XJR, GSX, ZRX, CB or other?

[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

[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/moto...-488888210.htm

[sil3nt]

Did you see the ZRX in Hamilton motorcycles? Was just in there and it looks amazing. Bit over your budget. Could always get the knee pads out

[Quasievil]

Did you see the ZRX in Hamilton motorcycles? Was just in there and it looks amazing. Bit over your budget. Could always get the knee pads out

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.

[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.

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 ....
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 . 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