Z800 vs Z1000

[silentassassin]

Hey Guys,

It's been a while but I'm finally in the market for a new bike and I've narrowed it down to the above choices.

I will be going second hand again (new bikes devalue far to much far to quickly) and I've found a couple of good examples although the 800 has a few more kms that I'd like on 12 month old bike. And it's advertised $3000 cheaper which would be a bonus.

Any way can I here your hm hm expert opinions please?

Cheers

Eric

[binny]

Hi Eric,
Are you set on a Zed? What else have you ridden?
I had a Z750 and it served its purpose when I was commuting 100km a day and was super reliable. Absolutely devoid of any character though. They all have cheap rubbish suspension too. It was always trying to buck me off or swap ends in the twisties when you hit bumps. My street triple and both my storms were a lot more composed and stable, especially on mid corner bumps.
I rode a 800 when I was looking to update and it was no better IMHO. Its extra weight cancelled out any extra power and it sounded like a hoover.
The Z1000 engine is meant to be pretty grunty. The looks of the new one are hideous though. Still devoid of any character to ride from what I hear but the extra grunt at least adds some excitement.
If you want something thats more engaging to ride there are better options out there i reckon. I ended up trading the Zed for a Street Triple it was so much better in every way. And the growl it made from the airbox when you are up it sounded like a v12 ferrari.
I'm not trying to pick on your choice, just saying to ride as many different models as you can stand as there are some great bikes out there in that category. Monster, Duke 690, Striple, Hypermotard, Nuda, F800, MT-09, MT-07 etc

[colinlinz]

Take a MT-09 for a ride. They are cheap and the engine is magnificent. The Z800 feels gutless in comparison. I liked the Z800 I rode, but the MT was just so much fun.

[silentassassin]

mmmm a lot to think about there Binny. Won't be going a Ducati but found a nice Street triple.

The MT-09 does look ok Colin and I've found one with less than 4000 on the clock at the right price too.

[silentassassin]

Rode the Z1000 last night. Only a short ride but it felt pretty comfortable. Plenty of grunt, quite nimble despite it's weight but a bit snatchy on the throttle. Probably just me though needing to get used to its power.

The main reason I'd chose this one is for touring but the 15 litre tank seems counter to touring.

I'll be trying the street triple next.

[erno]

Welcome back mate

[griffo]

Ive ridden both too mate and preferred the 1000 , the 800 is far more nimble and a very nice bike but there's no substitute for the extra torque of the bigger engine in my opinion , I suppose if it were being used more as a commuter or if most of your riding was through very windey roads Id maybe go the 800 but if your intending on some longer k rides Id go the 1000 , I know someone that owned both and the 1000 wasn't that bad on fuel if your not gunning it , would certainly get similar mileage to a street triple and be more ridable on a long trip the MT09 has got to be the best value bike on the market today at 12 grand new but once again , not going to be a great long distance bike compared to the Z1000 .

[silentassassin]

Jan 15, 2015 11:55:30 GMT 10 erno said:

Welcome back mate

Cheers Erno. Long time no speak.

I hope you're well mate...Read about the ride you organised last year, sounded like a blast but any ride with Nudenut is usually a good one hey?

[silentassassin]

After much thought I've actually canned the thought for now. Didn't get to ride the MT09 (sold) or the Street (about to be sold) which was a bummer as I would have liked the comparisons. I reckon the Z1000 would have one on the basis of would have been capable of everything I could throw at it especially touring.

But in the end I was about to commit a lot of dosh to a bike that I didn't have time to ride. It just doesn't make sense.

I can see you guys saying "who listens to common sense?"

Unfortunately I have to for now but should be back soonish.

Cheers and thanks for the feedback.

Eric