Need serious opinions from past/exhisting owners of the FJR and.....

[Mike P]

.............lets say a Busa or a ZX-14.

I've been researching the after market for storage accessories for both the Busa and the ZX, it appears I would have more options on a Busa but the ZX just feels like the riding position would be easier to deal with over a long ride.

As of the past year just getting into the Sport Touring side of things I've come to the conclusion ST is where I want to stay but I'm having an itch for a new second bike. One that's a little more sport than touring but can easily be made a viable tourer.

For ones who currently have an FJR and either bike mentioned or previously owned a Busa or ZX, give me the down and dirty opinions of them being or not being good tourers.

 

[Capt. Bob]

Here's your Busa.Clicky

 

[Mike P]

Here's your Busa.Clicky

I've seen that and it's way more than I have intentions for. I don't have any plans of competitive endurance but do regular 5-600 mile day trips. At minimum maybe a IB or BB a couple times a year.

That's not the review/set up I was looking for even though it is an amazing set up.

 

[Bulldog9]

Have you checked out the Sprint ST? Doesnt have the RAW power of the Busa of ZX, but as far as an amazing powerplant, VERY sporting, and comfortable/flexible, a great ride.

 

[Mike P]

Have you checked out the Sprint ST? Doesnt have the RAW power of the Busa of ZX, but as far as an amazing powerplant, VERY sporting, and comfortable/flexible, a great ride.

Just never been a fan of the Triumphs.

 

[MotorToad]

First I'd recommend you ride the ST, it has (IMesHO) the best motorcycle engine made. Second, I'd say a used CBR-1100XX. I think the Busa is probably a better bike than the ZX-14, but I don't care for the sociological baggage it comes with.

 

[mdisher]

First I'd recommend you ride the ST, it has (IMesHO) the best motorcycle engine made. Second, I'd say a used CBR-1100XX. I think the Busa is probably a better bike than the ZX-14, but I don't care for the sociological baggage it comes with.

+1 I'd look for a GOOD used Blackbird, past that, maybe a good ZZR-1200, What the C14 replaced.

Or if money is clearly not an issue, then what the hell, a C14, I suspect more luggage options this year since the bike is no longer new.

 

[Mike P]

Shopping for a Blackbird is almost like shopping for a used Mustang GT...........pointless.

 

[quicksilver]

I have done a lot of research on this front.

I lean toward to ZX-14 'cause 1. looks (hands down) 2. ergos (lean a little more towards ST, esp with risers) 3. platform is old enough to be pretty solid. Fueling issues and frame recall is behind them. 4. weight (slight edge over busa) 5. 'Busa has a huge bling aftermarket, but zx can do exhaust, luggage, wheels, lighted fender eliminator, saddle, wind screen, chains, sprockets, power commander. So, just about everything I would shop for...

But, if bling is the thing. Busa aftermarket is the winner hands down.

 

[Mike P]

I have done a lot of research on this front.I lean toward to ZX-14 'cause 1. looks (hands down) 2. ergos (lean a little more towards ST, esp with risers) 3. platform is old enough to be pretty solid. Fueling issues and frame recall is behind them. 4. weight (slight edge over busa) 5. 'Busa has a huge bling aftermarket, but zx can do exhaust, luggage, wheels, lighted fender eliminator, saddle, wind screen, chains, sprockets, power commander. So, just about everything I would shop for...

But, if bling is the thing. Busa aftermarket is the winner hands down.

I'm leaning towards the ZX14 myself after further research. Sad thing is the only one I would have is the black one. The two tone ones that make the fins stand out like a sore thumb do nothing for me. That being said the ergos are better IMO than the Busa, the weight like you said is substantial and as far as side by side hard performance numbers both are so close it's not funny. I've got an appointment set up with a local ZX owner for a test ride later this week..........sooooooo by this weekend I may in fact be adding a ZX14 to the stable.

The one thing that turns me off SO SO SO bad about the Busa's is every one I see local has been stretched 350-400 rear tires and they all look the same. Yippie lets go spend $25k to have a straight line show bike.

 

[Knifemaker]

Get a R1 and put soft bags on it. Instant SPORT-touring bike. Or get an R6 and ship your luggage ahead.

Sorry, but the FJR does everything for me , I need no other bike.

 

[exskibum]

Shopping for a Blackbird is almost like shopping for a used Mustang GT...........pointless.

What does that mean?

 

[quicksilver]

They sell aftermarket panels that are smooth (removed george foreman ribs) or solid color.

They even sell carbon fiber panels. (serious candy)

Although I read the ribs are to help get air flow into your thighs, which could be good when sitting on 180hp.

"The two tone ones that make the fins stand out like a sore thumb do nothing for me."

 

[Mike P]

Shopping for a Blackbird is almost like shopping for a used Mustang GT...........pointless.

What does that mean?

Meaning they have probably seen better days and are most likely worn/raged out. Same reason I'd never buy a used sport bike.

They sell aftermarket panels that are smooth (removed george foreman ribs) or solid color.They even sell carbon fiber panels. (serious candy)

Although I read the ribs are to help get air flow into your thighs, which could be good when sitting on 180hp.

"The two tone ones that make the fins stand out like a sore thumb do nothing for me."

Good to know for sure. I have not came across those items yet but I'll look. Thanks!

 

[Mike P]

Get a R1 and put soft bags on it. Instant SPORT-touring bike. Or get an R6 and ship your luggage ahead.
Sorry, but the FJR does everything for me , I need no other bike.

I don't like the ergos of an R1 even though it is one bad ass machine. Is there anything wrong with wanting to add another bike that could be a nice tourer to the stable? The FJR is a great machine but on some days it lacks a few perks that something like a ZX 14 could offer. When not commuting I ride more towards the sport side of the spectrum but still want touring possibilities and I believe the ZX 14 can provide that for me. I'll be keeping the FJR also, especially when the wife unit wants to hits some long miles.

 

[exskibum]

Shopping for a Blackbird is almost like shopping for a used Mustang GT...........pointless.

What does that mean?

Meaning they have probably seen better days and are most likely worn/raged out. Same reason I'd never buy a used sport bike.

I thought that was probably what you meant. But I'm not sure I agree after having watched them on boards and in classifieds for a few years now (I'm on my second one).

There are a number of them like mine that are in great shape, sporting low miles and never been abused. Mostly, it's not hard to find one in great condition at one of the best price points you'll find for a GT bike (which is what it is -- like the Busa, it's too big to be a true sport bike). Beyond that, they're pretty much bulletproof.

Mostly just raising that as an option since I have the multiple bike affliction too, and having less money in the purchase price of the second or third bike makes farkling and putting luggage on them a lot easier. Also noting that I use mine for pretty much what you want to use a second bike for. I live on the doorstep of one of the great motorcycle road areas in the country, and the XX will run away from the FJR in the twisties (I DO have a few aftermarket goodies contributing to that) and on the straights.

Good luck with whatever you choose.

 

[Mike P]

Shopping for a Blackbird is almost like shopping for a used Mustang GT...........pointless.

What does that mean?

Meaning they have probably seen better days and are most likely worn/raged out. Same reason I'd never buy a used sport bike.

I thought that was probably what you meant. But I'm not sure I agree after having watched them on boards and in classifieds for a few years now (I'm on my second one).

There are a number of them like mine that are in great shape, sporting low miles and never been abused. Mostly, it's not hard to find one in great condition at one of the best price points you'll find for a GT bike (which is what it is -- like the Busa, it's too big to be a true sport bike). Beyond that, they're pretty much bulletproof.

Mostly just raising that as an option since I have the multiple bike affliction too, and having less money in the purchase price of the second or third bike makes farkling and putting luggage on them a lot easier. Also noting that I use mine for pretty much what you want to use a second bike for. I live on the doorstep of one of the great motorcycle road areas in the country, and the XX will run away from the FJR in the twisties (I DO have a few aftermarket goodies contributing to that) and on the straights.

Good luck with whatever you choose.

Maybe I won't discount the XX so quickly. I'll look around. I do know that hard bagging the ZX14 isn't going to be cheap by any means.

 

[Mike P]

Just doing an online search, there's only 1 XX with in a 400 mile radius of me and it's wrecked.

 

[mdisher]

Just doing an online search, there's only 1 XX with in a 400 mile radius of me and it's wrecked.

Patience Grass Hopper, they are out there. I don't know if keithaba still has his, but he was wanting to sell it a few months ago.

-MD