Fjr Vs. Zzr1200

[CODan]

Long time ago I was a sport rider - back in the 70s. Sold my GS750 in 83. Fast forward to 97, and I get back into riding with a dirt bike. Fast forward again to this June, when I go looking for another street bike. I ride a Triumph Sprint ST, Honda Blackbird, FJR, ZZR600, ZZR1200. The ZZR12 comes home in my truck.

But after 3 months of riding it, only maybe 1,000 miles total, I think I bought the wrong bike. Oh its fast, handles fines, looks great, etc. But even after installing a kit that puts real (and higher) bars on it, it just isn't that comfortable. Too much lean, legs too folded up, way too much wind and wind noise.

And I've learned that I'm not the kid I used to be. I don't attack the corners any more, I don't scrape stuff, and I've had my toes on the ground only once.

So I think I need an FJR. It's still plenty sporty, but the comfort level should go up quite a bit.

Am I right?

FJR vs. ZZR, anyone have comments?

Thanks.

 

[bramfrank]

I have a friend with a ZZR1200 - rode it and have to say that the bike handles MUCH better than the FJR, but you lose the weather protection. All well and good if you are a fair-weather rider.

If I owned a ZZR1200 (which Kawasaki always said was a touring bike) I probably wouldn't have bought the FJR -but I won;t sell the FJR to get the ZZR1200.

Riding position is a touch more aggressive than the FJR, but I had zero complaints - YMMV.

 

[escapefjrtist]

Only chance I've had to ride a ZZR1200 was demo days at Sturgis a couple years ago. First impression was damn this thing is fast and then, why is it trying to rip my helmet off my head. Being more accustomed to the relaxed riding position, the FJR sure felt nice when I mounted up again. For me, ZZR would be good for a couple hour ride....FJR is the ticket for a cross country trip.

--G

 

[S76]

My riding buddy has the ZZR. Although I never rode it I do know.....

It is considerably faster.

Probably corners better.

At the end of a long day he is "beat up" much more than I.

 

[Toecutter]

So I think I need an FJR. It's still plenty sporty, but the comfort level should go up quite a bit.
Am I right?

I'd say so. Come do 1500 with me on your ZZ and see how you feel.

 

[MCRIDER007]

I had a ZZR1200 before the FJR and put 10,000 miles on it. Great engine, not so great suspension, and 400 miles a day was my limit. Fast was fun, double nickel speeds were no fun at all. I think the ZZR could have been much more comfortable if it had had a decent shock but if you do not like the seating position then its time to move on.

 

[rivgar]

My answer is: if you can afford it.

Get an FJR and a sportbike like a GSX-R750 or similar then you will have the best of both worlds.

I have an 06 FJR and 01 TLR and life is good, very good!

 

[CODan]

At the end of a long day he is "beat up" much more than I.

yea, that's the problem.

I did 300 miles one day (stock bars though) and was pretty beat up.

The bars I put on helped but no enough.

I think an FJR is in the future, now to decide if I want a new one bad enough to pop the bucks.

 

[Sully1300]

CODan,

I love my FJR - wouldn't trade it for the world due to the amount of saddle time I put in. Sporty enough as well to reminisce back on all the sport bike time put in.

My body is too beat up to be leaned over and folded up for long periods of time as well. I would never try and talk someone out of a FJR, but depending on the the amount of saddle time you put in on average and considering the bike you are coming off of, you may consider the FZ1 (04 or earlier due to better mid-range). The lighter weight bike is more in line to what you're use to, as well. My buddy and I swap bikes all the time (he's got an 04 FZ1) and I gotta tell ya if I was doing 200 - 300 days that is what I would be riding as long as I wasn't caring much cargo either. At about 200 miles per tank, that's not bad either.

 

[CODan]

Sully,

Thanks for the thoughts. I think I need to make a bigger jump into the touring direction.