z900 as my First Bike

[KonRad]

From my point of view, z900 as a first bike can be a good idea (even better than the 600cc class!), though this applies to very narrow group of people.
I was the guy who did that and went through this decision process in year 2022 (this is an important note - more on that later). I am still alive, do not regret my decision and still think that was the best option to start my riding career. Let me explain why I think that way.

First of all, I am quite old for a beginner - in my thirties. This translates to more responsible attitude with risk management and better than average general road experience (I’ve been driving a car a lot throughout the years, therefore am able to recognise hazardous situations quick enough).

Secondly, I am a learner type. I’ve read „total control” by Lee Parks during MSF course and focused on those aspeckts during my lessons. I spent a lot of time trying to understand how in fact suspension setup translates to real world riding and used it to my advantage the first day I bought a bike. In 2022 the z900 was an exception in „possible beginner bike” category that had rebound damping regulation and springs that were adequate to my weight. Possibility to better regulate the suspension translates to a safer ride.

Last but not least, the z900 has traction control and that was something the 600cc bikes did not have in 2022 (the Hornet and Suzuki 8s, as far as I know, came with traction control this year!). This is a very important safety feature for an unexperienced rider.

New Kawasaki models come with a great and very underrated feature which is low power mode. This turns a liter bike into a midsize 600cc bike in terms of power, making it a great tool for the first season of riding and a confidence booster while learning during track days (and slowing the tire wear by some margin!).

The bike felt quite heavy at first, I admit. I take it regularry to a parking lot to practise slow speed maneuvers and don’t feel like  the bike would slow down my learning curve. It is just a tad harder than riding on a mt07 that I had during my MSF course.

[zed9]

KonRad. Yes, and this was my point early on when I mentioned "maturity". You were wise enough to hold off on the stupid stuff until you got more experience.

I’ll bet you’d enjoy this. Buy the $50 course, worth every penny.

https://ridelikeachampion.com/courses-page/

[Zed62]

I would start out on a 400 or so.  Plenty fast and not too heavy.  On the other hand with the z900 in rain mode the power delivery is quite manageable for a beginner.   The weight might be another story.

[zed9]

Originally Posted by Zed62

I would start out on a 400 or so.  Plenty fast and not too heavy.  On the other hand with the z900 in rain mode the power delivery is quite manageable for a beginner.   The weight might be another story.

The Z900 is not a heavy motorcycle. Apparently you’ve never ridden a Harley or a big touring bike.
In fact, at fast highway speeds I wouldn’t want a lighter naked bike because they get a little flighty, especially in cross winds and the wash from big trucks.

[Zed62]

For a beginner the z900 could be considered fairly heavy.  Nope never drove a Hardly Ableson.  Never will.

[NineseveN]

Originally Posted by zed9

The Z900 is not a heavy motorcycle. Apparently you’ve never ridden a Harley or a big touring bike.
In fact, at fast highway speeds I wouldn’t want a lighter naked bike because they get a little flighty, especially in cross winds and the wash from big trucks.

The Z900 weighs 100 pounds more than a Ninja 400. That's a massive difference. So comparatively, for a beginner, an extra 100 pounds is a lot.

Ninja 400s do fine a fast track speeds, highway's no different except for as you mentioned, the wash from big trucks. The Z900 doesn't handle those all that well either.

Cruisers distribute the weight differently, so yeah, they heavier, but easier to handle due to where the weight comes into play.

[Zed62]

A beginner has a lot of new things to deal with.   A heavier bike adds to the workload.  The z900 is classed as midweight.  Heavy class bikes - think Goldwing or FJR are definitely not the thing to learn on.
  It would not be fun either imo.

[zed9]

Originally Posted by Zed62

For a beginner the z900 could be considered fairly heavy.  Nope never drove a Hardly Ableson.  Never will.

If you ever do ride one of the bigger Harleys, you will be amazed. Tons of weight and vibration with little power, although they are putting more powerful engines in them now. They take a lot of getting used to.
I also rode a friend’s Honda Valkyrie. We swapped bikes during a ride. It is a tank and dwarfs many bikes in size. The very first corner I took I was dragging hard parts. Scared the crap out of me. It felt like I was driving a barn. I was happy to get back on my tiny ZRX1200 which weighs in at only 540 pounds wet. A full 80 pounds more than my z900.

[NineseveN]

Originally Posted by zed9

If you ever do ride one of the bigger Harleys, you will be amazed. Tons of weight and vibration with little power, although they are putting more powerful engines in them now. They take a lot of getting used to.
I also rode a friend’s Honda Valkyrie. We swapped bikes during a ride. It is a tank and dwarfs many bikes in size. The very first corner I took I was dragging hard parts. Scared the crap out of me. It felt like I was driving a barn. I was happy to get back on my tiny ZRX1200 which weighs in at only 540 pounds wet. A full 80 pounds more than my z900.

First time I cornered on a Valkyrie, I had to hang off like I was windsurfing to keep the hard parts away from the asphalt. It looked like a circus performance. 

[zed9]

Originally Posted by NineseveN

First time I cornered on a Valkyrie, I had to hang off like I was windsurfing to keep the hard parts away from the asphalt. It looked like a circus performance. 

Those things are monsters and surprisingly quick on the highway up til around 130 mph.