Xjr1300

[SPman]

XJR 1300

Bike replacement time (again!), and I am looking at a different kind of bike, due to the different riding conditions out here.
Could replace the ZX9R with another,(and I really liked the 9E), but, have been offered a mint 2002 XJR1300, for a very good price, 4000k on it, ventura racks, packs, etc, a big comfy looking seat and a strange aftermarket bikini fairing. Im thinking that, for the summer heat, the open sweeping roads (generally)and the long distances involved in even a sunday ride, let alone going off on away trips, this could be a better prospect than a crotch rocket style machine. So......any of you out there who have got, had, or ridden one? What are the pluses and what are the things to look out for? MikeL? Whats the handling like and how much (if anything) would I need to spend to make it into a passable handling old retro style thing? (Its the Ohlins rear shock model)
At the price being asked, Im thinking this could be to good an opportunity to pass up. And yes, it is from a reliable source.

[ceebie13]

Mate, I just did a similar exercise. Sold my ZX9R C2 about six months ago
and have just acquired a new bike with much the same thought process and decision making as you are going through. I cant in all honesty review the XJR but I did sit on one (wow!big deal!) at TSS in Lower Hutt during my appraisal process. I dont think you'll regret it if you go for it. I weighed up the XJR13, GSX14, CB13 and the big Eddie Lawson Kwacker. All very capable muscle bikes of course. My previous threads on here will reveal to you that I went for the Honda in the end. I can't praise it enough. Brilliant handling, plenty of grunt at any revs, comfy, excellent build quality etc etc. The switch from crotch rockets to nakeds is often scorned but good on ya for going for it.
Enjoy!

[Hitcher]

Go for the ZRX1200R. An absolutely brilliant package and way better than its "competitors" in this class.

[Highlander]

Go for the ZRX1200R. An absolutely brilliant package and way better than its "competitors" in this class.

Is that an almost admission you got the wrong bike? :gob:

[paturoa]

I was tooling around the net and really surprised with this, which has some XJR dyno info in it

http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php?t=37627

[Hitcher]

Is that an almost admission you got the wrong bike?

I rode over 36,000km on a 2002 ZRX, including my first Grand Challenge. Traded it on an ST1300. I loved it to bits.

[Clivoris]

I took a demo one out for a few hours and my biggest recollection is that it was all about instant gratification. Absolutely loved the power and the weight melted away once moving. Haven't ridden the alternatives but it would be hard to go wrong with that low mileage if the price is right. Especially if it has a bikini fairing. Good luck.

[terbang]

Yup when I get this "fat sprotbike" thing out from under my skin. I'll go back to a big Naked..

[SPman]

Yup when I get this "fat sprotbike" thing out from under my skin. I'll go back to a big Naked..
A big naked what..........:innocent:

Go for the ZRX1200R. An absolutely brilliant package and way better than its "competitors" in this class
They had a ZRX1200 in their which MsT had as a loaner whilst hers was being serviced and she loved it, but, unfortunately, they sold it a couple of weeks ago!

Not buying new unfortunately - have other things to do, hence its a matter of getting something suitable if its out there.

[zadok]

Does this mean you will have it for Northam next weekend?

[Grumpy]

XJR 1300

Bike replacement time (again!), and I am looking at a different kind of bike, due to the different riding conditions out here.
Could replace the ZX9R with another,(and I really liked the 9E), but, have been offered a mint 2002 XJR1300, for a very good price, 4000k on it, ventura racks, packs, etc, a big comfy looking seat and a strange aftermarket bikini fairing. Im thinking that, for the summer heat, the open sweeping roads (generally)and the long distances involved in even a sunday ride, let alone going off on away trips, this could be a better prospect than a crotch rocket style machine. So......any of you out there who have got, had, or ridden one? What are the pluses and what are the things to look out for? MikeL? Whats the handling like and how much (if anything) would I need to spend to make it into a passable handling old retro style thing? (Its the Ohlins rear shock model)
At the price being asked, Im thinking this could be to good an opportunity to pass up. And yes, it is from a reliable source.

Think you'll find riding 'naked' is much better when it's warm.....

Did a similar thing when I changed from my TL's and went naked. First the GSX1400 then the Z. Never looked back. I have to agree with Hitcher regarding the ZRX1200 but alot of the comparisons I read rated the Yamaha a close second.

[Nutter34]

Can't complain about going naked either...

Definately keeps speeds more sane.

As Grumpy said, nice for warmer weather. I noticed all the holes in my leathers after getting the Zed.... Made for cold riding in winter without layering up.
The wind does take its toll on longer rides, so if you're in a windy enviroment, I'd have a serious think about it...

Sorry not to be any help about the XJR though...

[James Deuce]

After being monstered by Fin (a Wellington one, wallet's a little smaller but he is short, grumpy, and ginger, so infinitely more dangerous than the Auckland one) on his XJR whilst riding briskly on the R6, I can say with certainty that you won't be giving up much, if anything over the 9 (long may she reign).

[ceebie13]

I rode over 36,000km on a 2002 ZRX....

Ah... but in assuming that the ZRX is "way" better, have you thouroughly tested or ridden as far on any of the other muscle bikes, Hitch?

[Ducman]

I had a new XJR1300 back in 2002. Loved it but I found it a bit limiting. Great in the city and cruising about but if you wanted to pick up the pace occasionally it's not up to it. No fork adjustment, the rear "Ohlins" are mediocre at best, limited ground clearance and gets a good weave going at higher speeds. Having said that if I could afford another bike I would love a big naked bike.

[SPman]

Can't complain about going naked either...

Definately keeps speeds more sane.

As Grumpy said, nice for warmer weather. I noticed all the holes in my leathers after getting the Zed.... Made for cold riding in winter without layering up.
The wind does take its toll on longer rides, so if you're in a windy enviroment, I'd have a serious think about it...

Sorry not to be any help about the XJR though...
Definitely warmer weather over here (30 degrees on Friday) (except for 6 weeks in winter when its f**kin cold) and my speeds need to be brought down a bit.....:whistle:
I always swore I'd never get another unfaired bike after a trip down to Taranaki on a borrowed 92 Speed triple into a 60k headwind, :eek: and its why I didnt get a Z1000 a year or two ago, but.....I'm always open to change ..... plus, I'm getting a bit stiff to be bent over the bars all the time....

[Big Dave]

Fairings are ghey.
New T100 and enjoy riding with yer Mrs.

[Scouse]

Hey the SP If the XJR is any thing like my ZRX1200R was you will love it the big nakids are all about Torque and have lots of feel good factor to them I think that you wont find much difference between the ZRX1200, CB1300, GSX1400, or XJR1300 the Suzuki 1400 puts out a bit less HP than the other three but has torque to burn there is a member on KB that has just tradeed in his GSX1400 in on a brand new GSX1400 his user name is Beyond and he pushes the 1400 around quicker than most sports bike riders that I have seen on this site

[ceebie13]

.... he pushes the 1400 around quicker than most sports bike riders that I have seen on this site...

Yeah, I can go wth that too. For example, I have found that I'm definately a lot more confident cornering the big CB than I was on my ZX9. The CB just begs to be dropped into the twisties.
I think that overall speed is down a wee bit (no bad thing) due to the upright position, but don't get me wrong she is still bloody quick and very nimble for such a weighty beast.

[Hitcher]

Ah... but in assuming that the ZRX is "way" better, have you thouroughly tested or ridden as far on any of the other muscle bikes, Hitch?

Yes. I rode the then current crop of contenders prior to buying the Zrex. The FJR was nice, but whaled a bit too much for my liking; the CB1300 was nice, but noticeably heavier than the rest, and sort of boring in that Toyota-Corolla-competent-but-soulless way that Honda sometimes builds bikes; the big Suzuki, similar comments to the XJR. And then there was the Zrex: more go than the rest by far, fantastic exhaust note (still makes me go all tingly), great brakes, nicer riding position (for me that is) than the rest, and it was just bonkers great fun to ride.

[Big Dave]

See if you can get a big road/trailie for a day too.

I had a short burn on a cagiva dual sport yesterday that was impressive.

My XB12X I rate as the 'most fun' bike on the market - but it's probably a tad tall.

I spent a lot of the weekend getting as crossed up as i can manage on Triumphs Scrambler on all the dirt roads to the north of orkers.
Some of the best fun I've had on a bike.

Me and the Motu were flying along on the dirt on the other side of Puhoi. He was even complaining about me roosting it.

Serious fun this dirt bit on bikes that are designed for it. And most of them are quite potent on the road too.

[SixPackBack]

I'm getting a bit stiff to be bent over the bars all the time....

You old stud......an XJR it is then!