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First bike Z1000 questions...

7K views 21 replies 8 participants last post by  bpw 
#1 ·
Just bought my first bike. '03 Z1k. I've ridden all types of quads and dirt bikes and what not so i don't usually start off small. I know about the typical oil leak and little quirks. Any accessories to improve this bike even more from its already awesome feel? Like any windscreen upgrades or anything for longer rides? I picked the bike up for 3k and it came with a very comfy Corbin carbon fiber colored seat. I can sit this seat all day long with very little fatigue. The grips were replaced with some soft super bike brand grips so there is less fatigue from vibration on my hands. But yes when you get into higher speeds there is virtually no wind protection. Its like being on the outside of a rocket ship lol. Any tips our pointers? Also this bike needs a chain. It's got a stretched portion. Any tips on the best place to shop for parts? Any info is much appreciated.
 
#2 ·
I got my first stock 03 Z1 a few weeks back..my opinion here is leave it stock../ windscreen upgrade is a good idea. There is enough power in this bike for street/canyon riding....my last ltr bike was a 07 R1/street,track. Now i like the more comfortable upright riding style of the Z1..
Chain/sprockets







OE Pitch (525) Sprockets - Z1000 2003-2006 - Kawasaki - Sportbike/Touring Sprockets
 
#4 ·
I like that screen. I may have to pick one up. Anything againstgetting a new chain from ebay? Prices are better than what my nearby shops want. I also decided this winter its getting a new color. Nothing against the factory Metallic diablo black but its a water base and expensive. My paint guy was experimenting and came up with a black with gold pearl that seems like it would accent the gold shock tubes and exhaust. I'm changing color because the owner before me scraped up a few spots and dented the tank.
 
#5 ·
Here's a short discussion about chain:
http://www.riderforums.com/general-z1000-z750/69059-gold-chains-stay-gold.html

It includes a link to a spreadsheet to calculate your sprocket set up as well.

I wouldn't skimp much on the Chain... Go with DID, EK, RK, or some decent brand. You can order it online and get it cheaper than a lot of the local shops. My local guy actually doesn't overcharge too much since he knows I'll get him to install it as well and he does my tires at the same time. Get to know a good LOCAL mechanic, ask around other riders in your area and see who they recommend.

As far as mods... doing the stock exhaust chop (3" bottom, 5" on top) is great. Makes the bike sounds so much better. I didn't knock out the baffle or anything.

Adding a pair of frame sliders for peace of mind, and RIDE ON. I've put 30K on this bike with just oil change and tire changes, no other "maintenance". About to get my valves done, and then more riding!
 
#6 ·
Yea I've heard about valves around 50k or more. Never heard of an exhaust chop. Please explain! Lol. I'd love more sound from this bike. Yea my bike is bone stock. 17k about to break 18 before it gets too cold here in Cincinnati. And I'll do more research on the chain. Mine is slightly stretched in one spot and i can feel it from time to time.
 
#8 ·
17k about to break 18 before it gets too cold here in Cincinnati. And I'll do more research on the chain. Mine is slightly stretched in one spot and i can feel it from time to time.
With 17K on the clock, you should NOT change out just the chain; do the sprockets too.
Otherwise your new chain is likely to wear MUCH faster than normal.
 
#7 ·
It's a naked bike. You'll get used to the wind and wont even notice it after a while. At least at reasonable speeds. Going to bigger windscreens or windshields sometimes gets you into annoying noise and buffeting that naked bikes don't have to deal with.
 
#9 ·
Sounds like a plan. Should i get a smaller sprocket? Or bigger? And have you seen the exhaust chop mod? I see how to do it. I'm just wondering if it's too loud. If there is such a thing lol.
 
#12 ·
I'll take anyone's opinion lol. I'm 5'8" so i guess it hits me a little harder. Its not so bad around 75 but any higher it beats me up a bit. I may just stay stock on the sprocket. I like the way it is. If it gets any more power it'll stand up everywhere lol. The exhaust I'm both ways for now. If i do it I'll cut less off. I only want a little more grunt. But i don't want it to give me a headache. I just want to be heard. Did you flat black the fairings or did yours come that way? I'm thinking about doing that when i paint it this winter. It looks good.
 
#15 ·
A louder can DOES make people look for whatever is making "that gawd-aweful noise". Proof of that is every time YOU look around when you hear a loud harley to ***** about it.. or a car with a "stinger" that annoys you..
And when cagers look.. They are less likely to run into you.. Loud pipes DO save lives.. Though so does knowing how to ride..

Hey, Paul1031.. I wouldnt go with a lower front sprocket.. It was WAAAAAAYYY too "buzzy" (more vibs) to me.. But I will send you the one I have to try it if ya want, so ya dont have to buy one and then not like it..
-You can put #7 bird shot in the handlebars.. That helps a bit.
-if you have stock exhaust, I would go for an aftermarket system.. works much better and waaaaayyy easier to mod.. also makes the bike lighter.!!
-get rid of the stock rearsets..!!!! They weigh 40 lbs.!!!!!
-I have an MRA touring screen on mine.. I am 6'3" and don't think it makes any difference.. but it LOOKS better'n stock.. so thats automatically worth 2-3 hp.! ;o)
-eventually go for a zx636 rear shock and front end.. handles waaaaaaayyyy better.!!
-Po-Po doesn't care if your can is loud.. All their Harleys are louder.. ;o)
 
#16 ·
True true. I've seen a lot of cops with Harley's lol. I may have to try some of that. I don't how deep I'll go into the bike when it comes to the z636 parts. But i might get an exhaust kit. I'd rather keep the factory exhaust in good shape in case i go to trade it in or something. And the bird shot help lower handlebar vibration? Good tip. Yea on longer trips my hand does get a little tingly lol.
 
#17 ·
This Easy Rider guy is a real *** hole. He rides a metric cruiser if im not mistaken and trolls the 650 forum. I guess he's expanding his horizons
 
#21 ·
Paul, welcome to the forums. This guy comes in here calling people names and making idle internet threats from a keyboard that probably has jizz on it from whacking it to barnyard teen porn, thats who you dont take advice from. One good thing about the internet morons make themselves known fairly easily, from the comfort of there own home. Ride on be safe and mod away. Thats what its all about anyway making it yours and having fun doing it! You'll find tons of info here and SOME good/helpful people and as with any other site its open to the public so we're bound to have some not so easy to get along with riders.
 
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