a VFR, a Service, a bling Z750, a refusal and a smile.

Had my Gen 5 in for its 20,000mile service yesterday at my previously Gen 5 owning regular bike mechanic. Must say the VFR has been running flawless of late crisp smooth acceleration and despite brisk riding its fuel economy consistently just hitting 3 bars from 4 at 190mile mark on tours. He changed oil, oil filter, air filter, plugs and performed the SV balance check but only the slightest tweak was needed on 3 to bring it perfect again.

About mid way through the service he chucked me the keys of his current ride a '05 Z750. The Z750 been upgraded to the max with a 4 into one Moto GP trumpet style ARROW pipe and full front and rear suspension upgrades, bling everywhere including the bars and clamps with a set of Pilot Race tyres to finish off.

Having a soft spot for the big K being my brand of choice in the '80's thought why not as directly behind the bike shop is road is a short but brilliant set of mountain range twisties with a mix of tight 20mph very tight 10mph all uphill and empty.

First thing I noticed about the Z750 was it felt like a Cook Chasing dirt bike ie bolt upright and close to the bars. The IL4 motor despite being too loud with its Moto GP Trumpet was very crisp and unlike the VFR didn't mind plodding around smoothly at 3k.

Heading up the mountain range was amazed at how light and quick it flip flopped its way thought the twisties, lighter much lighter than my Viffer it took absolutely no bar effort a bit too quick so had to curb my enthusiasm lest it bite me.

Acceleration was impressive for a budget model 750 much better than expected power and while the vibration was tingling it had no complaints spinning out fast if in comparison characterless compared to a V4 to my self imposed 9k red line...

On return with the only negative view being the seat was only a max 200miler so threw the keys back with thanks and a smile. Now the rub seems the mechanic who sold his Gen 5 18 months ago to save his licence and ramp up Enduro and flat track racing still pines for another one so seeing the '05 Z750 without bling is worth approx the same as a '99 Gen would I like to swap.

My quick answer much to the amusement of the shops onlooking salesman was, " that'll happen...Not " :crazy:

As the mechanic already knew what the answer would be he wasn't disappointed and would work out a another way to change the Z750 into a VFR. :smile:

Its always fun to ride another bike but as I rode away towards home on my sublime VFR grinning thought its right he should try and swap as why would anyone want to settle for a lesser machine than a VFR ? :biggrin:

 

I owned a Kawasaki Z750S for awhile and it was a decent bike. Old fashioned frame...suspension was pretty bare bones. The seat made you slide into the tank anytime brakes were applied. The vibrations you speak of ARE quite intense at 6000 to 8000 rpms and I felt it was ok then but now that I know what I know about the VFR it is clear the VFR is by far a superb machine.

 

Actually thought the Z750 a hoot to ride and would make a pretty decent city commuter and used for short distance fangs. The suspension was fixed with a ZX6-R rear shock and aftermarket respring re-valve on the forks, you're 100% right on the Vibs although thought the IL4 very good to 5000 or so but would be annoying if any time was spent above 6K rpm.

 

Above 8000 rpms it is fine also. It is just the 6000-8000 range that is the shake shake shake.