Honda Blackbird or Kawa ZX12R?

[jafa]

Ok, not only am I a first-time poster but I'm mildly embarrassed by my question so please, be gentle with me.

I used to ride an FZR1000 a few years back and have been progressively yearning to get out of my cage and back on a rocket. I've been looking at two bikes in particular - a Honda Blackbird and a Kawasaki ZX12R, both of which are around 6 years old but in good condition.

Anyone have any suggestions as to which would be the more... erm... satisfying? I'll be doing the occasional commute to Auckland from the Coromandel but am likely to spend a fair chunk of free time 'enjoying' the Peninsula. I've never had my knee down but I do love Coro's curves. I need *power* in a big way and don't mind riding a 1/4 ton barge as I'm a big fella (not tall, though).

Any suggestions will be more than appreciated. Awesome forum, by the way!

[skelstar]

Have a ride of both...someone could give you partial advice that will go out the window as soon as you try one.
Welcome to the forum, dont be embarrased, just get out of your cage ;).

[Da Bird]

Haven't ridden a ZX12-R but the Blackbird is a good all round bike. The riding position is semi sporty but not so much that you have a sore back after 50km. Certainly has enough power to get you around the Coromandel...

Is also good for 2 up riding if you are thinking of taking someone along for the ride.

BC.

[Two Smoker]

Both bikes have ground clearance problems if your wanting to go about getting your knee down... Blackbird is more comfortable, ZX12R has more grunt...

Both bikes will have enough power... But if you really want to scare yourself, get a GSX-R1000...

Im picking, go for the blackbird...

[marty]

and if you really want to satisfy yourself, get a busa.

[Fishy]

I'd go the 12R over the bird. More grunt and a bit more sporty but you should make the decision yourself. I don't like the linked brakes on the Honda either. Ride both and go for which ever feels best for what you are wanting out of a bike.

[kawaman]

Hmmmmm, 12r is a little more sporty for those twisties you talk about but the blackbird tips the scales back the other way in terms of being a better tourer / two up bike. Both are fast in the right hands and handle well for us mere mortals.

Think the 12r might be a little more adjustable in the suspension area???

Ride both and just choose for youself. Dont think you will be disappointed either way.

[Lou Girardin]

How many is " a few years back", both those bikes are not exactly breaking in gently types.

[Damon]

Both will "do the the job" but the 12R will be the more fun, 175hp has to put a grin on your face

[Madness]

I'd go for the ZX12R any day of the week. Massive smile factor.

You could also save yourself 5k and pick up a tidy latish model ZZR1100???

[T.I.E]

both great bikes. the blackbird is more user friendly, linked brakes seating etc.
where the zx is more a bike you need to ride. both handle well both have great power for what ya need.
i would go the blackbird personal choice.
but you really need to take them for a ride.

the linked brakes are a pain and they stop you from showing off. the blackbird is more a sensible bike.

[Marmoot]

Have you looked at Hayabusa as well for alternative?

[The Stranger]

How many is " a few years back", both those bikes are not exactly breaking in gently types.

The Honda is.
It is like the hyabusa, beautifully mannered around town, great balance, loads of torque so very forgiving if you are in the wrong gear and no need to ring the hell out of it to make it go, excellent tourer and or 2 up.

[Marmoot]

How many is " a few years back", both those bikes are not exactly breaking in gently types.

The Hayabusa is, unless you lack self-restrain or moral responsibility.

[Sniper]

zzr1400

[Cajun]

he said he is after something a few years old so zzr1400 is out of question sniper

The busa is another opinion but alot of the busas have held there prices pretty well for there ages. great bikes and pretty much bullet proof tho

There is the zz1200 as well(down side is it carb) but still good bikes

Personally ride both and decide from there which suits you and your style the best

[Buster]

Welcome to the site!

I would seriously ride both of these bikes like everyone else is saying. Even ride a few more types, you might be surprised. I can bet you will find the decision easier after throwing your leg over both. If its been a long time since your last bike then I would personally lean towards the honda. User friendly and more than enough power to keep you grinning for a long time.

[orangeback]

ZX12R WOULD BE THE BETTER OVE THE TWO IF YOU HAD LIKED THE FIZZER YOU HAD , ZX12R WILL HAVE A LOT MORE SPORTY FELL ABOUT IT , RIDE A BUS AS WELL , AND COMPAR ALL THREE ,
IV HAD 3X FZR1000 , AND OWN A BUSA ,AND RIDDED MY BEST MATES ZX12R QUITE A FEW TIMES , BUT NEVER RIDDEN A BLACKBIRD , BUT HEAR THEY RE A BIT LESS POWERFULL & MORE TOURING BAISED :doctor:
YOU NO THE NEXT STEP AFTER THIS IS A BMW K1200R OR S

[jafa]

Thanks for the awesome feedback! I think the only way I'll really know which of the two suits best will be to take them both for a ride - they both appear to have excellent reputations. I am leaning toward the Blackbird but will give the ZX12R a go before dismissing it. As for the Busa, well, I think the Busa is another beast for another time...!

[justsomeguy]

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=53375977

[Biff]

Blackbird - obvimously.

It's got far more power than people give it credit for. But it doesn't quite feel the same in terms of the way is lays the power down as a ZX12. It's power is far more pregressive, and neutral. It's also more of a milder mannered machine than the ZX12. And in all honesty - if your going for an 'older' machine, always choose a Honda IMO. They're simply better built. And if you get a chance - go for the injected model over the carbie one.

Oh - and the black ones are faster than the blue ones. Otherwise they would have called then Bluebirds innit.

Welcominimum :ride:

[Matt]

I'm looking at a 'Bird as soon as I get some cash together - This one looks quite a good price for such a new machine:

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=53078540

Matt

[Blackbird]

Blackbird - obvimously.Oh - and the black ones are faster than the blue ones. Otherwise they would have called then Bluebirds innit.

Welcominimum :ride:


Was that aimed at me Rhod???:whistle:

[Biff]

Was that aimed at me Rhod???:whistle:

No, no, no ,no no. Unless you ride a blue one. :bleh:

(I've spent to much time on the UK BB site me thinks!)

[WINJA]

usually id say get the zx12 , but i like this blackbird

[Eurodave]

Shes not a blackbird :nya: , shes an asian surfboardbird!!:nya:

[WINJA]

Shes not a blackbird :nya: , shes an asian surfboard!!:nya:
WHATEVERS ID POKE IT , THE ASIAN BIRD THAT IS NOT THE BLACKBIRD

[Eurodave]

From wot Ive read, youd poke anything with a pulse:Pokey:

[WINJA]

From wot Ive read, youd poke anything with a pulse:Pokey:
AS LONG AS ITS FEMALEISH

[nadroj]

Is that a pit light or an inspection lamp?

[WINJA]

Is that a pit light or an inspection lamp?
YEAH , SHES JUST CHECKING TO SEE IF HER SEX CHANGE OP IS HEALING OK , BOOB JOB NEXT AND SHELL BE THE PERFECT GF FOR A HONDA RIDER

[Toast]

always choose a Honda IMO. They're simply better built. And if you get a chance - go for the injected model over the carbie one.

:

Having owned a 2002 Honda and a 2002 Kwaka...I actually reckon the Kwaka was better built in general. I think the Honda build superiority is a fading myth.

I'd go the Kwak here, goes I loved the 600 version, and the 12 is meant to be an animal. Returning to biking after a while off...would definitely go the 'Bird...

[Madness]

usually id say get the zx12 , but i like this blackbird

I think that might be a "Yerrowbird" and she's spotlighting her gravel-rash.
You're a sick fucker too, Winja.

[Biff]

Having owned a 2002 Honda and a 2002 Kwaka...I actually reckon the Kwaka was better built in general. I think the Honda build superiority is a fading myth.

Rispek to that view.

Can't say I agree with it though, in my own personal experience. Can't be arsed to explain my opinion this time of bloody night.
Different strokes...:drinknsin

[magnum]

get the kwaka,unless youre gay/cant ride for shit then get the hoonda.seen a blackbird on the track lately???

[jafa]

Thank you, magnum, for your wonderful nugget of wisdom. I'm not gay but I probably can't ride for shit compared to the vast majority of bikers, so I'm afraid I'm leaning toward the Blackbird at the moment. Of course if a ride on the kwaka scares the crap out of me then my opinion may change!

And thank you, WINJA, for the lovely Blackbird photo. I'll show my partner the pic so she knows what to expect...! :bash:

[jafa]

For anyone who is interested: the ZX12R won out in the end. OMG, etc. :yes:

[skelstar]

Awesome matey.
Did you ride a Blackbird? Gonna give a report of some sort?

[jafa]

Well, at the risk of being chastised, I'm afraid I didn't ride either the 'Bird or the ZX12R. I'm more than happy to provide a report though, for what its worth.

During my extensive (anal?) research I found both bikes were very closely matched *overall* - the 'Bird had pros where the ZX has cons and vice versa. Ultimately they're both very fine 2-wheeled vehicles (or ridiculously powerful weapons of pure evil, depending on your point of view). Choosing one over the other for a born-again biker noob like myself was more about which of the two made me grin the widest. Seeing (and hearing and feeling) the ZX12R actually made me laugh out loud. It was pretty obvious it was the bike for me.

Considering I'm by no means a connoisseur I chose NOT to put either someone else's bike or my hide at risk by taking them for test-rides. What I did do, obviously, was sit on each to make sure they 'fit'. In that respect I can report the following: if you have a fat arse the ZX12R will squash your nuts, whereas the 'Bird won't. Of course since I purchased the ZX I have decided I will either loose weight or surgically relocate my testicles, whichever is easier.

Well, its gone from a research subject to a green monster sitting in my garage, which is good progress. Unfortunately I still haven't gone for a ride - I get paid on the 20th May which is when I’ll be able to afford a swift visit to either Motomail or Cycletreads on the shore for a kit-up. In the meantime I'll have to live with sitting on the beast and going "brummm... brumm, brumm... brummm..." like a 5 year old for 3 weeks. Damn.

Maybe I'll provide a proper report in a month or so: "Born-again noob: Surviving the ZX12R"?

[skelstar]

Surviving
For chr1st sakes do.

[jafa]

Believe me, I'll be taking it *very* easy. :blink:

[Madness]

Lucky Bugger.

Enjoy your new ride & be safe! Can't wait for the report.

[Kwaka14]

I got a 12r about 5 months ago, took both for a ride and felt they were both fantastic bikes, the blackbird was a little smoother and easier to ride, but the ZX12 was so much more fun, The Blackbird felt a bit of an "old mans bike" in comparison. Just got back from the South Island and had no problems in a couple of 1000k rides on the 12. Think the Blackbird would be a bit easier over big distances though. Ride them both and try a busa too.

[sugilite]

I was going to say buy the bike that has a soul.
I noticed though that Biff sums it up perfectly here, the honda is bland, boring and souless. :sleep:
You made the right choice getting the 12. My friend has one and they are great bikes!


Blackbird - obvimously.

It's got far more power than people give it credit for. But it doesn't quite feel the same in terms of the way is lays the power down as a ZX12. It's power is far more pregressive, and neutral. It's also more of a milder mannered machine than the ZX12.

Welcominimum :ride:

[jafa]

Thanks for the comments – they’re spot on. I did consider the Busa but it was out of my price range... might move up to a new one in a few years if finances allow...

In all likelihood I won't be going on many long excursions so long-distance comfort wasn't top priority. My partner is allergic to bikes (she mutters incoherently when she's around them) so will never ride pillion. The furthest I'm likely to ride is Coromandel -> Auckland City along with the occasional blat on the Coromandel loop. Even though the Blackbird is an outstanding bike, the ZX12R was the right choice for me.

[ZEDBOY]

Thers no contest really, the zx 12 matches the hayabusa. thr blackbird is not mentioned when comparing the worlds 2 fastest production bikes in 2005.
The blackbird looks like a wanna be bike 180 hp should sort the decision out

[mossy1200]

Having owned both i would go for zx12r.Its a more fun bike to ride.The only place the bird has plusses over zx12r is passenger seat and touring long range.I found the rider position of zx12 better untill 4hrs plus in the saddle.
i had ground clearence problems with both but moreso the bird.Two up both can scrape in hollows cornering.One up the 12 was good when hanging off the side a little.

[Owl]

Thers no contest really, the zx 12 matches the hayabusa. thr blackbird is not mentioned when comparing the worlds 2 fastest production bikes in 2005.
The blackbird looks like a wanna be bike 180 hp should sort the decision out

Great find for first post!:no: