ZZR1200 or Blackbird ?

[zak14]

Hello,

Just joined the forum I have a cracking Kwak GPZ 500S at the moment but miss 4 cylinders and the power of my V MAX so I am looking for another big 4 cylinder. The MAX was fantastic, dont believe all the rubbish you read about them but was`hard work' to ride fast and fancy somethig with a fairing. Considering a Bird or a Kwak ZZR 1200 what do you think?

What are the problems need to look out for on the Bird?, looking to spend around ?4K or there abouts.

Thanks


John

 

[dave m]

I had a zzr1200 before my Blackbird, take it from me the bird is much better.

 

[mick the knife]

What are the problems need to look out for on the Bird?,


John

They do them in red

 

[dave m]

The red ones are best

I agree :-0)

 

[Hornblower]

I wish I could have afforded the red top coat to go over my silver primer

Dont worry mate get your self some rose coloured spectacles and it will look much better, almost Candy Red. Lol!

 

[Artemis]

Now you just know that being on a Bird site, you're going to be told that Bird is best. Mind you, it is best.

 

[martin]

They do them in red

Only wankers ride red ones:wank:

 

[CStanley]

Only wankers mock red ones:wank:

Agreed :wank:

C.

 

[hellraiser]

yep.......

 

[malepmt]

I rode a ZZR12 before i got the bird not lots in it but i thought the bird handled better it felt more planted plus you cant ignor the Honda build quality

 

[Wolfie]

i have ignored mine for years and the feckin thing is still there.

 

[silverfox.xx]

Never riden a ZZR1200, but I've had my Bird for 4 years and don't envisage selling it in the near future. But if I did I'd buy another.

What to look for, condition is more important than mileage. For the amount you're intending to spend you're looking at an injection model. Analogue clocks up to about 2002 (late 1999 ish to 2002 ish) from then on its digital dash and slow you down a bit catalytic convertors.

Camchain tensioner (CCT) needs upgrade fitting around 30k miles, easy fix. (rattle at 3000 rpm), not to be confused with slight clutch basket rattle, which is never a problem (pull in clutch to eliminate this).
Valves need adjusting/checking from above 45k miles.. most seem ok upto 60k miles.
Oil, never use fully synthectic.
Tyres, a good percentage use avon storms.
Increase turn in 6mm spacer on top of rear sock (personal choice).
Rear drive chain - advise if hi mileage use a chain oiler.
Run both tyres at 42psi.
Spares/parts.custom goodies try Jaws motorcycles first.

Other available add ons that folk use depending on personal preferance;
bar raisers, foot peg lowerers, seat change for distance work..

What i like about the bird is that its an all round road bike, brilliant at touring, carries luggage, handles well even when pushed and will see of most sports bikes if thats your pleasure.

Oh and w;;v

 

[Bluey]

Only wankers ride red ones:wank:

My my Martin trying to crack a funny

Both bikes are good i personally find the bird a better bike after riding both i also find the ZZR a tad ugly

 

[Jaws]

there are no REAL problems at all with the Bird.. We tend to get a bit of a false perception on here simply cos it is 'concentrated bird' stuff !
With gawd knows how many folk using the site it is easy to get misled.
A good example would be the carb model regulators..
Whilst it could be said they are a weak point and are 'often' known to pop, the reality is that if they WERE that bad I would only have to sell them and sod all the other stuff !!
They are no worse than a good many other bikes..
I think the real things to watch for are simply the CCT ( it is only a 20 minute job to change one and they are ?43.00 ) and the suspension

The front forks sag like mad after a couple of years ( not mileage related, just age ) and the rear shock needs a seeing to after a max of 25k miles.. more usually 15k miles truth be told ( once sorted they are then good to go on for simply ages afterwards )
All of this sounds like a lot of lolly, but believe me it really isn't..
And should you spot any of these things on a bird your interested in, they are good bargaining points :-0)