I agree - those bikes are great! I had a '98 6R which was pretty much identical to your zzr - I put 40,000 of some of the most enjoyable miles of my life on that thing before it was stolen.
I've owned a couple of Yamahas and a Honda and I have to say Kawis have the best "character" and "fun to live with" appeal. I've had outstanding reliability out of them and I must say I am definitely a "Kawi" man now. I did have a Suzuki dirt bike and it was very fun and bulletproof. I just don't care for their streetbikes. I will miss tha ZZR, it was super fun in the twisties, and had the best intake howl of any previous bike I've owned.
Some people buy bikes to keep up with their buddies bike, or for some other status related reason. Not all SS bikes are bought for those reasons but plenty are.
I did not move from a Concours to a Ninja, I kept my Concours (as did others). But once I bought the Ninja it became by far my favorite of the two for Saturday rides. I still like riding the Concours a lot, I just like the Ninja a lot better.I am surprised to read about the Concours owners on here moving to the Ninja 1000. I guess if you don't travel the Ninja would be a great bike, but after having to lube my chain every evening and the chain stretching out on a 7000 mile trip I have decided that the Versys is not for long distance riding.
I agree that the Concours takes more effort to run the tight twisties, but when properly set up it is very planted in the turns.
I know I am glad I moved to the Concours for the type of riding I am currently doing.
The Green and Black Ninja 1000 with matching GIVI bags is a sweet looking machine and very tempting though.
I agree with his observations about the two bikes. Nice comparison!
I did not move from a Concours to a Ninja, I kept my Concours (as did others). But once I bought the Ninja it became by far my favorite of the two for Saturday rides. I still like riding the Concours a lot, I just like the Ninja a lot better.
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Thanks guys. I guess I use my Versys like you use your Ninja 1000s. Great for the tight stuff and I can put the GPS on shortest distance without worrying if the road turns to dirt. I agree with the your assessment of the handlebar position and seat comfort on the Concours. I just ordered some new bars from Precision Engineering so I can pull the grips in a little closer, lower, and more ergonomic. Still haven't decided what to do with the seat. I like the forward "sportbike" slope and most of the aftermarket go with a flat seat like a goldwing. As far as the Chain goes, when you have to lube it every night (because you have ridden over 350 miles) and carry the lube around it gets old quick, but I guess that is why some folks just go with the constant oilers.
Is that a Z06 in the background? What do you have on order? Jealous!I did not move from a Concours to a Ninja, I kept my Concours (as did others). But once I bought the Ninja it became by far my favorite of the two for Saturday rides. I still like riding the Concours a lot, I just like the Ninja a lot better.
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Mine just hit 1100 miles as well. You are absolutely right. Bike feels better every time I sit on it.
Right around 27,000. I find it difficult to ride as much as I used too, just because of time….. or lack of it. I’m getting ready to swap out the chain and sprockets, in the next few weeks hopefully, I went with a larger front sprocket to help drop the revs a bit when touring. Heck, with the flash and full header, it needs a little calming down at full boogie in the lower gears. The front end got a little lighter after the flash. 😂How many miles on it now?
