Faults:

Bad gas caused the bike to not start, which had never happened before. The bike sat covered outside for almost 2 years before a carb/petcock service & now seems stronger & just as much fun as before my medical procedures stopped me from riding it. I've lost about 30 lbs & the bike seems to forget that I'm on it, WOW.

Faults:

Have not had any problems with the Zrex.

General Comments:

This motorcycle is what a standard bike is all about. It has kept the style, performance, reliability that the Honda CB750 brought to the world in 1969. Why Honda walked away from this style is beyond me.

Has a wide powerband that is easy to control.

At real slow speeds, it gets a little ponderous, but that is inevitable, and one gets used to it.

I have modified the Zrex very little: 1) put 1" handlebar risers to move it up and back. 2) advanced the timing from 2 deg. to 4 deg. 3) Replaced stock muffler with carbon fiber to knock off about 10 pounds of dead, high weight. 4) added 1 tooth to the countershaft sprocket.

It gets great gas mileage for a 1200cc; 45mpg around town, and 55mpg on the road.

Faults:

No mechanical issues, other than general maintenance.

General Comments:

This bike is a wonderful commuter and has served me well. It doesn't matter if you are riding two up or on your own, it will do the job quite nicely. I have only needed to make minor modifications to it, taller windscreen, mirror extenders, and rear peg extenders for my wife to be a bit more comfortable.

My only knock on the bike is the stock seat. It took a few thousand miles for the seat to wear into my rear end enough to make it not fall asleep on rides longer than 50 miles.

The power of this bike is really all that 90% of most riders will ever need in the real world. Tons of torque that starts at very low RPM's and continues well into the upper power-band. It really has a lot of power. The only bikes that would smoke the the ZREX are the hyper-bikes of the world like the busa and upper level ninjas and R-1's. But, in my opinion this bike counters the lack of that kind of speed by its all around utility.

Its not a home run power hitter, but it is that guy in the lineup that will get you a hit every time you really need, year after year.

As far as the suspension goes, I am not the corner hugging canyon carver type, but I have never felt this bike wouldn't do exactly what I ask it to. Confident and competent are very good words to describe it.

Just like so many other Kawasaki engines, this thing is nearly bullet proof. No problems at all. just change the oil (go with a full synth for the smoothest shifting) and change the tires when they wear out.

As far as the styling goes, the retro look is not for everyone, but if you are into that sort of bike, then nothing comes closer to the old sport standards than the ZREX. If this machine were available in 1982, it would have been outlawed by the insurance companies.

By the way, the Blue ones are faster than all the other colors. :)

Faults:

Chain wore out.

General Comments:

I chopped in my 20 year old VFR750 to buy this bike for £4300.

It was four years old, but a brief test ride pressed all the right buttons with me.

I've had it for 3 months and 5,000 miles now, so feel qualified to comment on it.

I use my bike as main transport, it takes me the 70 mile round trip to/from work each day, come rain or shine.

It is a torque monster, will pull cleanly from tickover to the red line, and is surprisingly economical.

Following my usual modifications (taller screen, panniers, heated grips, power for the heated waistcoat), I find it very comfy and easy to ride.

It is no sports machine, go into a corner too fast and the standard suspension lets you know all about it.

But ride it smoothly and sensibly, and the rewards are fantastic, 52mpg.

Mine is the S variant with the half fairing, there is surprisingly little protection from the wind on your hands.

It is very reliable, and given a handful, the acceleration is phenomenal.

The original Continental RoadAttack tyres fell apart very quickly, and have been replaced with Dunlop D220 touring tyres, which grip well and have given me no problems in the 1000 miles I have so far used them.

I will update this report as time passes and the miles rise.

Faults:

Nothing has gone wrong with this fine machine.

General Comments:

This would have to be the best muscle-bike on the market.

The instant power and superb handling make it very comfortable to ride. The front suspension could be a little firmer, however.

The seat is wide and well padded, making long trips a breeze.

I have added a slightly taller screen to reduce buffeting.

The bike is fitted with a Giannelli exhaust can, and a Dynojet kit.

There is an huge quantity of aftermarket bits available.

I have owned a number of fast bikes over the years, but this bike scores top marks for all round use. It is equally at home as a commuter or fun bike.

The cost of ownership is about average for its class.

I would not recommend this bike to beginners, as it is relatively heavy, and powerful. It is very easy to spin the back wheel or pop a mono.