written by zrxsheep on 26/09/2005
Good Points
Power and stability and comfort.
Bad Points
Wind deflection is non exsistant due to small bikini fairing, nuts and fastenings corrode quickly, this is why I have rated build quality lower, but there are no other faults whatsoever.
General Comments
The Kawasaki ZRX1100 is an underestimated machine, it is well suited to both young hooligan riders and older experienced riders, do not be mistaken, these machines are for the experienced rider right from the start. They are excellent for those riders who suffer from hip problems when riding the more racing style posture bikes, these are very capable machines both in the twisties and on the wide lanes of motorways/dual carriage ways.
They are huge on power and torque but beware in the wet do not apply too much power to quick or you will be off.
Comfort wise they are capable of covering 3-400miles per day without the rider being unfit at the other end (remember to take plenty of breaks when riding long distances).
The fuel return on the Zrx1100 is excellent the road handling is also excellent if carrying a pillion you can match the handling by setting up the suspension both on the rear and front and when following the settings direction in the handbook a normally confusing job can be performed by any rider without the need for a degree in suspension set-ups.
The roll on accelaration of this machine from 60 mph to 120 mph is both smooth and constant and huge.
The reliability issues that come with other bikes are not an issue as they go on and on, the only downside is without a good attention to nuts and bolts they rust very quickly a light smear of vasaline tends to solve this problem the only other is wind deflection of which the small bikini type fairing offers none so sit at speeds of 80-100mph for to long and the next day will be hard to hold your head up.
Overtaking traffic is a breeze single or with a pillion passenger.
I have ridden this machine for 3 years now and ridden in a gale of wind and found it to be a very stable machine.
In short this bike is a very quick all-rounder and image wise it turns heads, with many after market options available you can if you wish change the look to suit your tastes it weighs approx 244kg but feels lighter due to the low seat positioning try one for a test ride you will not regret or forget i. Well Done Kawasaki what a machine!.
As rated by our community of reviewers
Mysterysong's Response to zrxsheep's Review
Written on: 09/11/2006
Do you still own the Kawasaki ZRX1100 motorbike? And if so, how is it? I have been thinking about getting one of these since selling my Fazer 1000 a year ago, and I want a bike that's going to be timeless. Any idea how the new 1200 engine is? - Thanks
Zrxsheep's Response to zrxsheep's Review
Written on: 10/11/2006
Hi mate. Yeah. I still own the Kawasaki ZRX1100, and I am still well happy with it, although it is not standard any more, as I have made some engine mods and carb mods due to me using it as a drag bike as well. It's still on the same engine, no re-bores or engine problems, and it still rides just like it did from day one.
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<br/>Yeah, Fazer was and still is another nice bike and well worth a look. From what I have heard the 1200 is an awesome machine, but my personal liking is the 1100, as it has the good old style GPZ bikini fairing that Kawasaki's were known for. The 1200 has a more rounded, and depending if you get the sport or not, is a bit longer, offering slightly more wind deflection, but I still think the wind is an issue.
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<br>Thanks for your comments, and I hope this helps.