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

[Kwacky]

The more I think about it the more I'm swinging towards the z1000sx. It's got the fairing and the screen, it's got ABS, traction control options and the power mode options. I'm sure that the naked z1000 with an extra 20bhp is more fun but it's got none of those features and is probably less suited than the sx for commuting.

I'll take the zed out for a ride and see what I think.

[Spudda]

Ask them to have the SX ready again .... once you come back on the Zed take the SX out again and see if you feel the same way about it after the second time

[Kwacky]

Good idea

[Blade]

Yes very good idea. Would you look to buy new or used Kwacky.

[Kwacky]

Depends on the deal to be honest. The z1000sx is popular. Not many second hand ones about and the dealer had 5 new ones in the showroom with SOLD stickers on them.

Wrong time of year to be buying I guess.

[Frankie]

Never a wrong time to buy a new bike
If you are looking at that, why not give the s1000R a blast. My model the sport, has all the bells and whistles you could imagine, along with a stonking engine, not to mention the build quality, and she always gives me a wink when I open the man cave door ha ha.....

[Kwacky]

I'll give the beemer a bash but I need to keep my sensible head on. This bike I'm looking to buy will spend 90% of its time being used as a commuter and being ridden all year round. Weather protection and comfort have to key factors.

[Frankie]

Comfort
Weather protection & quality After all look at the pedigree it stables with, which tend to be ridden by all year round bikers.

Price look at the costs you will be very surprised.

[Blade]

Your right Kwacky with the new 15 plate coming out and it being the start of the biking season dealers with have plenty of new bike orders. However they will also have plenty of part ex stock so maybe a tidy used model could have a better deal.

[Rob]

Nice write up Kwacky.

Whilst in the Kawasaki dealers did you take a look around any of the other models by any chance? Only reason I ask is that Colchester Kawasaki are doing some very good deals on Z800. (brand new 2014 models for £6799 with 0% finance over 3 years). Wondered if you did take a look what your thoughts were on it.

On my recent quest to find a new road toy these didnt really come to my attention until I saw the offer on their website.

[Kwacky]

I had a good look around the showroom. The dealer suggested the zzr1400 or the GTR if I was looking for a commuter with loads of protection but they're both too big. That's when he suggested the z1000. I took a look at that and the z800. Both nice bikes. Well put together and nicely designed. Less than £7k for the 800 sounds pretty enticing.

[Rob]

Less than £7k for the 800 sounds pretty enticing.

My thoughts exactly.

There is obviously a newer model out now withABS etc, but bang for buck, the '14 Z800 sounds very interesting.

[Kwacky]

Does the new z8000 have the electronics package?

I don't think the latest z1000 has.

The sx has 2 power modes and 3 levels of traction control which is something else I like the sound of. I'm not if I'm that bothered with ABS,

When I did my test ride I slammed on the brakes on all 3 bikes and the Kwak felt the best, even though it's a non-ABS model.

[Blade]

For commuting in all conditions the tc, power modes and abs sound like very useful features worth a bit extra for IMO. I guess it depends in how much extra is though as the 800 sounds a good buy.

[Blade]

Kwacky if this new bike is for commuting use would a ninja 300 be an option ?

£4800 for the abs model before discount so closer to £4000 brand new if you haggle and obviously with 2 years oem warranty. Fully faired (protection for you and compoenents against the weather and road salt) with a more upright riding position than a sports bikes, mega low ins and tax, super economical, light and flickable with a punchy single for city traffic.

Admittedly not too good on the open road but at £3000 to £5000 less than some bikes your looking at would give you a reliable and economical commuter and cash to spare on replacing the zx6 for something newer.

Just a wild card suggestion

http://www.kawasaki.co.uk/en/products/s ... FgKDgtfCl0" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[Kwacky]

Thanks for the suggestion but 300cc on the motorway isn't for me. The ER6 was also considered.

That said the option of a cheaper hack and replacing the zx6r for a newer model had been considered, but I've decided that the mileage on the kwak will put a lot of people off. Plus I want to use the sportsbike on the track, so I'm going to be much happier sticking a 5 year old bike well used zx6r in the gravel than a brand new one.

[Blade]

Makes sense and didn't know you had a motorway commute.

Mind you saying that slip streaming other motorway users and becoming a demon of late braking and carrying ultra high corner speed aka moto3 style could break up the bordem of the commute.

[Kwacky]

I've got the choice of the M6 or the M40/M42.

There is back road run I can do but I'll only do that when it's light. They are unlit country roads used by farm vehicles so I don't want to be hitting mud in the dark.

The thought of a Ninja 300 at Mallory is tempting though.

[Blade]

I think there is a race series for the ninja 300.

Stuffing litre bikes on a 300cc commuter would be funny as hell and very rewarding.

[Blade]

With no p/x he would snap your hand off for £6000 and that's a £3500 saving over new and its barely run in.

Ebay item number

231343619778