To the Dark Side! 2006 ZX-10R Review

I have had an interesting route through motorcycling these last 5 months. As some of you might recall, I got the bug to get a second bike about a year ago and was able to get a Triumph Daytona 675 in late May (see my review elsewhere on this site). It rapidly became the only bike that was being ridden. The VFR just seemed to be so ho-hum after seat time on the Daytona and especially, I hated the way the VFR turned. The Daytona is controlled by the merest thought of turning. I am sure the stock Metzlers were some of the problem but I know the VFR is built for stability, not instant turns. But I slowly realized that especially since I never use the Viffer for touring I might as well look into trading for a bike that suited me better. (And after the very linear power delivery of the Daytona, I became less enamored of the VTEC kick.) So I went down to my local dealer and started riding used bikes. I was floored when I rode their 2006 Kawasaki ZX-10R (with 6000 miles). It has way more power than anyone really needs but it is extremely controllable. A number of magazine reviews praise its throttle response and fueling. It is so easy to ride in all conditions. And of course, anytime you need a real thrill just crack that thang about ½ way. Wow! Somewhere around 9000 RPMs the stars start to streak and I swear I see Chewbacca and Han Solo sitting next to me saying something about the jump to light speed. The motor is so smooth and all the controls feel just as "teflon and silky" as the VFR. The chassis is great…the suspension is the best I have ever experienced, and the Pilot Powers are the perfect set of shoes. The steering is very quick but not twitchy. It handles like a dream. The rider position is not that much racier than the VFR; I certainly have no comfort issues. The projector headlights are very good. Since I was able to do a straight trade, no money was exchanged (making my wife happy). So now I have the ¾-size brute (in the Daytona) and a full size brute (in the ZX). Both are black as midnight on a moonless night…my favorite! So, I hope you will all still accept an occasional post because you guys are the best Forum around. The VFR is a great bike and perhaps I might end up on one in the future. And don’t worry, this 50-year old will respect that throttle and not get into trouble like a 20-something might on a bike like this. :thumbsup:

 

Oh, you want PICTURES, don't you?

 

Very nice!! Enjoy!!

 

Of course you can still hang out with us. This isn't a divorce. I have been riding my 2001 VFR with my local sportbike group for the last several months and I have experienced the same thing thinking about the dark side of maybe an older 600 or 750 to have a lighter bike that is more nimble in the twisties. I realize I am not a great rider but the fun factor of a lighter bike would be nice. I have a Kawi buddy that is currently looking to get a 2004 zx 10 and has filled me in on all the stats, about 175 hp and weighs about 400 pounds, no wonder you can only pull the throttle halfway open before it turns into the millineum falcon. I have my eyes open and plan on getting a second bike during the winter when they are the cheapest.
No matter what bike you ride, keep the shiny side up
Tom

 

Do you understand the concept of motorcycle enthusiast forums that deal with specific models?

 

What was that middle thing?
(Kevin Kline, "A Fish Called Wanda")

LOL!

 

Thanks, Tom. And you allude to a good point. The 2004-05 ZX-10R had a rep for being the Wild Thang...raw power, wheelie-prone, a bit unrefined. The 2008-09 is more refined but has even MORE horsepower. But, the 2006-07 bikes are kinda like the "Goldilocks" bike...just right...it has plenty of power but the chassis and motor have been designed to be a much more controllable bike. It is not wheelie-prone at all. Many folks just recall the firecracker nature of the 04-05 and see all the 10Rs as crazy. I see the VFR as a Gentleman's Sport-Tourer, I see the 06-07 ZX-10R as the Gentleman's Supersport (Millenium Falcon!).
(I know, I know...you still think I am :crazy

Anyway, you all let me know if you want Chewbacca's autograph. :thumbsup:

 

Nungboy, I've hung around this site long enough to appreciate that you bring a lot to the table when you post. I hope you do stay with the site. When it comes down to it, most of us own VFRs, VFRs don't own us. Motorcycling is the main thing. Congrats on the new ride.

 

Seamus, than you, that is a very nice thing to read. I value communication and I feel that our world has too many things that pull us apart. I try to encourage the things that bring us together and make us better people.

I'd go a bit further with your VFR comment and say that riding a VFR is a state-of-mind...we VFR owners by and large think just a bit more than most riders and see a larger picture than others.

 

Congrats!!!

Just one question, though: don't you think the Daytona and the ZX-10 serve the same purpose? If so, wouldn't you gravitate to the more robust power of the ZX, which would probably make the Daytona feel underpowered? The reason I ask this is because I'm interested to know what differs between the two, other than the motor. Suspension, brakes, and riding position among other things, seem to be very similar between the two. I feel like if I had those two bikes I'd want to use the ZX all the time because of the massive power, which is one of the reasons I hesitate to ride bikes with more power than mine -- I'd hate to feel that my bike is inadequate.

Not trying to burst any bubbles; just curious.

Thanks.

 

No, I understand. It is a very good question and one that my motorcycle guru asked. They are very similar of course. And logic would probably have dictated getting a ST1300 or other real tourer or a off-road or dual purpose bike...in other words, something DIFFERENT. And I do have an interest in touring (but in the future) and the dirt (I love mountain biking and have enjoyed the dual-purpose bike start of my riding history--I learned on a Kawasaki KLR 650). But, as we know, logic is often strangely missing from our motorcycle purchasing decisions...it is more of a heart thing than a mind thing. And I have slowly realized that what I love most about motorcycling is the pure essence of two wheels: the leaning and cornering and the precision of translating thought into movement. Those feelings are most apparent on a road bicycle...the amazing ability of a upright frame and skinny tires to manuever effortlessly...the lightness and the lack of complexity. And I have come to see that the sportbike or supersport class is closest to that feeling (with a huge difference...a MOTOR!). The 675 is the real essence of that so I really enjoy it for its slenderness, light weight, and flickability. The 675 will always be my favorite in many ways. But that said, the ZX does have that excess that is so...addictive. What I have found in the short while with both machines is that when I ride the 675 it is "my favorite bike" but then when I ride the ZX it is also "my favorite!"
I guess a similar analogy is with my other big passion: music. I have quite a few guitars and some of them are very different, function-wise. But, I have several guitars that are very similar but yet I HAD to have them. Go figure!
I think I would be really happy with about 6 bikes and one would be a touring machine and one would be an off-road. So in the meantime I am quite happy with this apparent redundancy. Logic be damned! My gut and my heart are happy!
Thanks for helping me see the big picture!

 

I agree. I hope that you enjoy your new ride! I must say that the 675 has been on my wishlist for a few years now as a second bike with the zx 10 being a very close second choice

 

Living proof of the old adage " Power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely " a strange life lesson for a Buddest to teach ? :wink:

Understand being seduced by the Dark side almost sucumed to a new 'blade after a test ride, please stick around VFRWorld. :smile:

 

They are beautiful

All I can say is Enjoy and don't be a stranger:thumbsup::wink:

 

I'd kill for the 10r, but right now I have an 04 6r 636rr that I've been rebuilding and can't wait to finally get on and ride! There's just something about the power for the Ninjas that I LOVE! Not for sure if i'll retire the VFR, but i'm just not a honda guy. I have always loved these old viffers, but damn I can customize a kawi like nobody's business, whereas i can't figure crap out on these bikes lol

 

Laughing here! And yes, this Buddhist is often an intriguing mix of various philosophies, passions and lusts.
Thanks for everything, guys. You are stuck with me! I like it here too much to leave!

 

Great reply!

I guess my problem is that I couldn't own two bikes unless they were COMPLETELY different. If they're too similar, I'd end up using the one I like better. Same with shoes. Though I have many pairs of shoes for the day to day, I use only one pair because they're my most comfortable ones. The only time I switch is for other activities such as going to the gym or riding. Glad to see you can enjoy more than one! Damn, those supersports are tempting, though.

 

so we start with removing his fingers... as he starts to pass out we hold off a bit till he comes around..then we start on his toes... removing them one b.y......... was tha my outside voice? you have fun with the new bike Nung and we'll see you around here...