ZZR1400 Review

(To write and share this experience requires some efforts on my side. My only hope is to get some feedback of what you think especially those with biking experience. Appreciate if u leave some comments before leaving)

After 240km town riding in the last 1 week, I finally get a chance to take the ZZR out to the canyons. I just have to know more about the bike right away although I certainly aware that under run in conditions, true performance will not be seen just yet. This is something I learnt with the new GSXR1000 K5 during its run in stage - before the unique air induction growling revealed itself :-). Thus, this test is all about bottom to midrange power and handling.

The Kulim/Grik/Banding route consists of 3 phases. (Although the last phase was not planned at all -Grik/Banding) 1st phase, a 2 carriage way traffic filled straight route of 60km, followed by 40km of large twisties and finally the short and winding road of about 35km. The return trip will follow the same route.


Tasik(Lake) Temenggor. Located within hilly terrain, accessible through mountainous twisty roads. Pulau Banding (Banding Island) is linked by 2 bridges within the lake. Paradise for nature lovers. Playground for bikers.

Once on the saddle I felt a slight short of leg reach to the ground eventhough it actually is 5mm lower in seat height compared to Hayabusa. Strangely, Kawasaki claimed to have a narrower seat too. Perhaps the foot peg is in the way of the shortest leg distance to the ground that you have to move the foot few inches back/front.

Once on the road and trying to get to the front of the traffic, the throttle response feels mushy but 'sorted' below 3.5k RPM in 6th gear. This is more so when I gave a handsful of throttle at 3k RPM. At that instant, the bike is analogous to Starship Enterprise trying to channel all power before jumping to lightspeed right at 3500 RPM. This might be undetectable at lower gears. As such it needs a downshift or better still, half clutch solution, when overtaking at crawl speed in 6th. The only bike which excels in this is the Gen1 Hayabusa which I had literally rode in 6th gear around town. Perhaps the ZZR drive by wire throttle control regulates low end power in such a way to tame urban cruising.

As the traffic cleared, the bottom end test began. I started off by scanning for flat spots (my favorite test back in the 600-750cc & carburator days) Instead of finding one, I couldnt stop smiling when accelerating beyond 3800rpm. Its something the Hayabusa and the K5 can't match. It didnt even have to reach 5000rpm to impress me... Can't wait till its fully broken in. Its also worth mentioning that the engine feels as smooth as a scooter even during hard acceleration.

(updated 9th April '12) The recently published dyno curve (April www.sportrider.com) comparing the Gen2 Busa to the ZX14R, truly supports my seat of the pants dyno :-) assesment in the last paragraph. Based on the curves, ZX14R really shines after 5000 RPM.(end update)

To scrub off the speed, there's hardly any engine braking, a trait that is shared with the Gen2 Hayabusa. Downshifting is actualy needed and applied more frequently in the tight corners in the 3rd leg of the test. here, the slipper clutch worked really well with a very solid feel and no delay in enggagement for now (at speed ~ 140km/h only downshift to 3rd). For drag racers there is a blinker (similar to shift light) for clutch release at a preset RPM. The binders are superb with radial masterpump and calipers, offering grip and feel unsurpassed by the Gen2 Busa with Brembo RCS19 mastercylinder using EBC sintered pads. It still offers 6 grip settings. The best part of it all is the ABS (only for ZZR and non standard on ZX14R).

Standard suspension setting is on the softer side as factory default is set on the softer half. Even so, in no codition did the bike wiggled its rear during hard corner exits or the front end dived excessively under hardbraking at corner entry. However, the front end feel is vague although not totally unusable. The bike feels heavy when flipping side to side. This is especially so during pre twisty zig zagging to warm up the tires, which should be easily remedied when the 40lb rocket booster exhaust cannisters are jettisoned. Cornering feels solidly planted but needed more time to settle in due to the pendulum effect of the heavy cannisters (similar to the Gen2 Busa). A plus point, the shorter reach to the handle will make it easier for midcorner adjustment as well as body shifting. This posture also offers good traffic and trajectory visibilty compared to its GT competitor. As for those reasons, cornering on this bike will be easier with enough acclimatization. This is later proven when 'hard' corners on board Hayabusa turned into a fiesta on board the big Ninja. In the straight line or touring mode, the soft suspension offers muted road bumps sensation. The badly laden tarmac surface between Grik to Banding have been hazardous at times when riding the Hayabusa and even the 954 (overshot after landed into a pothole back in 2002). However, it turned up to be a smooth ride on the ZZR.

I stepped into a hotel coffee house overlooking the man made lake at the destination contemplating the different kind of ride the bike has offered. Its smooth engine and supple ride offers great touring capability while power delivery and solid cornering feeling welcome aggressive riding. Perhaps with a minor suspension tweaking, it may become a worthy track circuit contender. With this impression, the ride back became more exciting as if the bike rewarded me for giving my trust.

A relationship built on trust (or is it thrust ?)


500km .. to soon for a top speed run

I passed the first 500km mark at the end of the trip. It means that the engine rev limit can now go up from 4000(120kmh) to 6000rpm or 170kmh. (now I learned that it is 500miles in the manual not 500km)The road in front of me finally opened right at the red light. With a short weaving to be at the front, I whacked the throttle wide open and like a kid watching porn for the first time, I listened and watch for what's going to happened next. The tachometer jump and the shift light lighted up for the first time (set at 7.5kRPM = lowest setting). The soft exhaust note got ripped apart into a kind of hypersonic roar. I remembered I was clasping fist to hold tight to dear bike as it was jolting my arms while I am pulling my torso on the tank. I was shifting gears real fast to avoid hitting the redline and in no time I reached 9kRPM in the top gear and moving about 250km.h.....easily, no drama. I was all smiles and that wrapped up my day.

The new hope....!

ZZR1400/ZX14R - new weapon of choice

(To write and share this experience requires some efforts on my side. My only hope is to get some feedback of what you think especially those with biking experience. Appreciate if u leave some comments before leaving)

Skipping various riding episodes, this is my entry about the new wheeler I just bought less than a week ago. To be exact, it was on last Thursday 8th March 2012.

This happens to be my first new bike of a latest model, ever. Its the one which cost exceeding 100 grand. Its unthinkable at first but circumstances facilitated the purchase and the selling off for the Hayabusa. It was so easy that from the conception to actual delivery took me about 10 days. However, this was the easy part.

The difficult part was to decide, without actually ridden the ZZR1400, if I should buy it and let the Hayabusa go. Hayabusa on the otherhand has been a very reliable horse and among the best looking bike I have owned. It was difficult until I test rode the ZZR1400 the ....hardest pulling bike.


the king slayer dressed in green....
And why do I make that choice? The 14 has been in close race but always a runner up to the Hayabusa for the last 6 years. Kawasaki fierce approach in new models of various reputation hinted the best in class flagship was on itsway. This follows by the 10-10-11 hype.

When finally launched the new ZZR shocked everyone with unprecedented 20hp stronger over the next closest thing. It has the power and electronics evolution which came from proven models like ZX14 2011 (power) and ZX10R 2011(electronics). While realizing the 2 aspects will not make the ZZR the greatest bike if the handling sucks, they actually boosted up with more rigid suspension and chassis for better cornering performance.

Although theoretical, 2 out of 3 proven areas are pretty reasonable odds to bank in. Its easy ergonomics (showroom sit test) is another deal clencher. Finally, the things that really steal the deal should be trade in price of the outgoing bike and final test ride I took. I actually told the salesman to tie up a ribbon on the bike and proceed with the purchase.


Finally, its in my garage
All this is not without hefty price I paid when I lost the Hayabusa group comraderie. A natural consequence for brand/model based motor groups.

Bike review will begin in the next blog entry....yawn...

Hayabusa Canyon Ride

It was a bright morning and as we're filling up gas in our tanks, I realized that its windy too. This should be a perfect day for riding. It was an ordinary ride to Grik for our weekly roti canai breakfast and the clock was showing 10:45am. We're about to end breakfast, suddenly, I got an idea. I thought we should extend our ride to the Banding Lake (Tasik Banding). It's only about 30miles further to the east...where the windy road meets the sky....and its the last day before Ramadhan. The last day before we bag our bikes into a loooong hibernation.

As it turned out, I had a hell of time. The truns were shorter, as if asking you to come and shred the tires...before the season ends.....I leave it to you to enjoy the ride with me :http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R45iHpRi838&feature=youtube_gdata

Hangtime

Routine roti canai breakfast for the thousandth time :-)
The Banding Lake. Connecting bridge to the Banding Island in the background.


Enggagement ceremony of our own Rudy (Men in Black)

Track Day on Hayabusa

It was planned almost right after the April trackday. Everyone has his score to settle this time, as the last one was awesome for everybody. This is clear from the daily emails and weekend ride chatters. Everyone badly wants to improve their cornering. Here is everyone. Busa riders dreaded the premature throttle release and braking at the straight line, blaming them entirely on the wooden feel of the Hayabusa brakes, never on the lack of...courage.

There's one more addition to our group this time. A spanking brand new grey Hayabusa, just clocked about 1000 miles under 3 weeks old (photo below, see arrow). We actually convinced Razman to pick up skill and confidence by doing a track stint with us. Perhaps, we think we can coach him along the way like big brothers do.
Departing aboout 8am at the local Shell
Big brother Hj K. and us at the R&R just before one of our bikes needed an engine oil top up. Perhaps it's his way to give us blessings before the mayhem.
Dinner with good friends from the Wlong Wlum gang who travelled with us to Krabi. Dinner venue (NZ cafe) has great view of the glittering KL twin tower.



At the track, as the usual sequence went, tire pressure set to 31psi front & 30psi rear, gas fill up to at leats 3/4 full or more, stick the admission tix ring on to the bikes, tapeout the number plates....and for the first time, stick the helmet cam to the helmet, yes...it should have worked well except for the alignment was off and got all wasted.
1st lap is for sighting and tire warming up while reacquainting with the ol' familiar layout again. We got hooked up riding back to back just like any other Sunday ride to Grik :-).
Turn 9.

As things got warmed up, the lean angle becomes smaller..at least it should, but somehow it didnt go as I wished. Instead of the turning in smoothly, it buckled in coupled with a slippery feeling. I left the track and found that the tire pressure has increased by 1.5psi, will this make it lose traction? A friend later said that the corner speed was too slow causing rolling sensation. I made a quick check and found that the body position was not spot on like in April. This came much later, a couple of laps before the mock race started....too late to have fun I might say.

Turn 1 - while feeling very slippery

Mat Jep pushing himself

Desperately in need for more entry speed, more butt shift and more knee out ... more track days :-)

Turn 2, much later in session.

Right after the tire pressure adjustment - 1st pit.

Another turn2 photo - getting in the rythm, but too little time left

Always feel like a million dollars everytime at the grid

After the mayhem with the Wlong Wlum clan

The tremendous fun was marred with 3 red lights and a crash by one of our Busas. Fortunately no one was injured. We rode back short of 1 rider and dead tired 400km down the road. It was worth the while but I just wished I had smaller breakfast, arrived 20 mins.earlier and a better sleep the night before.

Pre Sepang trackday ride - tire warming

"Wadie - awat nampak lurah tu!"

"Depan masjid kat Barcelona ada tarikan tersendiri...Abg Haji kena bukak spectacles, tak mahu tengok". Kami semua ternganga dengag cerita kedai kopi sebegini.

Antara Busa riders yang tegar (or ketegar?&*). Razman (center) , maiden ride to Grik - macam dah naik selalu...daaa. Tak payah nak tunggu, kena tailgate lagi!!

Mat Jep (left) - suit liner sama kaler dgn leather seam. Matching tuuu. Semakin laju harini.

Genap 10 bikes yang merempit pagi Ahad ni. 5 of them are Hayabusas!!

Newly discovered Blue Hayabusa

Mat Jep with his new bling bling full suit on its maiden ride. Chest emblem should be replaced by a fusion power cell then we both can be Iron Man.

If someone ask u, if they come in Pink. The answer is - Hell, no! :-)

Klu gambar ni elok, aku nak frame kat atas moto, let them know I am the proud owner!

Razman (right - on his maiden trip to Grik) and Jep went up the hill......they are too concerned about breaking their neck so they're armored to their teeth.

Dulu dulu

Nostalgia... zaman 2000an dulu...

Moto zaman 2 stroke - NSR, KR, TZ dan RGV. Superbike masa tu tersangatlah jarang nampak. Confident pun tak ada nak bawak superbike, maklumla geng pun belum lahir lagi :-). Semuanya bermula dengan KRS ni... Masa baru2 beli 1994, motor ni nampak besar bila di parking tepi pertama complex. Dengan lampu depan 2 bijiknya dan fairing penuh ala2 zzr600 dan zzr250..terasa macam superbike, sampaila TZM mula naik atas jalan. Dgn tayar 17in lebar 130 kot, memang kalah la KRS yg baru dibeli cuma 2 bulan :-(.


Bertanamkan tekad nak pakai moto tayar lebar ala2 TZM, aku terus sambar ZX6R terus haa...ambik kau. Itu ditahun 1998. 1st thing terasa berbeza bila naik superbike, gear 6 dia power betul, walaupun power curve moto ni cuma terasa di top end saja. Moto pun dah season dlm 30K lebih. Banyak yg tak puas hati, maklumla, high expectation, perfectionist pulak tu.
Umur pun baru 29 waktu nih.
Selepas tu tiba2 ada lah rezeki lebih sket. Mulalah tangan pun menggeletar nak moto bottom end pulak...cc besar lagi la tu. Sambar la ZX7R ... sebab moto ni evergreen dan masih dalam World Superbike. Nampak pun garang..lampu depan dua biji mean bug eye pun sangatla menggiurkan :-)
Gambar lepas buat top speed run...masa tu 240kmh cukup laju la tu...ZX-7R 2001
Kona masa tu belajar sendiri2 sebab tak selalu naik konvoi. Kerja siang malam, mana nak ada masa waktu tu. Ada la satu favorite korner, asyik tala disitu saja, petang2 lepas kerja.

Cakap berkenaan lepas kerja ni, aku teringat kemalangan pertama berpatahkan tangan dulu. Apa punya gila menunggang moto waktu demam dek food poisoning. Aku dilanggar kapcai penunggang tua yang membelok ke kanan sewaktu aku memotong di sebelah kanan juga. Gedegang, skreeet, bam! ...beserta pandangan yg berguling-guling, itu saja yang aku masih ingat.

Setelah moto disolek semula, aku melangkah lebih jauh...meredah tasik Banding dan Pedu seorang diri. Sempadan Siam tak lagi jadi sempadan aku. Siang, malam, hujan, panas tak ada bezanya. Bermulalah episod baru....pengalaman oh pengalaman.

Moto ni juga, yang pertama aku latam dalam trek. Pertama kali di Batu 3 dan selang setahun lepas tu di SIC (Sepang). Sayang, aku tak bawak kamera si Batu3 yg dah lesap dibawah Tesco extra.
Rasa cukup 'mereng' la waktu tu, rupa2 nya tak de bende pun. Gambar masa di Pos Slim, Cameron Highlands.
Moto hitam aku tukar ke Pearl Orange ala2 model 2001 di US. Bagi aku, kaler ni sedap di pandang dan nampak lebih besar berbanding hitam. Jimat sikit duit berbanding kalau beli yang baru.

2002, keluarla pulak moto yang paling cun waktu tu. CBR954. Dua tahun aku mengintai. In 2004, tak sempat2 nak jual ZX-7R dah sambar satu lagi........... Walaupun keluarga aku dah bertambah ahli, biar ibunya mau pun anak, tapi passion motorrad aku ni tak luntur2.
Klu ZX7R aku rasa torquey dan stabil, CBR954 pulak rasa flighty dan melayang. Tak terasa kepayahan langsung bila nak pecut. Inilah moto fuel injection yang aku rasa setanding dengan moto2 baru waktu 2004 dulu. Berbaloi beli, tak disengajakan pulak owner asalnya seorang artis. Memang tip top dan low mileage. Pokoknya, aku owner yang puas hati lah.

Lebih kerap dan jauh aku melangkah. Memang betul klu org bilang, moto ni ada tarikkan yg kuat. Hobby sampingan mengarut aku pun bertambah melarat. Trip yang beratus batu boleh dihabiskan dalam sepetang atau semalam demi hobby yang itu.
Wuuh, kurusnya aku masa ni - dahsyat 66kg je masa tu, seberat Mawi AF,. Dah le tu, gelap pulak -selalu bawak moto agaknya.
Moto ni tak perlu tarik brek, cuma lepas throttle, enjinnya boleh brek sendiri. Kalau nak tailgate kereta pun, no problem. Jangan cuba dgn Suzuki....tapi moto Suzuki lah jugak yang aku cari. (bersambung lagi...sori)

(add almost a year later - 11 March 2012)
....... banyaklah perkara yg menghalang penyambungan artikel ini. Terutmanya kesuntukan masa termasuklah my departure to Mekah tahun lalu bersama kursus haji. Sekarang, blog diteruskan lagi.

954 bukanlah moto yg dapat rating tertinggi waktu itu sebab R1 lebih mendapat perhatian dalam kebanyakan majalah. 954 dengan cc yg tak cukup 1000, ia bukan lagi moto no1. Di tahun 2008, genaplah 4 tahun bersama aku. Mileage pun dah lebih 28k. Valve clearance done, 2nd dyno tune dapat 147hp. Memang tinggi untuk 954 dgn Micron slip on. Tiada apa yg kurang, cuma rasa2 nak tukar selera pulak.

Kebetulan pula, keadaan kewangan mula mengizinkan. Segala news tentang moto diteliti. Akhirnya setelah bertemu kawan2 Malaysian Super Series dan diperkenalkan dengan salesman Naza - Mael, aku pun mula mengenali Naza Motors. Yang menjadi idaman ketika itu pulak ialah GSX1000 model K5 (2005).

Model ini menang WSB in its debut year dan mengekalkan gelaran bike of the year banyak majalah motor di tahun seterusnya. Keistimewaannya ada 2. Senang dihandle dan midrange yang kuat. The qualities it shares with v-twin bikes like Ducati. Seterusnya, aku pulak tak pernah lagi memiliki Suzuki. Apalagi model 1000cc. R1 yang menjadi kegilaan ramai dengan exoz under the seat cuma ada looks but not the usable power on the street like the GSXR. Dengan harga $76k, on the road aku pun menyambar moto baru tu. This became my first brand new superbike walaupun bukan model terkini.

Pecutan K5 memang boleh menimbulkan ketagihan. Dengan berat kering moto 168kg dan horsepower menjangkau 165, tak heran kalau pecutannya lebih terasa hebat dari Hayabusa sendiri. Bukan setakat itu, handlingnya juga memang terlalu senang malah lebih bersahaja bila menukar arah dan mencabar selekoh tajam tanpa membrek. Sekiranya masuk selekoh sudah menguja, keluar selekoh akan disambut dengan huasa tork midrange yang sangat kuat. Tak heranlah moto ni menang WSB c'ship debut year of 2005. Cuma disebabkan saiznya yang 90% motor pencabar d kelas yg sama yg membuatkan saya merasa kurang sesuai. Pendek kata motor ni nampak sebesar TZM sahaja. Jadi timbullah rasa mahu cari yang lain......bersambung

Motivate - motovate

Something to look at everyday...so that you have to plan something up on coming weekends :-)
Stare at them more and you just might have to add or change some items...