bikes.

On my 1100 I had Ohlins out back, & Racetek springs & cartridge mods in front. Those mods were enough to get this 300lb. rider out to trackdays, twisties, & everything in between. I'm a heavy guy & ex-racer, so suspension mods were a must for me as I demand precision in suspension & the stock stuff wasn't good enough. Simple...

Here is a pic of a guy who put ZX14 front end, ZX9 rear end. Bunch of ZRX riders are into serious mods...:teeth :ride
Click to expand...


Sounds great, but the only thing i'm willing to modify on it is getting a bigger windscreen. So that 2 thousand dollar suspension is a no-go for me
 
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