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I think a ZRX needs to be in the garage

9K views 18 replies 11 participants last post by  spectorman 
#1 ·
I think it may be time to pick up a ZRX. I see prices are coming down, and there are some really clean ones out there. I've always loved the looks, but never went for it.
I've been riding the Mean Streak and the Scrambler, both of which I like very much. The other day, I rode my friends Hayabusa. Absolute insanity; and I liked it. The ergos were not for me, though. Dedicated sport bikes kill my neck, wrists, and knees. That got me thinking about the Kawabusa http://www.midmomc.com/kawabusa.php
Of course, I dont actually need the Busa engine in a ZRX, but thinking about it got me wanting a ZRX. Every time I think too much, it costs me money.
Oh well, time to make some space in the garage...
 
#5 ·
Had mine for 3 years now, you won't be disappointed at all.

Check out ZRXoa.org
 
#7 ·
One of my coworkers had one for a while, and let me take it for a ride. I was pushing 85mph in third and the bike was loafing!!!! Comfortable, tons of power, and great looking. Kind of like a two-wheeled muscle car. And it was Kawasaki Green too! If I had had $5k when he sold it, I would be riding it now.
 
#8 ·
I had an 01 ZRX, rode it for 5 years. Bar none, was one of the best bikes I ever owned & am sorry I ever sold it. Would own another one in a heartbeat. Was eyeballing a beauty of a nicely modded blue one a few months back but my wife reeled me back in reality. Actually, I wish Kawasaki would update the ZRX, not the Z1000 (again!), & sell that. I'd probably stand in line for it.
Lee
 
#13 ·
Nice mock-up but apparently Kawi doesn't see the market for the ZRX presently, in spite of its avid & loyal fan base. Just check out the zrxoa site. I guess they think the Z1000 is the new model to chase. The Z1000 might be a nice bike but it'll never get my $$$. No offense intended to any Z1000 owners out there but it is just too wonky for my tastes.

For whatever reason, Kawi continued to sell the ZRX elsewhere around the globe but stopped selling it in the US in '05. As I understand it, this is the last year of ZRX production so even folks outside the US will be w/out it soon too. Too bad for all us ZRX/Kawi lovers cuz now I'm gonna consider a 1st gen FZ1 or Bandit 1250 instead & I've never been a Yamaha or Suzuki fan. (Again, no offense intended to those who are.)

Ya really have to wonder what drives the manufacturers to release certain bikes in some areas and not others. I'm sure they do plenty of market research & cost feasibility studies but it seems us Americans get the short end of the stick when it comes to bike choices.

Look at any of the European sites for the manufacturers, heck even Canada for that matter, & the diversity of rides offered outside the US is significantly greater than what we get. Bikes like these:
http://www.honda.co.uk/motorcycles/...hidHomePath=/jsp/msgTOURINGHome.jsp#focusHere
http://www.honda.co.uk/motorcycles/...hidHomePath=/jsp/msgTOURINGHome.jsp#focusHere
http://www.honda.co.uk/motorcycles/...hidHomePath=/jsp/msgTOURINGHome.jsp#focusHere
http://www.yamaha-motor-europe.com/products/motorcycles/mt-series/mt-01.jsp
http://www.suzuki-gb.co.uk/bike/gsx1400fe/k7/
http://www.suzuki-gb.co.uk/bike/bandit1250gt/
http://www.suzuki-gb.co.uk/bike/bandit1250sf/k7/
http://www.suzuki-gb.co.uk/bike/vstrom1000gt/k7/
are offered for sale in addition to all the bikes we currently get. Now that's selection!

And w/the lightweight sport touring market finally heating up, you gotta wonder, why aren't the maufacturers introducing at least one or two of these models? Most don't offer cutting edge technology & construction costs are probably already amortized so how much could it cost to advertise them & bring them onto our shores?
Lee
 
#14 ·
Main reason for pulling from the US was emissions related. They sold quite well, better than Z1000 when side by side on the showroom floor. I have a feeling they will update the bike cosmetically and totally redesign the engine to meet current and future EPA regulations. The bike has a cult following around the word (especially Japan!).

Yamaha, Suzuki, and Honda have all redone thier “Muscle" bikes in the last 2 to 3 years. Kawasaki, it seems, has put more stock into the sport segment (which it needed to do), as many of the designs were getting long in the tooth (cosmetically and mechanically).

Regards,
 
#18 ·
Apparently,

Americans are still in love with their plastics. Or maybe Japan just hasn't caught up with the fact that a lot of people over here want a naked, and they want more than a few choices. My current ride has fairings but if and when there is a next bike, it's going to be a naked. And while I am at it, I hope it has belt drive too!
 
#19 ·
I recently sold my 04 ZZR1200 for another ZRX, my second. My first ZRX was an 01, this one an 03- the blue is so pretty! I've spent the better part of the last 10 days farkelizing the thing. I enjoyed my ZZR but regretted selling my ZRX from the day I did. I have no regrets selling the ZZR & getting back on the ZRX- it just fits me & my riding/style/needs so much better.

I wish Kawi would recognize the fanatasism that exists for the ZRX & bring in a renewed version (not that I'm looking to sell or trade-up.) The whackjob owners on the zrxoa site are a testament to the ZRX & I just don't understand how Kawi and the other Japanese manufacturers can't see this. The Z1000 may be a nice bike but I doubt it has garnered the love/respect the ZRX has over the years.
Lee
 
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