Kawasaki ZX-10R Forum banner

thinking of buying ZX10, advise needed

3655 Views 26 Replies 12 Participants Last post by  dalemac
hello!

I'm looking to buy either a ZX10r ABS(gen4 or 5) or RSV4 this year. the bike will be used mainly for hooligan type shit (canyons, trackdays, little street). I'm coming off a CBR1000rr that has been dependable and bulletproof.

how does the bike fit a 6'4" 230lbs guy?
how is the power? good mid range?
any updates to add QS or auto blip?
how reliable has your bike been?

thanks for the help!

on a side note, I also have a 2015 Concours that has been awesome (thus the eyeing of the ZX10)
1 - 20 of 27 Posts
:welcome:Dalemac!

There are threads here on that subject of the 10R vs. RSV4, with the pluses and minuses. A quick search will give more info on that. That said, the only minus for the 10R in my humble opinion is that the noise isn't like the V4 but the 10R does sing it's own song quite beautifully.

Love to see that Concours of yours too :ayyy:
Welcome. Gen 5 comes with quick shift up and auto blip down only on the RR. But when you get the ecu flashed they can unlock the autoblip downshifts (my gen 5 has both)! Are you in the COG? Why aren't you looking at R1, New cbr, gsxr as well?
:welcome:Dalemac!

There are threads here on that subject of the 10R vs. RSV4, with the pluses and minuses. A quick search will give more info on that. That said, the only minus for the 10R in my humble opinion is that the noise isn't like the V4 but the 10R does sing it's own song quite beautifully.

Love to see that Concours of yours too :ayyy:




Here you go!



Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
See less See more
Welcome. Gen 5 comes with quick shift up and auto blip down only on the RR. But when you get the ecu flashed they can unlock the autoblip downshifts (my gen 5 has both)! Are you in the COG? Why aren't you looking at R1, New cbr, gsxr as well?


I'm on COG and ZZgtr. I'm thinking ZX10 as I love the Connie and I love that V4 sound of the Ape. I'm likely staying in the 14-15 year ranges so I can pay cash and lower insurance rates. I have a couple of friends that run the R1, I just don't like the looks.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
I came from an 08 Cbr 1000.. I bought a gen 4 zx10. Get an ecu flash and a quick shifter and the bike is hands down a far better bike than the Honda.. and no oil burning either.
I came from an 08 Cbr 1000.. I bought a gen 4 zx10. Get an ecu flash and a quick shifter and the bike is hands down a far better bike than the Honda.. and no oil burning either.
Good info! do you ever miss the mid range of the CBR?


Here you go!



Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Gorgeous Connie!! :love10:

Your other toys aren't too bad either, especially that TA!! :thumbsup:
I'm 6'4" 230 myself, installed a taller windscreen and I'm considering some adjustable rear sets for a little more room. I'm pretty comfortable on the bike but I definitely wouldn't want to be any taller.
well when you stated the bulletproof part the rsv4 should automatically be eliminated. Coming from someone who owned both until i sold the rsv4 this winter. The zx10r is a way better bang for your buck. Faster, less cost to maintain, and waaaaay more reliable. Reliably the zx10r is as good as it gets for an 180+ whp bike. My RSV4 spun a rod bearing at 6k miles. My time on the aprilia forum i saw alot of rebuilds going on. beautiful bike and handle amazingly, and lets not forget about that sound. buut zx10r is the way to go in my opinion
  • Like
Reactions: 1
another thing is if you dont get the newer 16 rsv4 youre going to be down about 20 hp compared to the zx10r
  • Like
Reactions: 1
I work with a trackday provider, and because of this get to ride a bunch of different bikes.
After riding all those bikes I choose the 10r because it had the most room ergonomically and was the most comfortable.

My previous bike was a Ducati Monster, and I will go back to naked bikes with my next bike, but the 10 has been a great purchase!
You can compare motorcycle ergo's here:

Motorcycle Ergonomics
  • Like
Reactions: 1
I don't miss my Cbr. It was an alright bike but the low end power and top end power sucked. And the mid range was alright but not as good as my buddies gsxr1000. I'll keep the zx10 any day.
I don't miss my Cbr. It was an alright bike but the low end power and top end power sucked. And the mid range was alright but not as good as my buddies gsxr1000. I'll keep the zx10 any day.


I think I have settled on the ZX10...but I can't make up my mind on Gen 4 (2015) or Gen 5(2016) there's only about $600 difference between the two...always something...


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
for 600usd get the gen5, just for the shock is better...
I think I have settled on the ZX10...but I can't make up my mind on Gen 4 (2015) or Gen 5(2016) there's only about $600 difference between the two...always something...

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
If only $600 diff between the 2 either you aren't negotiating well on the 4th Gen or getting a hell of a deal on a 5th Gen. For that price difference 5Gen...even though 4Gen has some advantages.

No matter what you do to a 4Gen you will never get the electronics of the 5Gen. If the price difference were more like $3k that could be forgiven for most riders.
If only $600 diff between the 2 either you aren't negotiating well on the 4th Gen or getting a hell of a deal on a 5th Gen. For that price difference 5Gen...even though 4Gen has some advantages.

No matter what you do to a 4Gen you will never get the electronics of the 5Gen. If the price difference were more like $3k that could be forgiven for most riders.


2015 9,998 (lime and white) or 2016 10,599 (black/lime) Both are ABS and not local. I will have to kick an extra 5-600 for shipping. My local dealer is pretty firm at 14,399 for the one he has in stock.

I'm thinking the 2016.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Yes for what you get over the 15, the 16 is a no brainer there. The brake calipers alone are worth that price difference. The 16 represents the new generation of superbike. The 15 does not. Same with the +15 plus R1 or 17+ gsxr, cbr, etc.
If you're thinking of RSV4 just buy the R1 cross.
1 - 20 of 27 Posts
This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
Top