Got into AutoX last year after buying and owning a car for the first time in 4 years. Got a Celica GTS but decided to get an NA Miata to AutoX. Also bought a 03 YZ250F.
Had a lot of fun with Autox but I decided I wanted to switch back to bikes and start doing track days. And I can still AutoX my GTS if I want. So I sold my NA Miata.
I know I could track the FZ1 no problem, because for now I'm just trying to get better, ride harder, learn more, and have fun. But I've put her through the ringer a few times and I decided I wanted to jump into the modern age (not so much I guess, considering how much tech is on new bikes!). So yesterday I bought an 09 ZX6R Monster Edition with 37K miles for around 4k.
What sold the bike to me: it has no road rash and had never been down (I looked everywhere), had steel braided lines, chain slack was perfect (Not too tight, like most squid sellers always have it), fork seals weren't leaking, started up and idled fine, and VIN and Engine numbers checked out and were clean. I think I got a good deal.
So we all know work needs to be done when you buy a used bike. I think of most importance is a valve check and adjustment ASAP as well as a fork service (The dust seals are old and cracked, although not leaking). I've been scouring online, looking at everything, looking at manuals, etc. When it gets the valve check, the radiator will be removed and coolant flushed. Spark plugs replaced then as well. I am aware of the R&R recall and will do some investigating to see if mine has already performed the recall. Anyone got a pesky rear stand for sale?? My FZ has a center stand, making it so easy for maintenance.
It also needs a new front tire, currently has a Pirelli Diablo with a manufacture date of 2010. Going to get an Bridgestone S21 since again, I am not racing racing. Its an excellent tire in my history of use on my FZ1, normally in conjunction with the T30 rear I run. The ZX has an S20 Evo made in 11/2013 with good tread so I think it can handle a few track days.
It's funny how different this bike is. Obviously being EFI is a change, no choke when I start it! But on the short 15 min ride home, it just struck me as so taut and composed. Very dedicated position and geometry obviously but not necessarily uncomfortable. But after a stop light turning left, I almost tipped it because its so low to the ground and the steering is so different (clips ons vs bar). The powerband wasn't as impressive as I thought. It is 20 HP and 30 ft lbs down on my FZ. As I let her rip on the highway to see what all this "600's power is all top end" it didn't deliver a huge punch once I got to 10-12K like I expected. Maybe the fueling is just that smooth? Maybe I wasn't WOT? But I know I saw triple digits very quickly and no I won't tell you how fast it was. I rarely go into triple digits but I had to. And I was pleased with the bike. On the right handed tight sweeper as my exit ramp, it was on rails. My FZ is no slouch in the turns but I can tell this thing is just track oriented (OBVIOUSLY). Just surprises me that a large majority of young guys use this for commuting. But anyways! It's going to be fun having these 2 differing bikes. I plan using the ZX6 mostly just for track days and riding to twisties. Thanks to EFI, I don't have to ride her every 2 weeks like my FZ.
I have a buddy who offered to help me with the valve check and adjustment, but he lives in Wichita,KS.
So here I am, saying hey, asking for advice of anyone familiar with these bikes, asking if anyone wants to help out with some maintenance work like the valve adjustment (payment can come in the form of beer, BBQ, cash etc), and someone who can be my friend on a trackday! I'm hoping to go to the Ride Smart event at Cresson on the 5th or 6th. And I'd like to go on group rides, when my work schedule allows. It is still crazy and its hard to find time. Thanks all, for reading this book of a post. HA
