Faults:

Fuel pump relay went off the wire only once.

General Comments:

Big, heavy, but comfy sport tourer, with lots of torque and even more bhp. Comfy for 2up, or single. Excellent acceleration, consumption even better. City commuting needs 7lit/100km, highway blast about same. On open roads and curves it goes down well below 6lit/100km. Very reliable dog, that could take me anywhere, anytime from -11C to +45C with no complaints. Wind protection is superb up to 100mph cruise, for all day long. For 3 years of ownership didn't blink once (except the fuel pump relay faulty contact). Even the battery didn't need attention at all in 4 years.

Downsides of this big bear are: Handling/steering is really on the weak side; you need to plan your slow curves because there will be no second chance, especially 2up. Brakes are well underpowered for the weight. If you find some bad surface, you will have almost no brakes and steering at all. Rear tyres and front pads wear quickly, carbs and front fork need frequent attention and servicing (did mine every year).

However, this package of power and comfort is nearly the best buy on the market given the very low price for some time. Will buy another Kawasaki any time, day or night, with no second thoughts at all.

Faults:

Over the past two years I have bought two of these bikes and still have both. Inlet camshaft lobe pitting is a common issue, but affected only one of the bikes. The camshaft is no longer available, so I had the camshaft reprofiled.

The front brakes on these bikes need a lot of maintenance, as the caliper pistons stick.

General Comments:

A lovely fast, comfortable and good looking (beauty is in the the eye of the beholder) and I prefer it to the 2013 ZZR1400 which I own. But the suspension needs to be refreshed, brakes changed and carbs derestricted.

See www.redzed.proboards.com to see the 'refresh' changes I have made to give the ZZR1100 a new lease of life, but keeping it as standard as possible.