Just want some opinions from people that have tracked or raced on this generation of ZX6R. I'm considering buying one, but I've heard from a couple of people that those (especially the '09) have some front end issues, such as chatter or steering instability. Anyone else agree or disagree with this? Any other thoughts? I'm sure if these issues exist, they're only noticeable at faster pace, so I'd like to hear from advanced track day guys or racers if possible.
I have had great luck with mine, 09, I have had one occasion where I had chatter, but part of that is my fat ass on completely stock suspension that probably should have had a refresh. Other than that one instance I have had zero issues. Running mid pack advanced at Grattan. Hope that helps.
Thanks. I've had enough opinions so far to persuade me to buy it (as long as the guy ever replies! Slowest seller ever!). So far seems like the consensus is as follows: - bike is fine for most people and skill levels - chatter problem is pretty well known but only at very high pace, such as top 5 expert racer level - even at that point, it can be sorted out with geometry settings mostly. I know a guy locally who's very fast on his and he hasn't ran into that issue but says he knows of quite a few others who have. Jason Farrell also hasn't had any issues with his '09 (which is now his wife's race bike) once he dialed it in, and neither has his wife who I believe is also an expert racer. I'm not at expert level. I'm more around midpack amateur level, so I'm not too worried about these problems at this point. Just need to make the deal now and I'll be a Kawasaki guy once again!
I got a spare motor for an 09-12 if you are looking Only issue i ever had was false neutrals, luckily it is very easy to swap transmissions on these bikes
Well let's not get ahead of ourselves here, I don't even have the bike yet ...and I hope I won't need one anytime soon since it has a stock engine with 4k miles only. However, out of curiosity, how many miles does it have and how much? Just wondering what these engines go for used but in good shape...just in case. I'm used to Ducati stuff since that's what I ran the last 4 years and I sold my 1198 engine for $2500 which is about the norm on those from what I've seen on ebay.
Just curious since I'm switching from a 2013 zx6r to a 2001 Ducati 748, why are you giving up the Ducati?
A combination of the following: - reduce some debt (still had 2 years of payments on it) - get something that's easier to ride so I can do more laps without feeling as exhausted - get something that's cheaper to own (tire costs, parts, maintenance, etc.) I loved my 1198. Best bike I've ever owned, but it's a beast...one that I couldn't quite manage to tame.
I have an '08. I love it. So much so that I jumped to a 2014 for this year. Unless you're planning to run and win Expert level races, you should be fine. If you get to that level, you'll figure out a way around it As mentioned, JT hauls *** on his. Jason Farrell seems to do just fine on them and sets track records. I'm not sure what you mean by "steering instability". My SV would chatter when on the absolute limit in fast corners, but I wouldn't say not to buy one.
Funny, I'm switching for a couple of the same reasons, reduce debt (I too have a loan plus required full coverage insurance) and get something cheaper to own. 93-02 Ducati 748 parts are cheap and abundant, tire wear should be better, I'm a mechanic and these models are really easy to work on. I have only ridden it on the street a couple times last week and it's not a beast to be tamed compared to the zx6r but feels like it'll be a fun track ride. I only ride for fun so getting out of my loan and insurance will free up money for track time!
One common element. All the above use Pirelli Tires. The well known Kaw chatter issue, isn't a issue using soft carcass tires like Pirelli.
Now that my local track day tire supplier has Pirellis, that's what I plan on using at first. Never been on Pirelli race tires...I've tried Dunlops, Bridgestones, and Michelins, so I'm curious how the Pirellis will feel (although it'll be a hard comparison since it's going to be a whole different bike).
I wonder how the new Michelin Evo's will act being that they are similar to the Pirelli (softer carcass). Anyone know? They have the Michelin Evo challenge promo going on right now.
Motor is stock besides clutch kit, shifter star, and race covers. Has around 10k, runs flawless, puts down 115 on the dyno early last season. $900. Never hurts to have a spare, and Pirelli is your friend
Michelins? Soft??? Umm...they're hard as a rock! lol...well not really, not quite as stiff as Dunlops, but really close. At least the rears are, hence the really low recommended pressure. I'm assuming if the rears are stiff, the fronts are too. I never noticed a difference a difference in the fronts coming from the Bridgestone V01 slicks.
Damn! 900 bucks for a spare motor in good shape. Not bad at all! Wouldn't hurt to have one, but I can't commit since I don't even have the bike. This guy is the worst at communicating. You'd think that if you have something to sell, especially something of decent value, that you'll be pretty active about it. I've been going through a bike partout since November and even with things that are only selling for 100 bucks, I reply to people within a matter of 2-3 hours at most! I check the forums and email all the time. This guy though...checks the forum like once every 2-4 days. I gave him my email and phone number, and at first he ignored it. Second time around he said he was going to call or text me last night....never heard from him. Weird...maybe he's having second thoughts about selling it
Why re-invent the wheel? Snuf-a-lot-a- glue Seems to go pretty well on the Pirelli. My 08 had a beast of a SS motor courtesy of Farrell.