For the past 10 years, I have been riding dirtbikes as a form of recreation. However as of late, the trips out to eastern WA have dwindled, but my yearning for 2-wheel motion has not. I was hoping to mend this buy purchasing a 1974 Honda Trail 90. A fun classic looking bike, was perfect for tooting around town in. However, on a trip out to Montana (no I didn't ride it there) the transmission locked up, nearly causing me to lay down the bike. Needless to say, I was in no mood to dump another $500 into a lost cause. Instead, I began saving up for a street bike.

Somewhere inside me, something was pulling me towards the Ninja. I don't know if it was simply my childhood roots, watching my dad on his KLX250, the aggressive styling, or the eye-catching Kawasaki Green. Regardless, I knew it was what I wanted. Forget the R6, Gixxers, or CBRs, one thing and one thing only was on my mind, a ZX6R.

So this past week I spent a large chunk of my time prowling craigslist ads. Finally this past Friday I was able to check out a bike. My budget was low ($2500) and I wasn't looking to start out small. My two options were either a sketchy 2005 model with 15k that had severe damage (laid down going at speed) or a relatively high-mileage 2003 model with 40k. I figured since the 2003 was much closer to my place, I should check it out first (30mi vs 300mi).

I got there and took it for a test ride. The roads were icy so there wasn't much room to let the throttle loose a bit. First thing I noticed is that turning is much different with a sport bike. It's difficult to describe really, hopefully with lots of time and practice I will get better at mastering turns. Regardless, I liked it and I made an offer.

Skip forward to today. I negotiated the price down to $2400 and got free delivery. We signed the papers and went out separate ways. Pretty smooth and simple transaction. My only challenge now is sourcing the funds to pay for registration, transfer of the title, and additional gear. $2500 was all I had, so things may take a little while to get going.

Now I imagine this is what all of you were waiting for, photos!







It has a few aftermarket things, as well as some dents and scratches. There is a bit of evidence that one of the owners laid the bike down at one point or another, but it looks to be when still. There are a lot of little bits I would like to change or remove. Right now it has:

Yoshimura pipe
Fake CF indicators
Fake CF fender eliminator
Chrome windscreen (with crack)
Heated handlebar grips
Chrome handlebar ends

I'm hoping to pick up a tinted windscreen once the title is transferred to my name, as the chrome one is pretty tacky, and has no visibility. Following that not sure what direction I will go with the bike. I am really hoping to make this a daily rider, to go to work and back. I know I need lots of practice, but with time and effort I am sure I will become a decent rider. I am planning on taking a motorcycle course (intermediary level) within the next month, to finalize my motorcycle license.

Thoughts, comments, concerns? I would love to hear any tips on riding, especially from anyone who has gone from dirtbikes like myself. Thanks for looking!

 

wow thats alot of bike for 2500 i have had 2 of them. great street bikes

i now have a 2008 zx14 ...

 

ps lol i have a stock head with low miles if u ever need one.

 

Those tires look like sport touring tires, not the typical max performance tires that come on sportbikes. so watch your lean angle.

 

I would definitely get the engine checked, as 40k miles is quite a bit for sport bikes. Make sure maintenance was up to date, usual bike stuff as I am sure u know.

 

It is very different on a street bike with the whole lean angle...they will almost lay on their side and still keep on grabbing. I love my zx10r you will not be disappointed

 

waw dude that sexii

 

Nice find. Just remember that dirt bikes and street bikes use different techniques for riding. I would strongly suggest ordering Keith Code's Twist of the Wrist and reading it soon so you can easily see the differences from riding dirt.

If the 03-04 has the same windscreen as the 05-08 I have 5 or 6 in my garage. I'd be willing to sell you one for $15+ shipping to help get that tacky chrome junk off there. I probably have bar ends as well.

The rear tire looks pretty squared off to me. If I were putting my friend on their first street/ sportbike I'd probably get a new set of Diablo Corsas put on it right way. The tires will dramatically affect your handling, cornering, braking, tip-in...get the idea. Also, be sure to monitor your air pressure on the street more closely. A tire down 5psi can make the bike sluggish to non-responsive. FWIW, on that bike I'd run my hot pressure about 4-6psi below max. I think on our zx6's we're running in the mid 30's, but I ride the Busa more than anything and it has R-comps. So, I don't really remember off the top of my head the pressure on the zx6.

 

Thanks for the advice, I will def. look into some new rubber. Really looking for something that will work in both wet and dry conditions. I just rode home today in a rain storm, and I didn't ever feel any slippage, but I took extra care focusing on the road.

And I'll let you know what I decide on a windscreen. Got some other stuff to buy first (going to take a MSF class) but it's next on my list.

 

So I've been riding for the past few weeks now, and I have to say I'm getting pretty used to the bike. No longer am I worrying about my lean angle, or stalling out at a stop. I still have to take care of the windscreen and the handlebar caps, but apart from gas and a little maintenance, no money is going into the bike right now.

Well, almost no money...

 

Nice, makes me wana get a bike.

 

Nice ride, take it easy for about a month or so. Have you been to any MSF courses yet? I t will greatly improve your comfort with riding the bike. I myself havent really been riding that long, but I have taken Basic riding course, Experienced Riding and Sport Bike courses and each one made it easier to ride.

 

I actually took a MSF course almost 2 months ago now, and it was a bit helpful (especially in quick maneuvering). It also allowed me to skip the riding test from the DMV, which was nice

I've been riding this about 3-4 days a week since. Rain, shine, and even snow. I got stuck about 3 weeks ago in 5" of snow but I was able to push the bike home. Now I just need to work on improving my fuel economy. Problem is the roads to work are too much fun!

 

Installed a set of flush-mount sidemarkers:





Not the best quality ones out there, but you can't beat the price at $15.

 

Very nice bike. Besides checking/changing all of the appropriate fluids, and changing the plugs and air filter. I would definitely make sure you've spent some time cleaning and re-lubricating the chain (the right way-per the FSM) as well as checking the tension on the chain. Everyone knows it's supposed to be done, but so few of people actually take care of it until something starts showing concern.