The day I fell in love with a filthy Kwaka '07 ZX-6R

[Black Bandit]

As some will be aware, I have spent the best part of the last weeks ferreting about in bike showrooms testing, drooling and contemplating my next bike. I could rip into other bikes and go into detail about why they did not end up in the number one spot on my list, however, that's not what this thread is about. This thread is about which bike pushed all of my buttons in the right order! What has surprised me during this process is the accuracy of the first impressions I had when testing these machines. Even though I tested a couple of the same bikes more than once - those first impressions on the first day of testing were valid and reiterated on subsequent rides. :yes:

I was surprised to learn that someone had just traded in their next-to brand new ZX-6R for a brand new CBR600RR - so I took out the CBR for an extended test ride just to make sure ... then promptly bought a brand new Black '07 ZX-6R. :innocent:

There were calls from many to test the 750's, the Thous, also the bigger twin cylinder variants but lets just make it clear - I was after a 600 Supersport. :dodge:
With that out the way, I can wax lyrical about the gem that is the '07 ZX-6R. :woohoo:

When the news reports started circulating last year about a brand new 600, created from the ground up from Kawasaki for the first time in 10 years - you bet your beeswax I sat up and took notice. These boys have churned out some legendary bikes in the past. Then the first photos were published and I wasn't initially impressed. With funny little lights on the front and slab-sided fairings it didn't deliver an instant lusting in the loins. :mellow:

Style
Photos don't do this bike justice. The quality of the finish is fantastic and you'll notice the attention to detail as you spend more time with the bike. The body work has some gorgeous curves, which aid with slippery aerodynamics, bonus! There's none of this edgy "anime" styling which seems to plague some of the other manufacturers. The clocks are clear with a big white analogue tacho that redlines at 12 o' clock and a digital speedo. The gear indicator is a nice feature. The etched design on the fork yolk looks good too. The more I look at this "supermodel" the more I like it. I'll be spending hours in the garage just looking at this bike in my garage. :love:

Mechanics
The new engine has lightened components with friction reduction a priority for the designers and you can tell. The delivery as you twist the throttle is so smooth. Some of the competition have a snatchy delivery which I find really unsettling and an unsettled Black Bandit is a very unhappy Black Bandit. The slipper clutch and gearbox are widely acknowledged as the best in their class. The chassis communicates to the rider like no other bike I tested. The riding position for me is good – my knees and elbows tuck in just so. No more “sit-up-and-beg-like-seal" riding position for me. The brakes, as with all sports bikes, call up enormous stopping power from the twin front brake rotors but also deliver fantastic feel.

Sum of its parts
This phrase was coined in another review I read and it applies so well to this bike.
If you want:
Strongest engine - Honda CBR600RR (but) Most comfortable riding position - Suzuki GSX-R600 (but) Best cornering - Yamaha R6 (but) It's the “but” you worry about
IMHO the blissful synergy between all the components working in harmony with the rider on the Kwaka are what makes this bike the stand out. I feel so in-tune with this bike - motorcycle and rider become one. :2thumbsup

The 600 Supersport class is so competitive and the benchmarks are constantly shifting. That's what makes them so exciting – they're on the edge of innovation and development. Kawasaki billed this bike as an "uncompromising track demon" and it probably is, however, that would ignore the "streetability" of this ride. This model has carried the lessons learned from the 636 model forward. The differences between maufacturers are so minimal, e.g. The difference in the ¼ mile between first and last place (which just happened to be the Kwaka) in a recent comparison of the 4 Supersport Jappas was only 0.17 sec. Translated to real life, the choice comes down to personal preferences and taste.

Purchasing a motorcycle is an emotional event. My emotion right now? Pure joy wearing a face-splitting grin, gibbering to any who would listen about my awesome new bike. I pick her up tomorrow and then I start to learn all over again. I must now learn the Way of the Ninja. :blip:

Oh, and just for the record, there's nothing filthy about my new Kwaka, apart from the looks I may get from envious by-standers. :done:

[delusionz]

Hey mate, Good on you for going Ninja. I love Ninja, and I'd certainly like to come check out your bike and yack on about them and the differences between the ZXR600 and the ZXR636 over a beer or somethin

[FkNAmerican]

excellent choice. I love the new Zx6r.......but I also love the new CBR600RR.......put an aftermarket slipper clutch on the RR and its hard to beat.....but it is a little pricey for what you get component wise.....

[Mully]

So, are you changing your name to Black Kwaka now??

Maybe Black Ninja would be OK.

[cowpoos]

bike buying is emotive...no matter what you buy...in your own mind you all way convice yourself you have the best...

now....can I have a ride :)

[Toaster]

agreed, sharing time!

[Black Bandit]

Hey mate, Good on you for going Ninja. I love Ninja, and I'd certainly like to come check out your bike and yack on about them and the differences between the ZXR600 and the ZXR636 over a beer or somethin

See ya at the next ATNR then ...


So, are you changing your name to Black Kwaka now??

Don't be daft man, you know what they charge at the deed pole office! :killingme


bike buying is emotive...no matter what you buy...in your own mind you all way convice yourself you have the best...

now....can I have a ride :)

Of course - why would anyone buy the wanky one? And, no not anytime soon. :shutup:

[Meanie]

Nice choice
congrats on your purchase

[kiwifruit]

nice bike :)

[onearmedbandit]

Very nice.

[Cr1MiNaL]

Awesome mate, nice to c u got sum new* wheels :yes: glad to c u got the colour spot on too ..

Raj.

[Mattzxr750]

very nice bike

[duckaddict]

Good choice! This calls for a another c loop in the not too distance future :yes:

[Nutter34]

Well done. The ZX6 is certainly my pick of the 600's... The R6 being a close second. The CBR MAY be the better bike all round according to the rags but as you say, for us mortals, any of them are more than enough... And it's all down to presonal preference...

Enjoy the new Mini- Beast... And take it easy until you're used to it...

[Zapf]

congrets. have you taken photos of YOUR bike yet?

[Leong]

Too right it's down to personal preference. Glad you found a bike you really love. It's how you feel that's the most important. And the differences between the bikes are so small anyway, it's the rider that makes the difference.

It's a great feeling - that "as one" feeling you mention....I got that again today after almost a year on the GSX-R... and it still makes me smile when I look at it. Hope you have the same this time next year.... and yes, make sure you keep your license safe!!

[Pumba]

Awsome shit mate, cant wait to see it out on a ATNR in the near future:rockon:

[erik]

Nice bike :niceone:

[Black Bandit]

congrets. have you taken photos of YOUR bike yet?

Give us a chance to get it home first will ya. :lol:

[Macktheknife]

Congrats on the new bike mate, well done.

[more_fasterer]

As they say in the Speights ad's - "Good on ya mate". I'm now immensely envious, if I see you around expect a lot of badgering about how she is to ride!

[speed63]

Very nice. Enjoy.
You did the full 600 comparison but in the end the heart ruled :yes:

[Ivan]

bike buying is emotive...no matter what you buy...in your own mind you all way convice yourself you have the best...

now....can I have a ride :)



EMO

10 characters

[Cr1MiNaL]

Actually he never rode the R6 :bye:


Very nice. Enjoy.
You did the full 600 comparison but in the end the heart ruled :yes:

[MD]

There is something special in hearing the excitement of an owner of a brand new machine. 18 months ago it was me posting pics of my new black ZX6R. Seems like years ago? They look so cool in black and I hear ya about the build quality from Mr K.Well done and many miles of happy riding.
Mark

[2_SL0]

Your get no hassle from me, as far as I can see you made the obvious choice. I'm not biased at all, honest. :innocent:

[Black Bandit]

Actually he never rode the R6 :bye:

R6 = Too tall/wide. :bye:

Not that I've any regrets ... the 6R rocks!:Punk:

[Black Bandit]

Had some fun today - took a casual run down to Kawakawa Bay. Tyres scrubbing in nicely.

Mr K. says I mustn't rev it too much though, which is probably just as well cause it goes like **** regardless. I only weigh 60 kg though. :innocent:

[Cr1MiNaL]

Had some fun today - took a casual run down to Kawakawa Bay. Tyres scrubbing in nicely.

Mr K. says I mustn't rev it too much though, which is probably just as well cause it goes like **** regardless. I only weigh 60 kg though. :innocent:

lets go for a ride next weekend if the weather holds up.. well scrub ur tires in nicely :yes:

[Black Bandit]

lets go for a ride next weekend if the weather holds up.. well scrub ur tires in nicely :yes:

You bringing the sand paper then? Or should I just get it over with and use a belt sander? :shutup:

I just keep having jaw-dropping moments on this bike. It carves up corners effortlessly. When I do a "speedo check" I tend to back off on the approach but if I just set the bike up and drop her in, then look at the speedo ... :gob::gob:

[Cr1MiNaL]

I use sandpaper so I dont look nub :baby:

[howdamnhard]

Glad you have finally found the right bike for you,she looks good in black.:yes:

[NZsarge]

Congrats on the new bike, lookin' good in black too.:yes:

[Harry the Barstard]

You bringing the sand paper then? Or should I just get it over with and use a belt sander? :shutup:

I just keep having jaw-dropping moments on this bike. It carves up corners effortlessly. When I do a "speedo check" I tend to back off on the approach but if I just set the bike up and drop her in, then look at the speedo ... :gob::gob:


Welcome to green side (or in your case black), i have shit loads of growing to do with my one, but i still know she is 600 for me. Forgiving but can haul ass too. Best bike i have ridden in my life ...although i havent ridden any of the 07 600's

All the best ill catch u out on a ATNR as soon as my bits are back on. Hope you enjoy her as much as i have enjoyed mine:Punk:

[robertydog]

Bloody nice machine. Well done. I could have one of those.

[Rotor]

Black always looks so nice (in a bad way)
if i didnit like suzuki the ZX's have that look and the go
Nice bike

[Black Bandit]

Can hardly believe I'm writing this now ... he's dead Jim, he's dead. Took the "old" 6R out for a little bit of a scout to take advantage of the decent weather yesterday ... and I ran out of talent :crybaby:.

Just past Kumeu I approached a left-hander when I noticed a lot of that loose chip-seal gravel had been swept onto the cornering line (you know the sort that gets spread all over the place and then left to allow cars to "bed it in" without laying proper tarmac :confused:). Thought I'd better scub-off some speed just to be safe but ended up a little wide so had to tip in and hope it stuck ... it didn't :shit:. Front end washed out doing about 70~80 km/h. :brick:

I hit the deck hard and continued face down along the road with my arms pinned under my body (a bit like a human cannonball) while the bike exited stage right. The bike came to rest in a ditch alongside the road and I stopped on the tarmac in the opposite lane. It's a horrible pause as you scrape along the tarmac, stone chips pinging off the helmet and you find yourself wondering how long it will be before you stop and praying that it will be before the tarmac finds a weakness in your armour and grinds it's way to flesh.

Bike's fairings are properly munted and there's no mirror or gear lever anymore - but from what I could see it's mostly cosmetic and is now back at the shop to be assessed. I've taken a massive knock to the left knee (swollen to about twice it's normal size and can't bend it more than a couple of degrees - I guess this was the major impact zone for the crash, possible that the bike landed on the knee as I we went down), there's an impression of my jersey in my left elbow, my thumb's badly sprained after being dragged under my body for a couple of meters and generally feeling bruised and sore. That's through proper riding kit and it did the job but I will now be looking for replacement gear as the cordura has been torn up pretty good. Even my leather riding boots almost rubbed all the way through and there's a nice lumpy mark above my big left toe to show for it! Force of the crash ripped my watch from my wrist and all the numbers have fallen off the watch face. No skin on the tarmac though :sweatdrop.

I know it could have been so much worse and I cannot express enough thanks to the couple who live on that corner. When they heard the crash they rang the emergency services (who were outstanding as well BTW :Police: :doctor:), invited me in for a coffee and even took me and the bike back home. Thank you, thank you, thank you - the world is a better place with people like you around! Bikes can be repaired so that's not a major but I was treated like family by complete strangers.

I'm shaken up, it all happened so fast and if there had been any on-coming traffic, it's likely I'd be no more than a bloody smear on the tarmac instead of writing this post. I dunno, my first major off and I'm now reconsidering this whole biking lark. It's a strange mix of embarrassment, annoyance and fear. Who knows, in time I may look back on this incident and laugh but at the moment the sense of my own mortality is foremost in my mind, not to mention the dull ache that is the banged up knee. I've replayed the incident in my head over and over to think about what I could have done differently. It wasn't a road I was familiar with. At the end of the day the factors were stacked against me and shit happened but I got lucky.

[boomer]

don't worry its only a kwaka.

glad your relatively ok and bugga about ya new old girl.. heal fast.

[boomer]

I use sandpaper so I dont look nub :baby:

you didn't do a very good job bro... ya missed a couple of inches!!!


ps.. mr bandit.. does it still look like this ???http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=65628&stc=1&thumb=1&d=1183860292

[SlowHand]

DOH! lucky you waited for your full license and insuance!

hope it wasnt on my road, its in shockin state at the moment.

[Cr1MiNaL]

Well that was short lived indeed. Thats real sad to hear mate, but never mind its only a bike. Atleast ur ok ( if that helps). I've had a minor thing too with my bike and have been feevishrly repairing it as best i can. Hope u have good insurance. Im happy to give u a lift if u need one and Im free. Also happy to pillon u on the ATNR in case u feel left out... will b a few months while the insurance sort their shit out... Its almost like loosing ur lisense. guted bro.. I feel 4 ya... she was a stunna. Never mind she will live again.

[Cr1MiNaL]

you didn't do a very good job bro... ya missed a couple of inches!!!

Seriously boomer, thought u were joking at first so didn't mention anything but now... U really do need to visit ur local optometrist.

[boomer]

Seriously boomer, thought u were joking at first so didn't mention anything but now... U really do need to visit ur local optometrist.

unfortunately for you me old mucker i have 20/20. just like the yammie.. the rear tyre looked almost brand new :whistle:

[Cr1MiNaL]

It was a new tire then, but perhaps u shuda taken a better look... never mind off topic. were here to grieve...

[boomer]

It was a new tire then, but perhaps u shuda taken a better look... never mind off topic. were here to grieve...

i didn't need to take a better look.. i could see the unused rubber from 50 yards away ;) and does Dover know you're using HIS book of excuses... new rubber indeed... :rofl:

[Cr1MiNaL]

so ur sayin ur faster than me then?

[justsomeguy]

BlackBandit........mate.....:shit:

I was just thinking of some kind of congratulatory statements when I reached the last page.......

Of all the cursed things in the world.......

[justsomeguy]

so ur sayin ur faster than me then?

He is but then he's done so much more road and track riding than you.

However old babyboo isn't as quick as me around Taupo:yes:

[EJT]

Hey Bandit

So sorry to hear about your misfortune. The main thing is you are ok. Would be a pity if you give up biking though. Take a little time. I'm sure you will be hanging out for a ride soon enough.

[kiwifruit]

Can hardly believe I'm writing this now ... he's dead Jim, he's dead. Took the "old" 6R out for a little bit of a scout to take advantage of the decent weather yesterday ... and I ran out of talent :crybaby:.


:(
stink man
i hope you aren't in pain

[chanceyy]

BlackBandit........mate.....:shit:

I was just thinking of some kind of congratulatory statements when I reached the last page.......

Of all the cursed things in the world.......

Ditto what ^ said .. just glad your about to tell us about it though .. :yes:

[ninjac]

Dude, that sucks. I really feel for you. I got a mystery scratch on mine, and that pissed me off. I hope she gets all patched up like new for you. Glad your not too banged up.

[FkNAmerican]

wow, that sucks. I was looking forward to seeing some pics of that black beauty. Im still thinking of getting a ZX6r ounce I get to NZ but some smarter people that I keep suggesting a BMW :)

I've had some moments of mortality that made me question the whole biking thing. With any luck your fears will slowly fade and you will regain the confidence to get back on a bike.

Usually this happens about that same time as the beginning of riding season which for me is about May 1st - December 1st :) So cheer up, heal up, and start dreaming about what your next motorcycle is gonna be.

[mynameis]

Yo fella, sorry to hear about your bin mate but what can ya do, shit happens at least your ok aye mate. All the best with your recovery, hope it's a speedy one mate.

Keep safe out there, catch up sometime @ bar Africa !!

[Pumba]

Dude!! Gutted mate, really gutted for you.

Heal up fast and hopefully the bike isint to bad, domt know what help I can offer but feel free to drop me a PM.

[Black Bandit]

Cheers for all the replys and well wishing.

Body's healing up OK, still no word from the insurer though. At least I have a cage to get around in. :third:

:whistle: Tiiii - iim - mme is-on-my-side, yes it is ... :whistle:

[Harry the Barstard]

Heya man gutted to hear about the bin.
I could say at "least your ok" blah blah blah, but i bet you have bigger fish to fry. I had a pretty big bin a few years back and i know how it can make you quote "reconsider this whole biking lark". My only advise is to get you and the bike back to original condition and go for a ride. Once your back on two wheels you will remember why you love it and it wont even be a question. Its a sh!t tonne better than golf!!

[icekiwi]

I was just about to ask the ZX6R owners how they feel about thier bikes,
Just about came in my pants when I read your post LOL.
In the next couple of months I'll be slipping a few bucks towards a salesman and riding away on a 07 myself.

[Leong]

Bugger!! Bad luck mate. Shame it had to happen with the new bike.

Is this a new trend? 07 ZX6Rs hitting the deck rather than GSXRs?

[NinjaBoy]

No... don't you know GSXR's are infamous for it !! Why do you think there are not many second hand Gixxer's for sale

[unrealone]

Sad to hear mate.

One thing I kept in mind after my accident was to not be put off by it. I got back on my da's bike as soon as I was healed (about a month after the accident). Then bought a new bike shortly there after :).

[icekiwi]

Congrats on a Awesome bike dude,

[JayRacer37]

Shite.
Mine hit the deck twice, in one day, on only its 4th day of riding.
On track though.
I did just over 1200km in one day on it to get it run in before the first meeting....:spanking: numbbum.

Sweet bikes thought mate, hope by now your hanging out to get back on.
Best wishes.

[Black Bandit]

Just a quick update.

Insurer has written the bike off. Quite surprised really as the damage was pretty insignificant. I guess the little bits and pieces add up individually plus wack on a load of labour costs and it's no longer economical to repair. :(

At the end of the day it was the best result for me (financially) I guess. I'm still in no state to ride again - going to start physio treatment this week.<_<

Still I guess no cunt is going to want to insure me again without a humungous premium so I'll have to think small, think second hand, think of what once was. :violin:

Ah, well ... keep it rubber side down folks - Black Bandit signing out. :rockon:

[Zuki Bandit]

Mate, that is a seriously sweet lookin ride, good on ya!!!:Punk:

[Pumba]

Shit bad luck about the right off mate,

But what you are really saying is that there is going to be a barely run in ZX-6R for sale by the insurance company shortly, you should find out what it would cost to by back if the damage is only cosmetic

[Devil]

Shit bad luck about the right off mate,

But what you are really saying is that there is going to be a barely run in ZX-6R for sale by the insurance company shortly, you should find out what it would cost to by back if the damage is only cosmetic

...and then visit the racetrack!

[steved]

When a bike is written off, does the previous owner generally get the first right of refusal to buy the 'wreck' from the insurer?

As Devil says, the track is a wonderful place to quickly and relatively safely improve your skills and confidence.

[EJT]

Sorry to hear about the writeoff Bandit. As you say it is probably best for you financially. Will be interesting to see what they pay out on a near new 6R. Maybe enough to pay off any finance owing and leave a little in the kitty to get a sweet second hand ride. Then you could get third party until insurance costs come down.

[MD]

That's a shocker reading that post. I must say I could relate to some of the hurt you described; the seal trying to rip through your gear & helmet. The soul searching afterwards.... the 'do I chuck it in' guilt. Welcome to our exclusive club of writing off brand new 600s. My 636 was 11 days old when I wrecked it. Luckily they make more than one, so we can go out and wreck more.
Hang in there. Don't give up on bikes too quick.

Have you thought of blaming the road works for loose stones. Might help with getting insurance later.

[mynameis]

I agree with MD don't give up mate I know it's a blow and you're hurting now but hey it will go on for ages aye. I am still recovering after being hit by a red light runner and going through surgery, 4 months down the track still not 100% fit to ride. I almost died it was a 1 sec miss but then again the very next day I had decided that I will get back on bikes. Hang in there pal! All the best.

As for Insurance what company were you with? Try Dave at Kiwibike they are awesome ! O is for awesome dude, I got paid out in full. But I love them 6R's especially the 03/04 blue ones. One sexy bike mmmm...I want one :)