What would you do……..?

[PJ69]

So rather predictably, after completing my first track day last week and realising I still love scratching round the corners, even with sore knees, hips and being arthritic and old.

I was watching a road & track comparison video set by Fast Bikes, of all the big sports bikes, which are double the power of our little Z’s, and the Missus chirps up while I’m chatting with my 20 year old son, “You have to own a Ducati at least once during your life.”

Being tall at 6’3 and not an 80kg racing snake, I’m not so sure a V4S or slightly cheaper (but just as highly rated) Aprilia would suit.

In both tests the ZX10R was given last place out of 7 overall, but was only price comparable to the GSXR; with the BMW, Honda, Yamaha, Ducati & Aprilia being mid £20k special variants. I’m tempted to go for a used ZX10RR race bike. There’s a few on Racebuykz and would be good to go, for me, with a quick suspension re-valve, at the fraction of the cost of a new bike plus all the shiny bits you just have to “invest” in.

I have no intention of parting with the Z. It would stay as my road bike.

If you could, what would you do?

[Its about speed]

"old" What age is you?

Seriously, I'd dream the dream and not own the problem. The z900 is gonna scare the bejesus out of you, and you can safely handle it. Buying the name or the engine HP rating ain't necessary for simple pleasure while motorcycling.

But that's just my 74 year old experience speaking.

[BartZ]

My brother is around 1.90m and 100kg, he had Ducati Panigale 959 but wouldn't go for it again, too uncomfortable. If you want more power and a bit more comfortable ride how about Aprilia Tuono V4?

[KellyL]

Originally Posted by PJ69

the Missus chirps up while I’m chatting with my 20 year old son, “You have to own a Ducati at least once during your life.”

Perhaps if only to learn how much of a headache they can be compared with Japanese bikes.

I’ve owned a 996 and Monster S2R in the past. Incredibly beautiful bikes but they constantly needed maintenance. Not always major, but there was always something that needed readjusting or would wear out prematurely. Fine for a toy (if that’s what you’re after) but just be aware of what you’re getting into.

(Admittedly mine were older models, perhaps the new ones are better)

P.S. having said that, I currently also have an Aprilia RS250 for sports/track which is a money pit  and you need to test ride to check for fit, don’t assume anything because of the bike genre. E.g. I’m 6’ and my Aprilia is much more comfortable than a GSXR750 (more legroom) despite being a smaller bike.

[zeta]

Originally Posted by KellyL

Perhaps if only to learn how much of a headache they can be compared with Japanese bikes.

I have not had problems with the TV4 for the 18.000 km I have ridden with it. The valve check is once every 20.000 km (made once, adjustment was needed, the bike's @26k km now), but otherwise it's a bit easier to maintain than the Z.
Examples: It's easier to remove and install the rear and front wheel, oil change is easier (no burping that I needed to do with the Z, and the oil pressure is gained immediately after start), no schedule for the fuel filter change and no schedule for cooling system hose change.

@PJ69: The TV4 has pegs higher than the Z so it's more track oriented. Also a better suspension (in the RR also) and brakes.

All this said, I'm absolutely not saying the Z is somehow inferior, it's a #### great and fun bike for the half of the price of a Tuono. On the street when you are riding the TV4 you can mostly use like 1/4 of the power the bike has, it's angry af but you must mostly ride "tippy toes". If you are a little bit of a crazy person do try the TV4 though 

[TonysMate]

These superbike comparisons are all very well, but they are based on highly skilled riders getting the ultimate performance out of a machine.  What I think is really more important is how you gel with the bike.

Everyone I know who has a S1000RR says they are very comfy (for a sports bike).  But then pretty much everyone I know who has, or had, one suffered electrical gremilns that left them stranded at the side of the road.

The Gen 4 ZX-10R comes with adjustable footpegs, so the knee bend can be reasonable.  I could happily ride mine the 4 hour/170 mile journey from home to Cadwell Park with just one fuel stop.  That was in my mid-70's, by the way.  It didn't have ABS, but then who needs that on track anyway?  It's generally accepted that the rear shock lets it down for serious track work, but that's not an expensive fix.  I did ride the Gen 5 when it was introduced, and it's a lovely bike, but I'm not sure it's a huge improvement for the average rider.  And I personally preferred the Gen4's Nissin brakes to the Brembos on the newer model.

Enjoy making the choice!