1000cc - 1400cc

[KawiFan10R]

Thanks for your response; the dealer here says that the helmets that I have are the best they make in stock designs and there are no further options, according to him that is. However, he recommens that I get the Heli Bar installed in order to make the ride on my ZX more comfortable. I do not know anything about the Heli Bars but they do seem to have a good reputation per my research on the Internet. I wonder if anyone here has had any experience with them. It would be very painful to get rid of my new ZX because of just this. I rode it today for a couple of hours and it cheered me well. Thanks.

[zedx11]

I don't have that problem so I don't know if it will help you or not.

your profile is incomplete so I don't know your age or other stats that may help give you more information.

I wear HJC helmets.

[KawiFan10R]

Hi again...I am six feet tall and have a straight spine; i feel the bottom line here is that the ZX's handle bar can be brought up and back a little bit and many people across the world have done this modification so the issue is far feom being an exception, it appears more common than one would like to think. This is the reason for a company like Helli Bar (sp) continues to thrive.

I think that it is a problem of ego for a manufacturer to make a Supersportbike and not tuck the handlebar into the tank. No wonder that the motorcycle stores are full of these "used" bikes with only say, 2,000 miles for sale because the young rider got sick of sitting in fetal position.

Lets be a bit pragmatic here. I can ride my Z1000 for ever and I do not even expect my ZX to be anywhere close. All I want is the ability to release those handle bars slightly up so that they would fit my style better. The Helli Bar has a total satisfaction guarantee. I'll keep you posted. If everything goes as planned, I should have them installed by mid next week.
Best,
Mike

[zedx11]

the bars on the ZX10R are where they are because it is a race bike with turn signals period. Kawasaki was getting left behind in the sportbike sales because they were modifying their race bikes to be comfortable on the street. that is why you get a race bike with signals now.

[KawiFan10R]

Apparently, Kawasaki is not alone in this as explained in the Heli Bar's Website:
Heli Modified, Maine: manufacturers of HeliBars motorcycle handlebars & risers, motorcycle handlebar replacement systems, custom motorcycle handlebars, adjustable motorcycle handlebars, motorcycle handlebar modification, sportbike handlebars, triple

[zedx11]

wanna narrow it down a little bit?

look, if riding the ZX10 is too rough on you and you want or need to *******ize the bike into something it isn't, more power to you. ride it like it is supposed to be ridden and all the shortcomings you think it has will disappear.

[KawiFan10R]

Hi...it appears that your approach is that of a hardliner that refuses to understand that we are NOT machines or parts of a machine that must fit or not fit.

Customization and modification connote flexibility and flexibility and willingness to be flexible is not to be looked upon with derision and contempt. Let me refer to you the old fashioned bell shaped curve for illustration. I have used many racing bicycles and constantly made adjustments in seating, breaking, handlebars etc.

Frankly, you are asserting that the stock machine is infallible and the rider must adapt to it or he is an inferior rider. This is presumptuous at the very least. The machine was wrong during landing on the moon. I do not see what harm can come in making minor adjustments that are developed by engineers to improve the comfort of riders by smart ergonomics. Professional riders routinely modify their machines for a vast number of reasons.

Incidentally, the Heli Bars actually improve the operability of the handlebars on ZX10R and others as you can read the testimony of many a good rider all over the world. I have not even seen one thing negative said about these handle bars. If one is not fully satisfied, the company fully refunds the money.

[zedx11]

I personally know of one consumer that did not like what the Heli bars did for the bike.

[zedx11]

another thing you haven't been around here long enough to know that I work with motorcycles for a living. absolutely not saying I know everything. but if you want a standard bike, buy one.

[KawiFan10R]

Well, add that to the hundreds who have posted their five star experiences on the Internet. The Heli Bars come well recommended by the dealership here and it is still a subject of investigation. I'll be talking to the company reps on Monday. In the mean time, my ZX10R remains pretty much in charge of the road. Reminds me of the old KX 500, only more diplomatic!

[KawiFan10R]

Well, of course, I gathered that by the sheer number of quotes on your coat tail. There is an expression in Latin that comes to mind: Ipse dixit. It means basically that it is not so just because you said it.

[bennice]

Not for anything, but did you not sit on your new 10R before you signed on the dotted line? I have to agree with what Zed is saying here...the bike is designed to win races first and foremost. Comfort is a very, very distant afterthought. While you may be able to mod the bike out to be more comfortable to you, but that also means that you'll be changing characteristics that may make other aspects behave badly.

I guess I just don't understand why anyone would buy what is supposed to be the baddest track bike on the planet only to turn it into something else. Seems like if you want a comfortable ride, you would look at something else.

[zedx11]

of course the dealership is going to highly recommend them, they want your money. lol

Kawasaki ZX-10R 2008 long term test bike report - SuperBike magazine - motorbike reviews, super bike news and hot babes

Curiously – and this is perhaps further evidence of the stiffness of the rear spring – her sat on the back didn't affect the steering as much as I've experienced on other bikes. Normally of course the front goes a bit light, but this wasn't a big issue on the Kwak. Weird. In conclusion...the ZX-10R isn't built for touring. Amazing insight, eh?

[jbsmd]

Originally Posted by zedx11

another thing you haven't been around here long enough to know that I work with motorcycles for a living. absolutely not saying I know everything. but if you want a standard bike, buy one.

If someone likes the looks and power of a super sport but not like the position in which it needs to be ridden...I say go ahead and put apes and forward controls on it if they want. Just like people that want a truck and a convertible...cut the roof off or add a bed.

[zedx11]

Z1000

[KawiFan10R]

I am thinking that I am begining to feel you guys out in that both of you are most likely dedicated pro-race riders. Naturally, the Heli Bars would be seen as tampering with "what is best" in your respected views, no doubt. Since you cast a reasonable doubt on the idea and since the idea was not too hot to begin with, my bike may never see it. I enjoy the bike as is. The sales pitch did influence me, I should admit.

Having said that, I have every intention of using my ZX on the city and highway roadways. We do not have the luxury of a track here in the heartland. We have a drag race track for automobiles that sometimes allows motorcycles. We also have snow and ice unlike some of you who can ride all year around. Our general roads are not the very best and the traffic has been literally outrageous to say the least.

Again, upon due deliberations and inputs here, I feel that my ZX10R is God sent and I would be less inclined to install the Heli Bars. We are going to spin it for a few hours tomorrow. Thanks for your insight in my decision process which is flexible to begin with.

[zedx11]

check if there is a track in your area. 853 manually selected sites about Motorcycle Racing

you said heartland, what's the largest city close to you?

Heartland Park: Heartland Park Topeka : Where the Best Come to Play!

I use my 10 for commuting, long distance riding, sport, two up when my GF wants to go fast.

[KawiFan10R]

I have lived in Des Moines, Iowa area for 20 plus years. KC, KS is a bit farther out due to busy schedule; In short, the options are not as expansive for the bikes in question. Would you believe that operating the ZX and even Z1000 are much more commanding despite the road and traffic conditions. Its a far cry from a 650R although I liked it when I had it.

The 10 rulz, IMHO...anyone thinks R1 is any better for the streets? People tell me that R1 is for the track more or less. I do not think there is an upgrade from 10R for me. I have barely begun to realize its potential in my first two hour only!

Thanks for the URLs

[bennice]

I'm by no means a pro rider...not even close. I use my 10R 5 days of the week for commuting, 1 day a week for fun (the last day is normally reserved for rest and family time).

All I'm saying is this...

You wouldn't buy a Porsche Boxster and then try to add more seats or a flatbed to it would you?

The ZX10R (in my opinion) is the baddest, most aggressive sport bike you can get off the showroom floor. The ZX14 and Hayabusa will get higher top speed, but their riding position is not track oriented, as they weren't designed for that application.

You got the most advanced, powerful track bike available. If you wanted more comfort you probably should have considered the ZX14 or C14, as they're geared a bit more toward those things, and you wouldn't have to worry about messing with Helibars.

Would love to see some pics of your bike!

[zedx11]

Blackhawk Farms Raceway

I didn't like the R1. at lower RPM it feels like a 600. been told you have to really wring the motor to get the liter bike feel from it.