XJR, GSX, ZRX, CB or other?

[Quasievil]

Looking at getting a new (to me) bike, not wanting a superbike any longer but want something I can still get a buzz on but can also tour the south island on no problems i.e 600kms without becoming a cripple as one would on a sports bike.
Im looking at a GSX1400, XJR1300 or a ZRX (varying capacites)

Im mostly keen on the XJR as the Ohlins is there and Brembo brakes, and I like the look of it but Im interested to hear from some of you that have had these bikes before.

The bike Im buying wont be new, be looking at the $6-8k mark, it seems that money buys a decent machine.

Cheers for the input.

[skippa1]

welcome back...........I would go for the GSX but I am biased towards Suzuki for the overall package

[Quasievil]

welcome back...........I would go for the GSX but I am biased towards Suzuki for the overall package

Cheers, it was a nice looking at a bit of Russian

So why a GSX other than your biased, what does it have that the XJR doesnt, seems on paper the XJR is a better bike to me ?

[skippa1]

Cheers, it was a nice looking at a bit of Russian

So why a GSX other than your biased, what does it have that the XJR doesnt, seems on paper the XJR is a better bike to me ?

I'm no expert when it comes to tourers and I see your point re the Brembos and Ohlins. I have ridden the Suzuki, not the Yamy but I did like the overall package. The suspenders are fully adjustable and replaceable with Ohlins if you like, they still have 6 pot caliper front brakes, not Brembos but then is the brand that important?
Overall, a nice ride in my opinion.....but you know what they say about those....

[manxkiwi]

Hey B, I've ridden the XJR, my mate's got one. You won't need me to tell you it pulls like a train from anywhere!! Quite nimble on the move too, probably thanks to the wide 'bars. Very comfy, though I'm not a fan of nakeds (at speed), this bike is a barrel full of fun to ride. I remember the brakes being awesome too. Of course that's only my opinion and I haven't ridden the others. Cheers.

[SPman]

Ride them all - they all have their good points - the XJR is a comfy old warhorse that can be hustled along a a brisk clip with a load and is a true retro - air cooled motor, handling and all, and responds to a few cheap and easy mods to liven it up a bit. Refurbish the front forks/springs for better front end feel as well. Real Ohlins rears would also be an advantage!
I haven't ridden the others, but the missus has ridden a ZRX and really liked it. But she also likes the XJR and rides that when she's tired or wants to relax, heading home after we've been out. The CB gets good reviews and, like the ZRX, also has a top fairing to help break that wind blast. I run a fairing/screen on the XJR in winter

[ducatilover]

I'm with SPman on this, they all have their good points and you can't really go wrong with any.
If it was me I'd be having a hard time deciding, I love the Yamaha's motor and bling bits, but the GSX has arm removing torque :drool: and the ZRX just looks horn.

[Maha]

Buy the one that brings on a bit of wood...the CB did it for me ...not the S model though.....
I could stack that thing up with a double pack/tank bag/ and Anne on the back and it wouldn't even flinch.
5th gear...leave it there, wind it on when you need to pass or whatever?...no need to use 4th.
The XJR would have been my second choice, they all be pretty much of a muchness really.
I put a tiny screen on the Honda, just took the wind of the upper body nicely...
Could easily go there again.

[mulletman]

GSX has 6speed box , 124nm torque from 2500, as said loads of adjustment suspension wise wallowy if not adjusted, get a 05 onwards have better steering head bearings better shocks on back, ( dont be fooled by the 'ohlins' on XJRs ) has heaps of underseat storage. These bikes WILL do 200 in third if you wanna cane em, and just as happy cruising using the torque (like most of what your looking at) .

You have plenty to choose whatever you decide which is great.

[leopardskin]

love my ZReX - like most owners I have put on aftermarket full exhaust with K&N pods (re-jetted) - plenty of grunt - 1100 (the 1200 will get you another 15hp) - light(ish) - only a 5 speed but don't need another gear. Adjustable front and back for preload damping and rebound. Pick them up at reasonable prices. Be a hooligan...get a Z!

[Kiwi Graham]

Gday mate,

For me GSX, XJR, ZRX CB in that order.

The GSX is the most comfortable and powerful, it pulls as soon as you turn the key on, build quality is excellent and if your careful with the right wrist 300k out of a tank is possible. Its silky smooth motor never fails to impress when you wind open the throttle, As mentioned the suspension is fully adjustable and there is a very good forum full of useful information about mods etc. (I've owned 4 of these bikes and would own another)

The XJR would be my second choice for similar reasons to the Suzuki but the Suzuki does it all that little bit better in my opinion, The build quality isnt as good with laqured alloy parts suffering very early on and starting to look tatty. The ohlins shocks are a poor immitation of the real deal but Dr Bob will sort that for you. The air cooled engine can fry your legs in the summer.

The ZRX comes third, motor not as strong in the all important mid range. The beauty of all these bikes is their twist and go nature when in top gear, the amount of pure grunt the suzuki has outshines all the others.

CB........Im not a Honda man and to be honest a poor reason but it looks a little boring.

On looks alone the XJR has it especialy in blue and you can only think about blue for the GSX (its the faster colour ;) )

Best you take em all out for a skid and make your choice, big retro nakeds are ace bikes.

[SMOKEU]

Buy a Hayabusa.

[pritch]

I have only ridden the CB, can't comment much on the others at all. Can't see that the CB looks boring, the red ones have an intentional visual link to earlier racers. These things are in the eye of the beholder though.

It is a Honda so the quality will be up there.

About those Ohlins shocks; all that glitters may not be gold. They may date from when Yamaha owned Ohlins and are quite possibly simply an exercise in badge engineering. A PM to Dr Robert would confirm that - or not?

[quickbuck]

Gday mate,

For me GSX, XJR, ZRX CB in that order.

The GSX is the most comfortable and powerful, it pulls as soon as you turn the key on, build quality is excellent and if your careful with the right wrist 300k out of a tank is possible. Its silky smooth motor never fails to impress when you wind open the throttle, As mentioned the suspension is fully adjustable and there is a very good forum full of useful information about mods etc. (I've owned 4 of these bikes and would own another)

The XJR would be my second choice for similar reasons to the Suzuki but the Suzuki does it all that little bit better in my opinion, The build quality isnt as good with laqured alloy parts suffering very early on and starting to look tatty. The ohlins shocks are a poor immitation of the real deal but Dr Bob will sort that for you. The air cooled engine can fry your legs in the summer.

The ZRX comes third, motor not as strong in the all important mid range. The beauty of all these bikes is their twist and go nature when in top gear, the amount of pure grunt the suzuki has outshines all the others.

CB........Im not a Honda man and to be honest a poor reason but it looks a little boring.

On looks alone the XJR has it especialy in blue and you can only think about blue for the GSX (its the faster colour ;) )

Best you take em all out for a skid and make your choice, big retro nakeds are ace bikes.
Agree with all this....
AND I have ridden the CB1300.
As a Honda man, I found it lacked the soal, and bored me after 10 minutes... like all Hondas most would say...
The tank on the CB was quite wide, and it felt like it wanted to split my legs open all the time.
A knees out riding position is not for me.... May be it's a chicks bike ;)
I did ride it in the most torential rain I have ever riden it (by accident), and still felt comfortable piloting a huge monster with A MILLION yard stones of torque.....

Thing is though, it felt tame compaired to the XJR... especially the Yoshi kitted one that was imported... That thing did awesome wheelies... and was Bogan Black.

[DR650gary]

Looked at those same bikes, nearly bought the XJR but after riding the ZRX1200, the others faded away. Not too sure where a previous poster get the idea that the ZRX is lacking mid range, it is possible he rode a broken one, but mine pulled from 2k rpm all the way to the red line and could lighten the front wheel at 140kph plus with little effort. Sold it and bought a TDM for a change of feel.

For me the lack of injection was an issue but the carbs are easily fiddled with and this site will get you through any issues.

http://www.zrxoa.org/forums/

Cheers

[nallac]

A knees out riding position is not for me.... May be it's a chicks bike ;)


Maha owned one..........

[Scouse]

Looking at getting a new (to me) bike, not wanting a superbike any longer but want something I can still get a buzz on but can also tour the south island on no problems i.e 600kms without becoming a cripple as one would on a sports bike.
Im looking at a GSX1400, XJR1300 or a ZRX (varying capacites)

Im mostly keen on the XJR as the Ohlins is there and Brembo brakes, and I like the look of it but Im interested to hear from some of you that have had these bikes before.

The bike Im buying wont be new, be looking at the $6-8k mark, it seems that money buys a decent machine.

Cheers for the input.I would have the ZRX1200R I ownd one back in 2004 In my opinion it is the best looking of the big nekeds a good mate of mine also owned one at the same time and he fettled the standard supension and the difference in handling between his and mine was amazing but thne Paul Pav Knows what h eis doing when i tcomes to making a bike handle

[cmoore]

i had an XJR1300....best bike i have ever owned...loved riding it...he gsx and cbr are the last three "muscle bikes".....the XJR is i think the only one still being made...sweet ride and looks great...lost mine due to a not at fault accident..:(....i havn't riden the others.

[Quasievil]

Thanks guys for the info, really though after reading that I guess the CB can get crossed off the list, I think the GSXK would be the pick but Im thinking the pricing will be a tad high, but question ism what years are a good GSX i.e if I spend my budget will I get a year that want so good, will I get a decent one for $7k ish ?
OUtside that the ZRX seems to be rated well as does the XJR, I will take a couple for a ride (if I can find them) and make a call

cheers

[Katman]

Never ridden one but I've always thought the ZRX is a horny looking bike.

[AllanB]

All good bikes. CB is a torque monster - stick a pipe on it to get some personality.
The Ohlins on the yam are apparently Yammy invoking their share holders right and not 'real' ones. Having said that all those bikes have average suspenders but WTF do u expect for $6-8k!!!!!
The earlier CB's had poor padding in the riders seat - fixed on later models.

Kawa and CB have websites that will tell u all about them.


A great budget tourer is the GS1200ss - not naked but sucks up kms with ease and very under rated.

[MIXONE]

Only one way to really decide.Ride em all and let your heart/woody make the choice for you.

[Hitcher]

I've ridden all of these. The best of class, which I ended up owning and loving, is the ZRX1200R. It has a purpose-built donk, lots of go, great mid-range, good economy, brilliant handling (the best handler of all of this class of bike) and massive stopping power with heaps of feel. It's not big for a bike bike and has lovely balance.

Second-best-in-class would be the GSX1400, followed by the XJR then the CB1300.

[Pussy]

Never ridden one but I've always thought the ZRX is a horny looking bike.

Same here... never ridden a ZRX... but they do look the shiz...

[mossy1200]

A MT01 is your only option.

[nzspokes]

Get a Katana.....

[scracha]

Hmm. I only rode one of the early ones (2002?) for a couple of hours but I thought the CB1300 was fantastic. Comfortable for someone tall and deceptively fast. If good finish, build quality and lack of flatspots = boring then I want one.

However, on standard gearing I reckon it'd be a shite bike at 100 kays as it felt "lopey" at less than about 120 and at 150 it had that "want to rip your fuckin arms off" thing going on in top gear.

[GrayWolf]

They are all great bikes, but if you want a bike you could tour on but NOT a sprot bike?
I'd also throw these in the mix
RF900
750 katana (new type)
CBR1000
ZZR1100
ZZR1200
FJ1200 (same motor as the XJR)
early FJR1300
SV1000
a set of bar riser's can mave a huge difference to some of these, I have risers on my ZZR1100, and it transformed it into a serious AND good riding position mile muncher.

[Quasievil]

For XJR here are the options

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=463409978

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=488398152

The Second one has a dent in the tank, what ya reckon to fix that?

Which one ya thinking ?

[nzspokes]

Ive looked at, sat on the one at Cyclespot. Shes a bit rough. Could do with a paint. Maybe sat outside a lot of its life.

[flyingcrocodile46]

big retro nakeds are ace bikes.


The real deal ain't bad either. ;)

Though admittedly, you do need to bolt on later model forks, wheels and shocks if you have a tendency to push hard from time to time. Reliability doesn't have to be a problem if the bikes have had proper maintenance. A good one with all the work done would probably cost about the same money.

This is a fairly recent rebuild, but other tasty models and makes are out there.

This is a tidy more or less original 30 year old GSX1100ED (stock approx 108 hp and 68 ft/lb of torque ) followed by a couple of pics of a very tasty upgrade

265720265721265722

[martybabe]

All of the options are decent bikes, spoilt for choice in this category I reckon. I have owned the xjr and the gsx:

My opinion : GSX Pros, Very comfortable 1 and 2 up, a total grunt fest of an engine, it feels way stronger and faster than the Yam.

Cons, wallowy in the twisties, can be dialled out but it takes away from the overall magic carpet ride, early shocks can leak.

XJR Pros, The looker of the bunch (subjective), handles better than the GSX in the tight stuff. I didn't find the Ohlins any better or worse than your average twin shocker.

Cons, finish not very resilient, not as quick or comfortable as the GSX.Wind blast worse than GSX (no freekin idea why as they're both nekid)


Both are great bikes, I'd make the XJR the sensible choice and the GSX the fun choice. I'd have either again!

[tnarg]

How about this one? Low k's http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/tourers/auction-488888210.htm

[sil3nt]

Did you see the ZRX in Hamilton motorcycles? (http://hamiltonmotorcyclecentre2.motorcycletrader.co.nz/View/Used/Listing/45377.aspx?advertiserreference=5010347&IncludeMake=Kawasaki&ShowVehicleType=2&HideSearch=True) Was just in there and it looks amazing. Bit over your budget. Could always get the knee pads out :innocent:

[Quasievil]

Did you see the ZRX in Hamilton motorcycles? (http://hamiltonmotorcyclecentre2.motorcycletrader.co.nz/View/Used/Listing/45377.aspx?advertiserreference=5010347&IncludeMake=Kawasaki&ShowVehicleType=2&HideSearch=True) Was just in there and it looks amazing. Bit over your budget. Could always get the knee pads out :innocent:

Yeah love it, expensive for a 2002 tho, whats Heath on drugs ??

[Tigadee]

Get a Katana.....

Bandit + Katana = Bandana...?

[\m/]

The GSX would be my pick, XJR a close second. A big retro-style naked should have an air-cooled engine.

[Quasievil]

I have test ridden a GSX1400 from Boyds and also a CB1300 from Boyds...............sorry Suzuki lovers the GSX1400 doesnt have anything on the Honda, the Honda is superior in , well, everyway.
Now to ride a ZRX and a XJR somewhere

[Swoop]

Nice to hear your opinions on the different rides Quasi.


the GSX1400 doesnt have anything on the Honda, the Honda is superior in , well, everyway.

Well this should stir up some people...

[Quasievil]

Nice to hear your opinions on the different rides Quasi.


the GSX1400 doesnt have anything on the Honda, the Honda is superior in , well, everyway.

Well this should stir up some people...

Probably, but its true, well for the GSX I rode anyway, let me explain why
1/ The finish, the gixxer was not finished to the same standard as the Honda, the Honda was without question more refined in its quality
2/ The GSX didnt like corners so much, it was like it said "ok then if we have to" the Honda took it without issue and cornered fast and lent in well, the gixxer had to be encouraged
3/ The comfort was better on the Honda, the GSX Handlebars where a bit out of "my" ergonomics, the Honda fitted perfect.
4/ The engine was way more smoother and felt like it was better engineered all round.

The GSX was a good bike, but it wasnt better than the Honda thats for certain.

[DR650gary]

I also thought the Honda was well finished compared to the Suzuki. The XJR had a nice finish but the ZRX was a beast, great to ride and I thought it was well put together.

Some sellers have the ZRX listed at silly money so if that is the way you want to go be firm :nono:

Cheers and good luck with the hunt.

[Phantom Limb]

I was in your exact position a while ago and tossing around the same 'big four' (GSX, CB, XJR, ZRX) after a bit of testing (to me anyway) I felt that the performance specs between the three bikes were near enough to who gives a damn. The cornering prowess of the four machines was also much of a muchness. In the end the first one you see at the right price, you should buy.

These bikes are too close to call!

I ended up with a carbed XJR1300, it's not the biggest of the four performance wise, but with a good set of 4-1 race headers, a free flow muffler and a re-jet of the carbs I think that the XJR would stomp either a stock CB or a GSX. HOWEVER if you did similar mods to either of the bikes in question I have no doubts that the result would be the same. :first:

[Quasievil]

I was in your exact position a while ago and tossing around the same 'big four' (GSX, CB, XJR, ZRX) after a bit of testing (to me anyway) I felt that the performance specs between the three bikes were near enough to who gives a damn. The cornering prowess of the four machines was also much of a muchness. In the end the first one you see at the right price, you should buy.

These bikes are too close to call!

I ended up with a carbed XJR1300, it's not the biggest of the four performance wise, but with a good set of 4-1 race headers, a free flow muffler and a re-jet of the carbs I think that the XJR would stomp either a stock CB or a GSX. HOWEVER if you did similar mods to either of the bikes in question I have no doubts that the result would be the same. :first:

Good Call cheers bro

[Phantom Limb]

No worries,
I actually bought the XJR that was at Cyclespot. It did look a bit on the rough side sat on the yard, but I cast my engineers eye over it :tugger:....
And decided that the wear and tear wasn't actually the problem, the thing was just fekin' dirty! I got it home, whipped off the tank, sanded and painted the bits of the frame that had surface rust from stone chips, cut and polished the bright work then gave the rest of the bike a good clean and service. After really getting up close and personal I really think that the XJR and the CB are both the best put together of the bunch from a materials / workmanship perspective. Then it came down to the 'touchy feely' side and the XJR trumps the CB there :2thumbsup. The CB is just too 'sterile' and the GSX just isn't built to the same standard in my opinion.

[MD]

What about the Yamaha F1 Fazer thingy. Friend using one for SI touring and it's comfy, carries luggage and has ample power. Bit heavy on the gas though.

Ultimately you will end up on a Tiger so face reality now :whistle:

[DR650gary]

Two of my sons have had FZ1's and at the same time as my ZRX. There is a definite power band with the FZ1 which the others you have looked at don't have. Not a biggy but that may be why it is thirstier.

[Phantom Limb]

Oh, on that side from an XJR you can expect around 38MPG or 6L/100Km.

[SPman]

I ended up with a carbed XJR1300, it's not the biggest of the four performance wise, but with a good set of 4-1 race headers, a free flow muffler and a re-jet of the carbs I think that the XJR would stomp either a stock CB or a GSX. HOWEVER if you did similar mods to either of the bikes in question I have no doubts that the result would be the same. :first: I found that 4 deg ignition advancer, FJ carb rubbers and some minor exhaust work, worked wonders for the XJR - the ignition advancer certainly the best bang for buck mod. {quote]Oh, on that side from an XJR you can expect around 38MPG or 6L/100Km.[/quote] That'd be about right - an FZ1 has better gas mileage at the same speeds - about 44mpg, 6.5l/100km for the missus's 05.

[Phantom Limb]

I found that 4 deg ignition advancer, FJ carb rubbers and some minor exhaust work, worked wonders for the XJR - the ignition advancer certainly the best bang for buck mod. .

I've read that elswhere too. Thing is, with the titanium 4-1 exhaust and carbon race muffler, my XJR is already a missile. I've rung out a few litre+ bikes in the past (1200Bandit, Kwaka Z1000, K1200RS) and the XJR deffinitely pulls harder than all three, especially above 5000RPM. So I won't be looking for performance mods in a hurry :niceone:

[Quasievil]

Off to see this one tomorrow
anyone know about this one ?
http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=442741134

[Phantom Limb]

Off to see this one tomorrow
anyone know about this one ?
http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=442741134

Looks like it was someones baby. Heated grips, pack rack, tail tidy with front indicators on the back as well, crash knobs. They even machined the clutch fluid reservoir lid!
Also it has the 3 way adjustable Ohlins on the rear, the newer Ohlins optioned XJR's don't come with 3 way adjustable rear struts so thats a good item. Brembo front end is a must too.

Looks like a keeper to me.

[Quasievil]

Looks like it was someones baby. Heated grips, pack rack, tail tidy with front indicators on the back as well, crash knobs. They even machined the clutch fluid reservoir lid!
Also it has the 3 way adjustable Ohlins on the rear, the newer Ohlins optioned XJR's don't come with 3 way adjustable rear struts so thats a good item. Brembo front end is a must too.

Looks like a keeper to me.

Awesome,a trained eye clearly !
What do you think about putting aftermarket bars on it? the look a bit naff Im thinking

[Phantom Limb]

Awesome,a trained eye clearly !
What do you think about putting aftermarket bars on it? the look a bit naff Im thinking

Yeah, only the carbed XJR's came with FULLY adjustable suspension, the later models seem to have been 'cheapened' just a touch.

Re: Bars
I have wide streetfighter / supermoto bars on mine, lower and wider than the stock setup. Definitely recommend getting a set of these, I don't like the stock bars, a tad too high and narrow.

[Quasievil]

Yeah, only the carbed XJR's came with FULLY adjustable suspension, the later models seem to have been 'cheapened' just a touch.

Re: Bars
I have wide streetfighter / supermoto bars on mine, lower and wider than the stock setup. Definitely recommend getting a set of these, I don't like the stock bars, a tad too high and narrow.

Ok thats interesting, so with the KMs on this one its likely a better bike than a newer one !

Re the Bars, mint, I will do so..........I used to Race Motards and yesterday on the CB1300 which had Rethnal bars fitted I got a bit head fucked in my riding style, I kept thinking I need to lay the bike down (body upright still) style, had to rethink that a bit !
I will get some bars tho

[Phantom Limb]

I'm really enjoying this muscle bike only discussion :2thumbsup

Anyway, I've been doing a bit of fiddling about on some twisty roads to see how the big girl responds to different things. I've heard a lot of people say that most muscle bikes feel a little light / wobbly on the front end when cornering hard. I have noticed this, but it seems that if you shift your butt forwards and crouch a little over the fuel tank, the forwards weight shift does wonders for mid corner stability. Normaly on something sporty I would just lie flat with my ass on the back stop of the seat, but just those few inches further forward really make a difference, the front forks just need a little more load on them to settle down and let the front tire bite in. My foot pegs are going to need replacing soonish me thinks :scratch:

[Quasievil]

Spanner in the works !!!
I rode a CBR1100 XX today, it was awesome !!

[Madness]

I rode a CBR1100 XX today, it was awesome !!
:yawn:

http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/sports/auction-491082037.htm

[SPman]

My foot pegs are going to need replacing soonish me thinks :scratch: That's easy enough on an XJR...they haven't exactly got a lot of clearance....

[SPman]

My foot pegs are going to need replacing soonish me thinks :scratch: That's easy enough on an XJR...they haven't exactly got a lot of clearance....

[kinger]

I own an XJR, have ridden the CB, GSX and ZRX.
I admit to being biased, and admit that it took a bit of work to get the XJR where I wanted it, however.......
I rode east to west across Canada on the XJR as pretty much standard, and couldn't fault it for a tourer. Same for trips through Europe.
I've ridden the Isle of Man on mad Sunday on the XJR, and never stopped grinning, especially as I passed "quicker" bikes.
I've dragged the XJR, and bloody loved it, only lost to one of them black Harleys cos the traffic lights were new to me.
I've got race cans, aftermarket collector, upgraded brakes, wide renthals, airbox mod and ignition advancer. All of which are improvements on what is a bloody good bike to start with. I detuned from stage 3 to 1 jet kit to improve economy. I dumped the "Ohlins" for Nitro rear shocks, made a world of difference once set up.
The other bikes felt either too soft (Hoonda), wannabe (GSX), or trying too hard (Kwaka) compared to what I wanted.
I can't ride this bike half as well as it can be ridden, and still I love the few track days I've done.

Whichever you go for, good on you for going retro.:2thumbsup

[mulletman]

Put 77000kms on my 07 GSX , 4deg advance and Pro taper bars were the best $ spent , took a wee while to sort suspension for myself and when two up. ( what doesnt ? )

I reckon all these Big bikes start off 'wallowing' but with the amount of adjustability available shouldnt
be a problem to sort.
:cool: