Honda Blackbird or Kawa ZX12R?

**jafa** · 12th April 2006, 10:43

Ok, not only am I a first-time poster but I'm mildly embarrassed by my question so please, be gentle with me.

I used to ride an FZR1000 a few years back and have been progressively yearning to get out of my cage and back on a rocket. I've been looking at two bikes in particular - a Honda Blackbird and a Kawasaki ZX12R, both of which are around 6 years old but in good condition.

Anyone have any suggestions as to which would be the more... erm... satisfying? I'll be doing the occasional commute to Auckland from the Coromandel but am likely to spend a fair chunk of free time 'enjoying' the Peninsula. I've never had my knee down but I do love Coro's curves. I need *power* in a big way and don't mind riding a 1/4 ton barge as I'm a big fella (not tall, though).

Any suggestions will be more than appreciated. Awesome forum, by the way!

**skelstar** · 12th April 2006, 11:11

Have a ride of both...someone could give you partial advice that will go out the window as soon as you try one.
Welcome to the forum, dont be embarrased, just get out of your cage

.

**Da Bird** · 12th April 2006, 11:22

Haven't ridden a ZX12-R but the Blackbird is a good all round bike. The riding position is semi sporty but not so much that you have a sore back after 50km. Certainly has enough power to get you around the Coromandel...

Is also good for 2 up riding if you are thinking of taking someone along for the ride.

BC.

**Two Smoker** · 12th April 2006, 11:23

Both bikes have ground clearance problems if your wanting to go about getting your knee down... Blackbird is more comfortable, ZX12R has more grunt...

Both bikes will have enough power... But if you really want to scare yourself, get a GSX-R1000...

Im picking, go for the blackbird...

**marty** · 12th April 2006, 11:32

and if you really want to satisfy yourself, get a busa.

**Fishy** · 12th April 2006, 11:45

I'd go the 12R over the bird. More grunt and a bit more sporty but you should make the decision yourself. I don't like the linked brakes on the Honda either. Ride both and go for which ever feels best for what you are wanting out of a bike.

**kawaman** · 12th April 2006, 12:17

Hmmmmm, 12r is a little more sporty for those twisties you talk about but the blackbird tips the scales back the other way in terms of being a better tourer / two up bike. Both are fast in the right hands and handle well for us mere mortals.

Think the 12r might be a little more adjustable in the suspension area???

Ride both and just choose for youself. Dont think you will be disappointed either way.

**Lou Girardin** · 12th April 2006, 12:41

How many is " a few years back", both those bikes are not exactly breaking in gently types.

**Damon** · 12th April 2006, 13:22

Both will "do the the job" but the 12R will be the more fun, 175hp has to put a grin on your face

**Madness** · 12th April 2006, 13:27

I'd go for the ZX12R any day of the week. Massive smile factor.

You could also save yourself 5k and pick up a tidy latish model ZZR1100???

**T.I.E** · 12th April 2006, 13:32

both great bikes. the blackbird is more user friendly, linked brakes seating etc.
where the zx is more a bike you need to ride. both handle well both have great power for what ya need.
i would go the blackbird personal choice.
but you really need to take them for a ride.

the linked brakes are a pain and they stop you from showing off. the blackbird is more a sensible bike.

**Marmoot** · 12th April 2006, 13:51

Have you looked at Hayabusa as well for alternative?

**The Stranger:Me** · 12th April 2006, 13:56

Originally Posted by Lou Girardin

How many is " a few years back", both those bikes are not exactly breaking in gently types.

The Honda is.
It is like the hyabusa, beautifully mannered around town, great balance, loads of torque so very forgiving if you are in the wrong gear and no need to ring the hell out of it to make it go, excellent tourer and or 2 up.