Nout wrong with a race bike for the road, just as long as you dont plan on going too far haha.

My dad went over to holland last weekend (about the 4th trip over this year lol). Hes got an r1200 GS (roughly 400 miles to a tank, sometimes further) with his mate on his ducati multistrada (200 miles a tank at a push). They went with another mate this time on his ducati 1198 this time.

It pee'd everyone off by the sounds of it. It wouldnt even start in the rain and he would only get 100 (120 at a push) miles to a tank.

My dads a proper touring biker. Doesnt go out on the bike that often, but when he goes, he does atleast a few thousand miles. (He rode back from Switzerland in a day last year. 800 miles, only stopping for the ferry and occasionally some fuel). So imagine how annoying it was riding with this guy haha.

Bikes like that and the sp1 need to be a second bike IMO. Or they would for me anyway.

 

Z1000SX Touring was a joke, 19 litre tank 150-175 miles range! Riding it back from Holland to NI was just a blurr of filling station stops........

Z1000SX Touring was a joke, 19 litre tank 150-175 miles range! Riding it back from Holland to NI was just a blurr of filling station stops........

 

A few bits I was reading about touring on bikes mentioned often it's quicker to do 60mph than 80mph when you factor in MPG and fuel stops. 

A few bits I was reading about touring on bikes mentioned often it's quicker to do 60mph than 80mph when you factor in MPG and fuel stops. 

 

No rush if touring (unless making ferries or multipule crossings. 

A few bits I was reading about touring on bikes mentioned often it's quicker to do 60mph than 80mph when you factor in MPG and fuel stops.

Its defo quicker to keep my vfr below 100. Vtec kicks in at 100mph in 6th.

Tank range doin 70-80mph is about 210-230 miles until it starts flashing (there appears to be loads left after that, but the fuel gauge is abit crap so i dont risk it)

Cruising at 100 iv had 140-160 miles. Just starts drinking fuel like mad when it goes into 16 valves.

Its a 22 litre tank i think.

Z1000SX Touring was a joke, 19 litre tank 150-175 miles range! Riding it back from Holland to NI was just a blurr of filling station stops........

Thats not bad for a bike though. You only really get over 200 miles to a tank on more touring orientated bikes dont ya.

Gave the new (2nd hand) HG touring jacket a go today. 

A snip at £20, shoulder and elbow hiprotec armour and a pouch for a back

pad but I wear a forcefield separate back protector anyway so not 

bothered about no back armour, RSTs standard back armour fits perfect

in the pouch though. It's HGs version of gore tex, Machine washable at 30deg and a zip

in thermal liner.

Nice coat, kept the wind out well but I never felt too warm in it. just right.

Didn't test the waterproofness but will be treating with a spray on coating as well.  

I found the pockets handy as well. Very comfy and I'm sure with the insert zipped in very 

warm too. Plenty of room underneath for a fleece if it's really cold.

Not the most funky looking jacket but ideal for a long run. 

 

On my last little ride earlier and just hours before my departure on holiday my bike decided to 

have a rear wheel slip on some gravel which I managed to iron out with a wriggle and clenched

my A hole up a bit then again later I found a small patch of oil in town on a corner and had a similar 

slip which I also managed to ride through. Took that as a message to call it a day and got myself

off home. The grr een machine is locked up and away and covered up now.

Hopefully the weather will be good enough to keep riding but I'm not due back until

late October so that may be my lot for the year if the weathers turned by the time I'm home.

The 60 foot Oak tree at the bottom of my garden will have most likely dropped its annual twenty

tonnes of leaves all over my yard when I return as well so I'll have literally 30 or 40 bin bags full to

clear up and get to the tip before I can think about getting the bike out again.

Bloody tree, it's a menace but I do love having it there.

Thats not bad for a bike though. You only really get over 200 miles to a tank on more touring orientated bikes dont ya.

 

Not bad if it was sports bike maybe, but this is a sports tourer and the model itself was Z1000SX Tourer! They needed to give it a bigger tank and after adapting from from Z1000 spec actually make the MPG better, failing that (which they did epically) they should have at least given it a slipper clutch as it would have made up for it to some extent :( . Other sports tourers can and have done it right before it, so why step backwards :( . I want another ZZR1200 as it's similar in weight, way more powerful, better geared, smoother and while sitting at motorway speeds could do 55mpg easily and with it's bigger tank made it a real sports tourer also more comfy for distance for me personally as the Z1000SX is quite small you need to be a bit of a jockey.

I said from day one it felt like a moped after the 1400, but it genuinely did and not just the power drop. It was due to it's seating position (good for any sports tourer definitely and I liked it in general), it's fairly flaccid acceleration and it's quiet tinny noise from exhaust :( The throw back looks of the Zed fan cans were epic but meant if you wanted it to sound like it looked. you'd lose that look and ended up having to pay for 2 stubby slip ons which don't look as good defeating the purpose. Normally stock sound doesn't bother me that much while it's always nice to have something more manly, the Z1000SX did sound rather like a stock parallel twin 600/650 which there was no need for with that engine at all (wouldn't have taken much ffs. It would be ok for cutting about locally within the UK, doing weekend trips a couple of times a year and just dry weather countryside stuff for rides out. Wouldn't be fantastic at that domestic use but would be adequate (far better cheaper bikes out there though). Long distance, it was so uninspiring it bored me to death, with the down sides of range and cost in fuel for such little back in the way of smile factor. I should just have bought a new Fireblade like I was going to as it would be just as suitable for the UK domestic wee trips and enjoyment the rest of the time side, longer distance would have been arguably better all round and at the end of the day it would have been a Blade!!! 

 

Stupid thing for me looking back now is that the cheapo 636 I have is a bit quicker with similar power to weight ratio, more agile and enjoyable to ride in general, but I can also tour on it as it's an almost fully upright riding position and it gets far better MPG and for that reason alone better range. If I saw my old Z1000SX Tourer for sale in mint condition still with not too many miles and well kept for £3500-£3750 I would happily buy one again ironically, but new at 11K Kawasaki can stick it!  

Hmmm. Doesnt sound like you were too impressed with that then! Haha.

What about the looks of the 1200 zzr though? Its all personal taste obviously, but im not a fan at all aha. Its those headlights.

I guess its about the right ratio of sports and tourer.

What was the 1400 getting to a tank? Bet it was a big tank too?

Hmmm. Doesnt sound like you were too impressed with that then! Haha.

What about the looks of the 1200 zzr though? Its all personal taste obviously, but im not a fan at all aha. Its those headlights.

I guess its about the right ratio of sports and tourer.

What was the 1400 getting to a tank? Bet it was a big tank too?

 

I actually really like the ZZR1200 for looks, there are a lot more controversial bikes out there for front ends. The Z1000SX is one of them, a very marmite nose on that bike. ZZR1400 was pretty heavily modified and weight wise was brought to just shy of 200kg, spitting flame and producing 221.5bhp, but that said it's still a fair sized tank and on a calm run I could get 250 miles from a tank with ease, on autobahn I could get sub 10mpg. SHe wasn't really set up for touring any more tyres would have been the biggest issue in that sense! 

 

I actually really like the ZZR1200 for looks, there are a lot more controversial bikes out there for front ends. The Z1000SX is one of them, a very marmite nose on that bike. ZZR1400 was pretty heavily modified and weight wise was brought to just shy of 200kg, spitting flame and producing 221.5bhp, but that said it's still a fair sized tank and on a calm run I could get 250 miles from a tank with ease, on autobahn I could get sub 10mpg. SHe wasn't really set up for touring any more tyres would have been the biggest issue in that sense!

That sounds brilliant. Why did you ever get rid? Are they any good in the corners? Bein a bike bike n'all

The zzr1400 is my mates favourite bike. Hes got a zzr 600 at the moment and feels his life would be complete with a 1400. So a tuned one... He'd cream lol.

That sounds brilliant. Why did you ever get rid? Are they any good in the corners? Bein a bike bike n'all

The zzr1400 is my mates favourite bike. Hes got a zzr 600 at the moment and feels his life would be complete with a 1400. So a tuned one... He'd cream lol.

 

I lived in the Netherlands at the time and still had the ZZR1200 (had a ZZR600 as first bike), I was like 2.5km from the German border and around 20 min from nearest autobahn so it was for me the ultimate bike to have at the time. For the UK it would have been a bit too unsuitable (even though I bought it here and brought it over). 70mph max on motorways / dual carraigeways in UK and both of those are boring on a bike, 60 elsewhere.... no point in having a bike that can blast pass the 200 mark and keep going for me and not the cheapest thing to run. What I mean is, 30 seconds of madness and you could get sent down for it!!!!   The ZZR1400 was surprisingly agile for it's size very well made indeed in that regard, but it was and current ones are still rally Kawasaki's flagship model at the technical end of the spectrum so should be. I actually found the ZZR1200 not far off it and I preferred it's handling overall and surprisingly I found it more controllable at bigger speeds over 170 it felt a lot more solid on the road. The 1200 is like one of those forgotten stealthy bikes, will keep up with anything and surprise most. 

 

ZZR1200: (speed best illustrated by pace of white markers on right passing)

 

ZZR1400 joining same autobahn but not accelerating hard and stop due to the drag on helmet from gopro trying to remove my head (was first ride with my gopro testing it for just that) 

I lived in the Netherlands at the time and still had the ZZR1200 (had a ZZR600 as first bike), I was like 2.5km from the German border and around 20 min from nearest autobahn so it was for me the ultimate bike to have at the time. For the UK it would have been a bit too unsuitable (even though I bought it here and brought it over). 70mph max on motorways / dual carraigeways in UK and both of those are boring on a bike, 60 elsewhere.... no point in having a bike that can blast pass the 200 mark and keep going for me and not the cheapest thing to run. What I mean is, 30 seconds of madness and you could get sent down for it!!!! The ZZR1400 was surprisingly agile for it's size very well made indeed in that regard, but it was and current ones are still rally Kawasaki's flagship model at the technical end of the spectrum so should be. I actually found the ZZR1200 not far off it and I preferred it's handling overall and surprisingly I found it more controllable at bigger speeds over 170 it felt a lot more solid on the road. The 1200 is like one of those forgotten stealthy bikes, will keep up with anything and surprise most.

ZZR1200: (speed best illustrated by pace of white markers on right passing)

ZZR1400 joining same autobahn but not accelerating hard and stop due to the drag on helmet from gopro trying to remove my head (was first ride with my gopro testing it for just that)

Yeah. I guess it does make a hell of a lot more sense over there. Such a quick bike would land you in loads of trouble wouldnt it. Its bad enough on a bike thats 100-120bhp mark, let alone another 100 ontop jaha.

That things a right machine!

How fast were we going in that second video then?

Join the mille club! Much cheaper just as much fun

or the Raptor club!!

Yeah. I guess it does make a hell of a lot more sense over there. Such a quick bike would land you in loads of trouble wouldnt it. Its bad enough on a bike thats 100-120bhp mark, let alone another 100 ontop jaha.

That things a right machine!

How fast were we going in that second video then?

 

First vid was about 175mph on the 1200 on that run. Second 160 I think vid just touched but 165 was max I did, but was into wind and uphill in both. Felt like chin strap was going to break it created that much drag with the gopro in it's wee lunch box on side of lid. The autobahn was great to have the use of all nice and legal, but to do big speeds you can't just roll on until you hit them. Traffic, wind, temps all have to be right and it's hard to get them all at same time, then the bike needs to be in good working order and a bloody good inspection of tyres prior to anything! I like to think I had a healthy approach to any higher speed runs I did, as 19 out of 20 times I would be on an autobahn the conditions were not appropriate IMO and nothing was attempted. So so so cool being able to pass the police though when it's safe at mega pace. The 636 is 116bhp and for me right here right now is all or more than I need on the roads...... Still though you just miss the big bhp and torque at times :( I would love to have something silly to use as a dry weather summer months yoke.

 

 

In other news: Just got back from an interview for a job and I am still in the running.  :peek:

First vid was about 175mph on the 1200 on that run. Second 160 I think vid just touched but 165 was max I did, but was into wind and uphill in both. Felt like chin strap was going to break it created that much drag with the gopro in it's wee lunch box on side of lid. The autobahn was great to have the use of all nice and legal, but to do big speeds you can't just roll on until you hit them. Traffic, wind, temps all have to be right and it's hard to get them all at same time, then the bike needs to be in good working order and a bloody good inspection of tyres prior to anything! I like to think I had a healthy approach to any higher speed runs I did, as 19 out of 20 times I would be on an autobahn the conditions were not appropriate IMO and nothing was attempted. So so so cool being able to pass the police though when it's safe at mega pace. The 636 is 116bhp and for me right here right now is all or more than I need on the roads...... Still though you just miss the big bhp and torque at times :( I would love to have something silly to use as a dry weather summer months yoke.

In other news: Just got back from an interview for a job and I am still in the running. :peek:

Good news!

Your right though pointless speed in the uk!

The mille is geared down so tops out about 150ish however it gets to the low 100s rather promptly and with the front wheel bouncing

Horses for courses

Had to takea ride to clear my head after some bad news. Stinking rain and greasey roads.... had 20mph drivers in twisties and a herd of cows holding me back so far. Now have some american tourist trying to tell me his life story as I am not in the mood I am typing away on my phone in hope that he will do one. Doesn't seem to be working. .. 'NUTS':(

Here you are fubar

Nothing exciting just part of my work journey on the go pro

Had to takea ride to clear my head after some bad news. Stinking rain and greasey roads.... had 20mph drivers in twisties and a herd of cows holding me back so far. Now have some american tourist trying to tell me his life story as I am not in the mood I am typing away on my phone in hope that he will do one. Doesn't seem to be working. .. 'NUTS':(

Hope the news wasn't that bad mate take it easy on the bike

Hope the news wasn't that bad mate take it easy on the bike

 

Back in for the night now, the roads are open again to the general public :P 

The mille is geared down so tops out about 150ish however it gets to the low 100s rather promptly and with the front wheel bouncing

 

I was looking at changing the sprocket on the CB, it'll do 150mph but I'm never going to touch that so I was looking at knocking it back a bit for some extra go getting there. 

 

Spoke to my little brother, he got pulled last night, initially because they didnt think he had a number plate (its mounted almost horizontal under the rear of the bike). He told them it's like that so it doesnt hit the wheel with a pillion on which they were fine with then got told it's got no MOT. He done his best shocked face, they told him to get it sorted asap and sent him on his way. I dont know how he gets away with it! 

Here you are fubar

Nothing exciting just part of my work journey on the go pro

 

I watched some of it earlier thinking it had just uploaded and must be waiting for Youtube to process it for the HD to come alive, but alas it has not! :(

 

Watching that just depressed me with the amazing road surfaces you have to play with!!!!

 

Check out my neck of the woods!!! Note how much on even the better looking road at start I am being thrown all over the place. Can you imagine me trying to put the power of the ZZR down on this crap LOL 

 

Shocking roads!

Where we are though you ride like they are nice until you come across a monster 1 off pothole right in your line? Dunno what's worse?

At least I get an opportunity to enjoy the roads sometimes

Missing this thread. Malaysia is an eye opener. The roads here are fucTing crazy. Spent a quick overnight here to break up journey to NZ.125 step throughs everywhere, nobody signals ever,, lane discipline is non existent and I've seen just 3 big bikes on the roads. Our taxi driver reckoned there are 14 biker deaths a DAY here. I can believe it..... Waiting at airport for ongoing flight to Auckland.... Very busy traffic wise here and the cabbies are certifiable Lol. Hope you lot are keeping well. Hope your news wasn't too bad Fubar.

Missing this thread. Malaysia is an eye opener. The roads here are fucTing crazy. Spent a quick overnight here to break up journey to NZ.125 step throughs everywhere, nobody signals ever,, lane discipline is non existent and I've seen just 3 big bikes on the roads. Our taxi driver reckoned there are 14 biker deaths a DAY here. I can believe it..... Waiting at airport for ongoing flight to Auckland.... Very busy traffic wise here and the cabbies are certifiable Lol. Hope you lot are keeping well. Hope your news wasn't too bad Fubar.

 

Are you sure you are not stopping off in NI?  

I meant to say, I had a pigeon collide with my head a few rides ago

while I had the wife on board. It came at me from 2 oclock high and 

I swear it was an attack move of some sort. 

That's twice I've been hit in the head by a bird now. 

The first time was in an open cockpit buggy in Cyprus

and not wearing a lid that time. It hurt considerably more the first time round. 

 

Ref the birds thing again: Yesterday in car, I was so so glad I wasn't on bike as he went more then low enough and was frigging GIANT!