Z1000 vs GS1000

**R6_kid:Me** · 14th February 2009, 15:10

1982 Z1000 vs 1980 GS1000

Which would you have and why?

I have gost sold my GSXR1000 and i'm looking at an old school 'superbike' and these two take my fancy but i'm stuck as to which one to go for. Both have similar km's and seem to be in good condition.

Which was the better one to have back in the day?

**Crazy Steve** · 14th February 2009, 15:12

The Z1000 was faster...

220kph if I remember right...

Crazy Steve..

**JimO** · 14th February 2009, 15:26

i would have the Z only because i used to have a 79 Z1R

**Voltaire** · 14th February 2009, 15:27

Back in '84....I wanted a blue and white GS 1000 ( or even a red and white one)....I had a ride on one and liked it....wasn't hard when you owned a 500/4.
I ended up with an Aussie Z1000J that was 4 years old. Very fast.
I was a red one, bit different to the silver ones that were here.

My mate is selling a genuine Z1000 r on TM at the moment and its been sitting since 1993, he has had a bit of interest but its a non runner.....or should I say was until this morning.
$ 5500.00 for a rare jap superbike.....bargain.
http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Mo...-200571596.htm
Might be sold by now.

**Scouse** · 14th February 2009, 15:33

The Suzuki was the better bike at the time as much as it pains me to say so the engin and frame were way better than the Kawasaki

**R6_kid:Me** · 14th February 2009, 15:38

So if one was to go adding a modern swingarm (modified for twin shock) and front end then the GS1000 would probably be the better bet to go with?

**Scouse** · 14th February 2009, 15:59

Yep I was always hanging around the race track when both these bikes were new the suzi usualy always won the GS100S is the best one to go for it comes with a bikini faring

**R6_kid:Me** · 14th February 2009, 16:04

Going for naked but cheers for the info

**Voltaire** · 14th February 2009, 16:34

Originally Posted by R6_kid

So if one was to go adding a modern swingarm (modified for twin shock) and front end then the GS1000 would probably be the better bet to go with?

Probably not worth the bother as once you stiffen up one part of the chassis it may impact on another.
Best thing would be new tyres,shocks and firm up the spongy front end.
Braided hoses and better pads would improve braking.

Best just to ride it as it is and accept thats its a 30 year old Japanese bike.

As for which one....either but get the best one you can afford, as do-ups can end up costing more and take longer to get right ( been there....)
thats my 2 cents worth.

**T.W.R** · 14th February 2009, 16:35

Here's a test article from Two Wheels January 1980 comparing the GS1000s, CB900fz, & Z1000mkII. It's a worthwhile read but even then the testers were split over which bike they preferred

Each has it's own virtues so it really depends on what your preferences are

This GSX1100 on TM isn't too bad either.
http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/List...x?id=201322207