MT-09 Tracer, Tiger 800 xrx and Z1000sx group review

[Kwacky]

3 years old and none of the electrics.

They upgraded it in 2014 with the power modes, traction control, new brakes and suspension. It's also got a much larger tank as the older model started to run out round about 120 miles.

[Blade]

£3500 is a lot of suspension and bling

May be ride an older model against the new model to see if you think the upgrades are beneficial for your intended use. I m glad I have power modes and tc on a nearly 200 bhp sportsbike but not 100% convinced if they would be that much use on a commuter more a nice to have, as your riding would be smooth and angle of dangle dramatically reduced anyway.

Just a suggestion and thinking with my head not my heart which maybe the opposite to what you want or need. Sometimes sensible choices mean nothing and we need what we desire I get that.

[Kwacky]

I follow your argument, but if I'm going for a bike without the electronic features and other upgrades I may as well get a £2,000 zzr1200 and ride that until it falls apart.

The z1000sx still throws out about 120-125bhp and has about 82 ft/lb of torque.

I'm hoping that I'll never have to test the traction control, but using A roads and Motorways on a regular basis I know what state they get in. I've had all of my bikes sideways on many an occasion going to and from work.

This is biking. There's no need for me to get the latest bike with all the electric gizmos in the same way there's no need for you to get a top of the range rear shock. But we can and we want

Let's not forget I ended up testing these bike because I wanted the Tracer, and it was the add-ons that tracer came with which made me think I wanted one for commuting.

[Blade]

Only suggestions mate, thought they might be helpful, nothing more. Tell me to shut up.

You don't have to explain your choice to me I totally get we often buy what we want not want we need and that's the beauty of motorcycling being individual and excessive.

Enjoy the test rides and I'm sure what ever you choose will be brilliant as getting any new bike always is.

[Kwacky]

No, I don't want you to shut up, quite the opposite. I appreciate the comments as it lets me explain what I'm looking for from my next bike. It's a reminder that we all look for different things. The forum should be like the pub where we chat about all sorts of crap and put forward our views without falling out. The only problem for me is 9-5 I'm not supposed to be at work so I have to put a quick reply down before my boss sees me on the forum

The search for a bike is very much appreciated.

As you've seen, even the second hand new model z1000sx aren't going for much less than a new one. What's in my favour is that I'm in no rush to get another bike. I'll buy some time by trying out more bikes.

I do know that the dealer is getting a new z1000sx to use as a demo, so the demo I tried is for sale at £8k.

[Perkles]

What time you there on Saturday ?

[duke63]

Personally I would dismiss the Z800, it weighs more than my Multi.

I would think the Z1000SX is spot on for commuting plus it would still be fun to ride on other days too and even better for long days/weekends away.

[Blade]

So now we know what you want lets start spending your wonga on the official accessory list

http://www.kawasaki.co.uk/en/accessorie ... loOW1BeDAw" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Got to be the akrapovic end cans

[Blade]

Now these have to be on the shopping list, absolute bargain for a twin system

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/EXHAUST-ARROW ... 2a47dccfd3" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[Kwacky]

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/YOSHIMURA-R-7 ... 25a0bc1d0f" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

I think you mean the Yoshis

[Kwacky]

What time you there on Saturday ?

Nothing booked mate. Let me know when you're free.

[Blade]

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/YOSHIMURA-R-7 ... 25a0bc1d0f

I think you mean the Yoshis

My bad I did mean the Yoshi's I like your style

[Kwacky]

Blade, those Arrow cans are the same as the one I've got on the kwak

[Blade]

Blade, those Arrow cans are the same as the one I've got on the kwak

Yes I know and on my ten

[Blade]

This is going to be the fastest commuter bike ever

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/MONO-AMMORTIZ ... 257e9807ac" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[Kwacky]

Looking at the Kwak cataologue shows how much they take the piss. £60 for a satnav holder and over £100 for a gear indicator?

[Kwacky]

Bitubo stuff is nice.

One of the changes on the 2014 model is a new rear spring and the remote preload adjuster. It certainly felt good enough for the roads.

[Blade]

Biturbo is the mutts nuts.

You don't need it you just want it

[Kwacky]

The z1000sx has the ZX10r engine in it. So when I get bored I'm going to go a straight swap for the full 200bhp version

[Blade]

Has it got the same brakes as the ten ?

Rode the bike today and have to say the brakes were very impressive. Better than the Blades which also had brembo radial mc and race sintered pads fitted.

I did not trigger the abs and reckon you would have to brake very very hard or on a dodgy surface to get it to trigger. Have to say I was impressed at how hard you could brake without the abs activating which is how it should be on a sportsbike.

If your going for the 2015 model I reckon it would be worth the extra £400 for abs which is cheap as they charge £1000 more for abs on the zx10r.