New bike ZX10R

[Maha]

To be honest im kinda freaking a bit about it but i figure that will keep me from doing something stupid like droping from 3rd into second and opening the throttle up - only to end up looking at sky

And that will happen...saw one on Sunday that used to be owned buy a TGA chap...and the front 'Does' lift with ease....

[kiwifruit]

What i would really like is tips for cornering aproach speed etc, breaking distance, how the big bikes like to be treated , maintinance etc . thanks guys

i think you know what to do

go in slower while you are getting used to it
be smooth
dont mod it, ride it instead
if you do mod it do the suspension (ohlins), f00k the performance stuff
fit good tyres (what tyres are on it at the mo?)
don't ride it angry
do trackdays

how old are you?

[kitsune]

Have been on bikes since around 10 , little 50 - 100 dirties n stuff, Tires and breaks stock im thinking pre loading suspension for 100kg

[kiwifruit]

you'll be fine then

i'm glad you didnt say 18 or 20

what tyres has it?

get ohlins

[kitsune]

I think stock tires r dunlops , as soon as i get some cash behind me again i will get the suspension done as u suggested, i dont expect to be pushing it much past 150 or so (about same speed as my 250) untill i get a real feel for the bike, i have been told by my mate with the r1 that my counter steering is pretty good, is this good practice on the bigger bikes? , ps never had a bad ding since i got past 18, afore then i fell off alot , usally trying to power stand lolz , learnt not to do it - gravel on waiheke is quite vicious.

[kitsune]

Hay bro thanks for the vote of confidence , will take it easy - the le ninja is one sexy bike , hate to scratch it

[kiwifruit]

I think stock tires r dunlops , as soon as i get some cash behind me again i will get the suspension done as u suggested, i dont expect to be pushing it much past 150 or so (about same speed as my 250) untill i get a real feel for the bike, i have been told by my mate with the r1 that my counter steering is pretty good, is this good practice on the bigger bikes? , ps never had a bad ding since i got past 18, afore then i fell off alot , usally trying to power stand lolz , learnt not to do it - gravel on waiheke is quite vicious.

dunlop whats?
150 is but a sneeze away, in any gear
yes, counter steer, of course


trackdays
trackdays

[kitsune]

4 sure bro, to be honest a bike like that is born for the track, my mate wants to take his modified 750gixer up against it, where both pretty much in the same class , 250-bigger bike.

[Qkchk:Me]

I assume its brand spanking new -

If so, the first most IMPORTANT thing to remember is:

Respect the new tyres

Make sure you scrub them in before you try anything fancy.....(treat them like riding on a wet road)

Its amazing how many stories I have heard about people buying a new bike only to drop it outside the shop or within the first 100kms.

[Toaster]

You sure you've thought this through dude?

I'm sitting here thinking the exact same thing skelstar.

I hope he takes extra caution out there. The jump from a sedate little 250 to a 1000 sports bike is no easy jump and certainly one I wouldn't recommend.

[Toaster]

4 sure bro, to be honest a bike like that is born for the track, my mate wants to take his modified 750gixer up against it, where both pretty much in the same class , 250-bigger bike.

The new bike sounds fabulous mate. Be careful, the thou sportsbikes can really bite.... cost me 8 weeks off work and surgery to rebuild my foot after a tank slapper had her wicked way with me.... all because I forgot to engage my brain and had a moment of stupidity on a wet road.

Be careful out there and enjoy many many years of riding.

[Unit:Me]

Talk to Chris (DMNTD), he has owned two, the '06 and '07 limited edition, both from brand new out of the box. Did over 20,000kms on the '06 and heaps of modes on the '07. I ran in the '07 with the standard exhaust before the aftermarket was fitted. By the time we recently sold it (replaced with the KTM Superduke R), a considerable amount of mods had been completed and it was a bundle of energy. As with any new bike, run it in how you want it to perform, but get to know the beast, they are still twitchy compared to say a Honda.
We have heaps of info and experience on running in, general stock performance and good mods etc, looking forward to hearing your feedback and what you think of this fantasitc litre bike.
Im just getting to know my ZX14. Completely different bike, but has the edgy Kawazaki bite to it

[discotex]

Its the 07 Limited edition, having said that i still like my 250 , have learnt that thing backwards, i hope to have similar skills on my zx10 - after about 12 mths or so, im also learn to ride on waiheke island, figure if u can survive those roads as a biker u can survive pretty much anything

Holy shit... I say walking or driving on Waiheke is a dangerous enough passtime let alone riding that beast. Would be great if you didn't have to worry about those crazy locals

[HungusMaximist]

Just make sure you install one of those big ''FUCK OFF'' air horns to let reckless pedestrians and cars know you're comming...

And seeing you're in Auckland, like me, I wouldn't really recommend riding that big fucker around the city during peak hours.

Have fun and hope to see ya on some rides!

[kitsune]

Well i am crazy so it helps wit my choice of bike, lolz :P not an easy place to ride, u can take a nice easy corner, and BAM without warning u end up wit roadworks / gravel/ twat cager in middle of road taking pics. which taught me to only stomp on the breaks if i have ta, better to go round / plan escape. Saved my butt a couple of times. Not to mention the pot holes which have taught the swerve left/right/left again. Whats the best way to run this beast in , just follow manufacturers specs ? , did that for my gpx250 , which even tho its only a 250 would get up n booggie ater 6,000 - 10,000 (embarresed a 400 on it)