Hello everyone! I am a fairly new rider, I am currently on a Suzuki Boulevard 800cc cruiser. I get impulsive though and decided I wanted to trade for a 2004 zzr600 that I saw on craigslist with only 5,000 miles on it and in excellent shape. Here is my question:

I only have about 3,000 miles under my belt and it has all been on my cruiser. I'm going to meet this guy to trade this afternoon and will be riding about 30 miles to get there. Then I will have to ride the zzr back to my house because I couldn't find anyone to come with me.

Can I have some tips/advice on making a quick adjustment from a cruiser to the zzr 600; what should I focus on to make a safe 30 miles trip back home? Thanks!

 

Hey mluc. Congrats on the switch! I think you'll immediately find that the zzr will rev faster and higher than your cruiser. The "sound" will be different than you're used to hearing. I suspect you will also find a bit quicker response in handling; kinda like moving to a bar stool from a strato-lounger. The zzr will feel more "flick-able." Your riding position will be more upright/slightly forward. I have nothing against cruisers, except for their riding position. I prefer the standard to sporty position because (IMHO) it allows for quicker handling and a faster "get-off" if things go bad.
Just take your time and settle-in. The differences between a cruiser and sporty aren't THAT huge until you begin to push the extremes. Post up some pics of your new ride!!

 

Hey Jeff, thanks for the quick response. I'm pretty excited about the change, just a little wary of getting right on it without any practice time in a parking lot or anything. In my mind just figuring out the riding posture was going to be the big obstacle but I'm sure as soon as I hop on it and start moving I'll naturally slide into the correct seating. Thanks for the reply it was very helpful!

 

(I think you'll probably like the posture better than the cruiser.) Let us know how it goes.

 

How did the new ride feel to you? You will find that any body movement on the ZZR will be over exaggerated compared to the cruiser. So, take your time and adjust your riding style and habits to get acquainted to the new ride. Congrats.

Welcome to KF

 

Well I got the bike last night! The 30 mile ride home after never having been on one was interesting lol I took it very easy, never got over 70 and just tried to get used to the posture and the differences from my cruiser.

This mornings commute to work was a different story... I opened up it up a lot on I95, took some curves at 90ish to get the feel for it and it was absolutely awesome. I enjoyed riding my cruiser but I am very much hooked at this point!

I attached some pictures of the bike; on a side note can anyone direct me to a resource or give some ideas on upgrading the taillights or possible the front of the bike to modernize it a little? Or do you think it looks good as is? I think the bike is very good looking overall.

 

Thanks for the welcome!

 

Mluc, glad to hear a positive ride report!
As for the mods, do you have a metal "bracket" snugged under your tail light; off the rear subframe? It may have convenient "tabs" on either side you can use for your turn signals. Take a Dremel with a cut-off wheel and (AFTER you mark it with a Sharpie---measure twice, cut once) and buzz-off the fender, almost flush with the bodywork. You may want to get some smaller turn signals for the rear bracket tab fittings. The stockers are kinda too big (IMHO.)
The front end is not as easy to mod without looking crapped-up. You might try some smaller mirrors instead of the stock F-350 tow package--looking ones. Other than that, you're pretty limited.
Might also see if you can track down a rear tire "hugger." They really do help keep the funk from getting all over your inner rear fender.

 

LMAO! That is exactly what I thought when I saw the mirrors. I will definetely look into the lighting issues. Thanks for all the advice/help! I'll post pictures if I mod anything.