Kawasaki.....

[NTexas_V-Star]

I'm wanting to buy local, so that I have local service and support. I've never really considered Kawasaki. We have a local dealership here, and they have a few zx10's and zx6r's on the floor.

Anyone have any horror stories about them? As a brand? I know there are going to be haters on anything, I catch hell about my Harley all the time.

[Big Pencil]

I've owned two: a KDX200 dirt bike that ran strong, always started and was essentially bullet-proof. And, a ZRX1100. Ran strong, performed well, had a nice fit and finish and was also essentially bullet-proof. It was a little heavy and didn't handle like most modern sport bikes, but that was only due to its retro muscle bike design. I sold it at 35k miles and still occasionally miss it.

So, bottom line, I could recommend the Kawasaki brand as a reliable, good performing value.

[bird_dog0347]

My buddies give me shit about being a Kawi fan, but whatever. I currently have a 04 ZX-10R and a 03 636 that is going to be my track bike after I rebuild the motor. My last one was a 08 ZX-10R, I also had a 02 ZX-6R, and a 09 KX 450F. My first bike was a GSXR 600. I've never really had any problems with any of them except my 636 which I bought for $1k barely running anyways from some dumbass as a project to turn it into a track whore. Out of the big 4 where supersport bikes are concerned, it's mostly preference, or at least it was till Kawi came out with the first bad ass factory traction control system on a bike under $15k. The new 636 has it as well. Cycle Center of Denton had a few of each last time I Was up there. If you're gonna get the 10R, try and find a 2012 model as there weren't a lot of changes and you can get it cheaper. If you want the 636 you'll need a 2013 as last year was just a 600 with no traction control (still an awesome bike but I'd want the traction control and I'd take it straight to the track).

[NTexas_V-Star]

Solid replies, very helpful. Thanks guys!

[Grape]

engine hard parts are much cheaper than some of the other makes. rings for a gsxr 600 are approaching $60 per hole, 07 and up zx6 stuff is about $23 per hole. the kawi 600-636 still uses steel valves which allows for a real valve job instead of throwing away 16, $90 a piece titanium valves like on the yamaha, suzuki or honda. The zx10 has a crankcase breather problem that can pump oil into the airbox, but that's about it.

[NTexas_V-Star]

engine hard parts are much cheaper than some of the other makes. rings for a gsxr 600 are approaching $60 per hole, 07 and up zx6 stuff is about $23 per hole. the kawi 600-636 still uses steel valves which allows for a real valve job instead of throwing away 16, $90 a piece titanium valves like on the yamaha, suzuki or honda. The zx10 has a crankcase breather problem that can pump oil into the airbox, but that's about it.

Very helpful. Thanks man!

[dsrtuckteezy]

The zx10 has a crankcase breather problem that can pump oil into the airbox, but that's about it.

nothing wrong with a bit of oil in the airbox...just means youre riding it like you should!!

[lowthreeohz]

kawi dirt rigs are known for shedding bolts, but i never experienced that on mine. My first 2 bikes were zx6's, then i had a 05 636 that was a TANK.. i have nothing bad to say about kawis.

[UserX]

I've had two ZX6's, 95 I bought brand new, and a 2000 I bought used. I also bought a brand new 2008 ZX10. Never had a single issue with any of them. Kawi's run strong. May not be quite as refined as a Honda, but they run hard and are very reliable.