Newbie looking to get his first ZXR

[Capri18]

Hi all, the names Grant, I'm a new member to the board, big thanks to Baz for sorting out my activation problems straight away.

Little bit about myself, I'm 21 (22 in a week or so's time) in my 4th year at University studying Mechanical engineering and I reeeeeeeealy want a ZXR problem with that is....not actually passed my test yet. The plan is to do it over the summer break from university and get a bike that i can get stuck into and make good before going back to uni in September.

Like i've said i'd be looking for something that needed some tlc to make it good, means i could strip the bike down and see what goes into making them tick. I'm pretty handy with the spanners on cars, my current run about is a Ford Capri that i built up from a bare shell so I'm hoping I can make the change over to working on bike's without too much drama. So if you have one that fits the description (or know of someone who does) let me know.

The forum seems like a brilliant source of info, so expect plenty of questions coming your way,probably along the lines of "hey guys, i striped down the bike....its waaaaaaay different to a car...HELP!"

Cheers folks

[RedexRobB]

Hello and welcome to the forum!

Buyers guide is on the main website if you need it.

[cycklone]

Hey good luck with shopping for one. The buyers guide is a good start...I must say! Just keep in mind on the amount of work you are willing to put in. I didn't expect my wiring harness to be one of the first things I would have to sort out :smt013

Cheers

[gavinfdavies]

i'd recommend having a crack at the test over easter - apparently the mod1 and mod2 are tricky to do really close, and you could loose half you summer. Get as much done at easter as you can, then you'll be ready to rock and roll in the summer!
As a point of reference, I'd only ever done a cbt before starting my direct access - two and a half days of training later I had my licence!

You'll find the bike alot easier to work on than a car. I think it's pot luck with the electrics. Mine was an ex race bike i think, tell tale marks on the fork lowers and gear lever, and either aftermarket body work (though excellent) or a respray (again, excellent), only given away by the tiny "motografix" badges here and there. Yet despite a slightly chequered history it felt sound and I was getting good vibes from it (I've bought a rust bucket before, and i didn't get such good vibes. Result; blown rear shock 144 miles later, exhaust collapsed 600 miles later, reg rec, wheel bearings, brake discs, fork seals etc have all also blown over the last year or two, but she's still going!)
Anyway,the zxr has been faultless up til now, cheap to run and insure. I'd sell you mine, but last week i think it decided to blow its hg, and even then i'd want more for it than you'd wanna pay - xenons, braided lines, hugger, new tyres, pads etc!

Anyhoo, good luck on the search for a bike - keep your eyes on the class ads section on here, dealers want far too much for one. And budget for good kit too, enough to get you on track days if you want. No point buying one set of kit, then having to buy a second just to get on track. Especially when a spring/autumn trackday (say 7x 20 minute sessions, with instruction) is less than £100!

[Capri18]

Thanks for the warm welcome folks

Gavin, i agree with you it would be far better for me to do as much as i could just now , but unfortinatly it an extremly busy time for me at uni, I have a journal paper to write, group reports to write and 2 exams to revise for all over the next 4 weeks, not an enjoyable experience! I will however get my theory text sat and passed hopefully over the next months sometime, depends when i can get a booking i suppose. Good advice on getting kit that i can use on a track too, I'm probably be aiming do some track time in the future, its the only place to get to know your limits and improve skills.

Cyclone, yeah i've seen your thread, bit unlucky with the wiring harness but at least when your fiunished you'll know it wont cause you any further problems. I'm willing to put quite a lot of work into the bike, I'm lucky enough to have my dads fully kitted out workshop at my disposal

RedexRobB, i had a look at the buyers guide after your suggestion, its mint and will help me a great deal!

Cheers folks