2006 VFR + or a ZZR1200

Hello

I'm 6'5" 290 + or - 15 pounds. I owned a 2007 RWB last year and loved it before I wrecked it. The only thing I didn't like was a slight lack of get up and go (which I would blame on my 300 pounds as much as anything).

Preparing to buy a new bike and need some opinions. It has to be a sport touring type bike, because I'm uncomfortable on the gixxers and zx10 of the world. Interceptor had the perfect feel in my book but I'd prefer the get up and go of a gixxer 750. So the questions on my mind are as follows:

Does the ZZR1200 have a similar ergonomic position to the Interceptor?

If i got an Interceptor and went down a tooth in the front, air boxed, exhaust, and PC-III would I be where i want to be speed wise? How much more get up and go would the ZZR have?

Would I be better off with the ZZR unmodified as opposed to the Interceptor with the mods?

Any help is appreciated.

Thanks

Ben

 

I looked on Motorcyclist Online & they state the ZZR1200 makes 145HP.
2002 Kawasaki ZZR1200 - Road Test & Review - Motorcyclist Online


Other than the new AA Performance Supercharger, NOTHING will get any VFR close to that number. Further compounding the issue you describe, the kit isn't available for the 6th Gen yet. When it is, it will set you back $5000+.
http://vfrworld.com/forums/modifications/21203-performance-supercharger-kit-5th-gens.html


If you're looking for the ultimate sport/touring beast, look no further than the BMW K1300S, 175HP bone stock. I'd be willing to bet a large sum of cash you will not find a more comfortable bike with that much HP. You're a big guy & it's a big bike.

KC-10 FE out...
lane: :usa2:

 

I don't necessarily want it near the ZZR1200, just want it in that 750 feel. The ZZR is the only thing I have seen with more motor but still on the sport side of ST. I LOVE the bimmer, and would like to get one, but I just would like to pay 6000 and get a bike without worrying about payments. With these two bikes that's possible, with the bimmer not so much. The other problem is no bmw service near Huntington, WV.

Does anyone have any idea what those mods and down a tooth would make an interceptor run like?

I realize it's a vague question but I can't buy it, try it, and then get my money back if it doesn't work out.

Thanks

Ben

 

Sheesh you read my mind KC..
But on a less costly note, take look at the Kawasaki 1400. Since you brought up Kawasaki, figured there might be something to it for you. I rode one and was pleasantly surprised just how well balanced it was with form and function, and oh yea it's gots lots of get up and go too.

 

Depending on the exhausts you get you're looking at no more than $1500 for those mods. And I think that's a pretty high estimate. Good luck.

 

Kawi Connie 1400, the whole package equipped is less than what you would pay for a bone stock BMW K or S tourer.

 

Well like most I would ask what kind of riding do you do mostly? - touring, commuting or weekend rides. I have a 2k VFR and last season I checked a Kawi ZZR600 to use as a track bike for trackdays before I got my 03 Yamaha YZF 600. I love the ZZR600 engine (very typical of Kawasaki). The ZZR is actually an older ZX6R with relaxed ergos. Just for a comparative analysis I kinda nit pick because the ZZR is a really nice bike. The ZZR feels tall, and it is a FAST bike (bike was jetted with a Yoshi pipe), and when I rode it on the highway I was close to draggin the pegs on some turns (I am not that aggressive on public roads), also there is no fuel gage or low fuel light. The ZZR600 is carburated which is ok, but my personal preference is fuel injection (only my perference no issues with carburated fuel delivery actually worked well) another thing is the bike shifted really smooooooth. The ZZR handeled well and I was able to keep up with liter bikes easier than I would with my VFR (combination of a great engine in the ZZR and the lighter weight of the ZZR - just my opinion). Honda's rep for fit and finish (and details) is not overated in comparision to the other Jap bike manufacturers. The ZZR is really a nice bike, but the VFR fit and finish, and other amenities make it my choice for all around usage - especially for riding in the winter and on roads in bad weather. The ZZR is still a really nice bike and comfortable for long rides (really FAST bike), but the VFRs extra weight makes it feel more stable to me on open roads and long rides. The ZZR is a really good choice for someone who commutes to work on a bike, and does occasional trackdays mostly. Also since the ZZR has been discontinued I am just one of those people who worry about parts availability, mechanics who know the bike and aftermarket for the bike.

 

Oh I also forgot to mention. KC-10 is dead on with his BMW K1300S recommendation for someone your height and size (and possible need for speed - lol). BMWs are made for taller German riders and the BMW K1300S is a well built, designed, balanced, comfortable screemer on the road!!!!! A really good thing is BMW dealers service all BMWs no matter how old - at least that is true here in NYC.

 

Trust me, if I could afford the BMW I'd jump on it in a HEARTBEAT. I've been very close to driving down to Daytona and picking up a K1200S for less than 12000. In a couple years I may finance one, but right now I have a house payment, a car payment for a few more months, and some general outstanding debt from furnishing the house. While it's nothing major, I don't want another 2 - 300 dollars a months along with full coverage insurance on a bike. I'd prefer to just take the roughly 6000 I have and get a bike. And since it's just me I'm worried about (girlfriend has her own bike) the interceptor seems like a good choice for my size and needs (weekend riding with buddies and general transportation to work, gym, movies, etc). My only thought is that the ZZR1200 would be as comfortable, close to being as fun riding (since it's not as heavy as concours or fjr) and possibly cheaper since it will need nothing. The only thing stopping me is that I have no idea how the VFR will react to my mentioned mods and whether or not the ZZR is in the ergo category I am looking for.

Anyone?

 

bigben -

I'm 6'4" and 345lbs and am satisfied with the 5th Gen's performance with +2 on the rear sprocket, PCIIIUSB, and a Staintune high mount pipe. I can get the front wheel up pretty easy in first gear...


I don't have any experience with the Kawasaki's or BMW's though, sorry.

Just my 2 cents.

-Steve

 

I think it's safe to say that most of us here would agree there are plenty of bikes that are faster, bigger, more comfortable, etc than any VFR. That said, a VFR is about the whole package. I've ridden many, many bikes in my time & not a single one puts it all togther like my 00 VFR does. Like I tell all my riding buddies, my VFR is like an old friend & I never want that friend to go away. I may make more friends, but I'm never getting rid of this one.

KC-10 FE out...
lane: :usa2:

 

I just put the 1 tooth smaller on the front of my 2003 vfr. Ive knocked obout 30lbs from the bike, and gutted the exaust. IM 6 foot 3 275 (lots of muscel) but this bike freaking moves. I am very very suprised. It is a completly different bike.

 

Bigben,
I'm not quite as big (6'5 and 250), but changing the gearing really helped wake the bike up. Even at 6000 feet the bike pulls hard, a nice launch will have the front just skimming the ground. Adding a PCIII helped fatten the mid range (I've got a pipe and filter) and makes it feel more like an 800 CC bike. I'm adding a catless header to try and get the most air I can through the motor. I've ridden a friends ZZR1200 and its a nice bike. They have that classic muscle bike feel with that bigger smooth carbed motor. IMO they also handle like a muscle bike and if you liked the way your VFR handled I don't think you'll be pleased with the ZZR1200.

Action

 

THANKS A TON

The fact that a couple of bigger riders here have done what I plan on doing (and they are satisfied with the result) makes me a little more comfortable. I just couldn't afford to put 6 grand in a bike and put the extra in it knowing I couldn't get my money back if I didn't like the end result.

Thanks again to all those with opinions, all help is more than appreciated.

Ben

 

Don't forget to upgrade the forks and shock, too! lol

 

IF they ever come out with the supercharger kit for the 6th gen, Ill be all over that

 

Have you put any consideration into something like a Yamaha FZ1? As much power as you could ever need, and the more upright/relaxed ergos of a VFR. Also, I have seen them set up with hard bags, so I know it can be done if that's your thing. A fine looking machine too if you ask me, oh and you could get 2 for the price of one of the Bimmers mentioned.

http://www.yamaha-motor.com/sport/products/modelhome/7/0/home.aspx

 

I've debated the FZ1, but not as big a fan of the looks and fairing. Due a lot of highway riding and think the Interceptor would do a better job of protecting me.

 

I'm 6'2'', 260 and my VFR fits me like a glove. I think power-wise you'd be happier with the ZZR1200. Comfort wise, the bikes are pretty close I'd say. Reach to the bars might be a bit further on the Z. Maintenance-wise the Z will also be cheaper. However, from a QUALITY perspective, you can not, abosolutely can not beat the Honda, unless you get a BMW. The ZZR will NOT age as gracefully as the Honda. Guranteed, unless you garage it and polish it every time you ride it. The only bikes I know of that hold up over the years and still look QUALITY after many thousands of miles of riding are either Italian, German, or Hondas. I think you just need to decide if you need the power. You might also check out a Suzuki Hayabusa with a set of Helibars on it or even a ZX-12R with the same thing. That might do it for you. Plenty of power there! Haha. Good luck. I'm partial to the VFR.

 

Now that i think of it, The Ninja ZX-11R. The C-model ran from 1990-1993 while the D-model ran from 1993-2001. Although it's carbrueted, it still lays serious power down and makes for a great sport touring bike.

Im sure you can find at very good prices. It may be a bit older on tech side, but it's Japanese made and still a bulletproof motor. The best part is that you get a chain drive which is the best final drive arrangement for power delivery.

2001 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-11