Hey guys, I just got a new yellow 2002 ZX6R and it is sweeeeet. I got it for a pretty good price because they were clearing the floor for the 2003's. I am totally new to sport-bikes (actually this is my very first bike ever) and I was just wondering what mods I should start with? I was reading some of the discussions and I have no clue what some of the items are. ie. Fender Eliminator. I would like to improve the performance first like add K&N air filter, steering damper (whatever that is) and then move on to minor things like graphics(the yellow ZX's seem to lack them), gold: windshield (if they make them), foot-pegs, bar-ends, rims, etc... Oh, another question is, My body weight is 195lbs, what is a good suspension setting for this weight? People in the cars that I ride behind think that I am flashing my highbeams when I hit small bumps in the road. One guy threatened to kick my ass <img src=icon_smile_blackeye.gif border=0 align=middle> -- I laughed.
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Markus,
Welcome to the list. You picked a great bike, even if it is yellow.
Since you're new to bikes, I wouldn't woory to much about performance yet. You may want to spend your money on an MSF course and some good riding gear; Good helmet, jacket, gloves, boots, pants.
After training, gear and some riding time under your belt, you'll have a better idea of what you want to do with your bike.
A fender eliminator is an item that replaces your rear fender and under panel with a flush mounted panel to replicate the look of a race bike.
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As to suspension settings...I'm using the ones located here and have noted a remarkable improvement in my ride. I weigh the same as you. http://www.xs4all.nl/~chinchey/html/setup9899.html
I haven't seen a gold windshield but you could try applying gold tint to the inside of the windsheild. That might look good.
Good luck and post some pics.
Diirk
'99 ZX6R
'02 Raptor
'01 Wolverine
'87 Radian
Welcome to the list. You picked a great bike, even if it is yellow.
Since you're new to bikes, I wouldn't woory to much about performance yet. You may want to spend your money on an MSF course and some good riding gear; Good helmet, jacket, gloves, boots, pants.
After training, gear and some riding time under your belt, you'll have a better idea of what you want to do with your bike.
A fender eliminator is an item that replaces your rear fender and under panel with a flush mounted panel to replicate the look of a race bike.
As to suspension settings...I'm using the ones located here and have noted a remarkable improvement in my ride. I weigh the same as you. http://www.xs4all.nl/~chinchey/html/setup9899.html
I haven't seen a gold windshield but you could try applying gold tint to the inside of the windsheild. That might look good.
Good luck and post some pics.
Diirk
'99 ZX6R
'02 Raptor
'01 Wolverine
'87 Radian
I'd have to disagree with Gary, the ZX6R is a great "starter" bike. It was my first bike as well, and I'm loving it. As long as you don't act like an idiot and you ride within your skill level, you'll be fine. One thing I very, very highly recommend is taking a motorcycle safety course, it's money very well spent. I didn't want to get a 250 "starter" bike because I knew after 6 months I'd want a ZX6R and have to spend even more money....at least that was my reasoning for starting out on a ZX6R. I do plan on purchasing a Ninja 250 though.....for my wife. 
//SLAPSHOT//
'02 ZX-6R
//SLAPSHOT//
'02 ZX-6R
ditto.. started on 6R, and still kickin'...
Although I wouldn't call it a "starter" bike for sure. You CAN start on it, but just don't treat it like a whore, or it will slap you back.
Know yourself.. if you think you are the kind who would hop in and at the first bump on the road grab the throttle on a death grip.. get a 250 first..
The only disadvantage on starting on a 6R, at least for me, is that I don't feel as free to experiment as I would with a cheaper bike I wouldn't mind dumping... so it might make you a little timid for fear of hurting your wallet. I might get an old 250 next year as an experimentation bike, to toss it around , drop it, try stoppies (yeah right) , and what not... if it is going down, you can just let it go , no second thoughts... But on my 6R, I'd probably hold on to it till the end!!!
Although I wouldn't call it a "starter" bike for sure. You CAN start on it, but just don't treat it like a whore, or it will slap you back.
Know yourself.. if you think you are the kind who would hop in and at the first bump on the road grab the throttle on a death grip.. get a 250 first..
The only disadvantage on starting on a 6R, at least for me, is that I don't feel as free to experiment as I would with a cheaper bike I wouldn't mind dumping... so it might make you a little timid for fear of hurting your wallet. I might get an old 250 next year as an experimentation bike, to toss it around , drop it, try stoppies (yeah right) , and what not... if it is going down, you can just let it go , no second thoughts... But on my 6R, I'd probably hold on to it till the end!!!
Thanks Guys, I'll look into the rider course. Yeah, yellow was the only 600 they had at the dealer, other choices were a 900 and a 1200 and I knew I wouldn't be able to handle those being a new rider. Hey Diirk, where are the directionals in the pic that you posted? Does the fender eliminator eliminate the blinkers too?
ive had my yellow zx6r since mid august(i got yellow cuz its the fastest, ask around) and ive been riding since late september. its also my first bike. my advice from experience, is to take it slow. my friends have f1's and ducatis and i know it might feel bad to be left behind, but only cuz i lack experience. im going to take the msf course in december(cuz its very popular) because its very highly recommended by these guys....the experts. have fun on your zx6r and take off those stickers like the rest of the yellow zx6r's around here. it be faster with no mods!<img src=icon_smile_wink.gif border=0 align=middle> ask for a catolog from kawasaki on their motorcycles and in the ad forzx6r you will see we are number one, or very highly ranked, in racing.<img src=icon_smile_approve.gif border=0 align=middle>
The undertail at http://www.graphicartmotodesign.com has incorporated LED signals. They're not that bright, but I can't say enough about the quality of the entire piece. Little pricey at $300 though. If I could do it again, I'd get the one like above and put some short stalks on it. I see those on eBay all the time for something like $179.
Hey Markus, which Z28? Mine's a '97 6.
http://www.gsmedia.com/sites/gary/cars/camaro/camaro.jpg
And Slapshot, you're mistaken. The smallest of the top end racers doesn't make it a good starting point for any first-timer. It might be a starter sport bike, but not a starter bike. At least we're not talking about this on the R1 forum.
-gary
'02 6R
Edited by - -gary on 10/11/2002 15:01:51
Hey Markus, which Z28? Mine's a '97 6.
http://www.gsmedia.com/sites/gary/cars/camaro/camaro.jpg
And Slapshot, you're mistaken. The smallest of the top end racers doesn't make it a good starting point for any first-timer. It might be a starter sport bike, but not a starter bike. At least we're not talking about this on the R1 forum.
-gary
'02 6R
Edited by - -gary on 10/11/2002 15:01:51
Don't get me wrong Gary, I didn't exactly mean the 6R is a "starter" bike and that everyone should learn to ride on a 6R. What I meant was that I feel it isn't crazy to get a 6R as your first bike. I was trying to say what Homer said, that you "can" start on a ZX6R as long as you use your common sense and don't ride beyond your limits. I'll say it again though, a motorcycle safety course is a MUST.
//SLAPSHOT//
'02 ZX-6R
//SLAPSHOT//
'02 ZX-6R
It just sucks for my insurance, and my stomach to see a crumpled sport bike on the side of the road. These things kill fast, and there's no quicker way to find out than to just hop on one. I'm just not the type to tell someone "Oh, you'll be fine." and wave. That's the salesmen's job.
Here's an interesting story about how it's not the squids that are racking up the deaths. Different perspective for a change.
http://www.floridatoday.com/news/local/stories/2001/sep/loc090301h.htm
-gary
'02 6R
Here's an interesting story about how it's not the squids that are racking up the deaths. Different perspective for a change.
http://www.floridatoday.com/news/local/stories/2001/sep/loc090301h.htm
-gary
'02 6R
A steering damper is like a shock for your bars. Over rough roads, bumps etc (setting down wheelie - not that I do )can shake the bars, causing a "wiggle" from left to right. Most of the time it's minor and many peopel don't think ya need one for a 600. I got one and love it though. Lots of bumpy roads around here. It absorbs the bumps that would otherwise jar the bars. I had a couple of real nasty ones before that were almost tank slappers.
A tankslapper (generally speaking) is exactly what it sounds like, it's when the bars shake violently from full-left to full-right, with the bar ends slapping the gas tank (if they can on your bike). There's basically no stopping those (once they start), it's hold on and pray ya don't get spit off, but ya WILL.
A lot of peopel whi say they've had tank slappers have in fact only had bad wiggles. Dampers will stop that. But they do take away some of the feel (depending how high you set the damping) maybe, and there's a tad more effort req'd to turn (again, depends how high ya set it). But the stability if offers and the planted feel of the front is well worth it IMO, not to mention the added safety.
)can shake the bars, causing a "wiggle" from left to right. Most of the time it's minor and many peopel don't think ya need one for a 600. I got one and love it though. Lots of bumpy roads around here. It absorbs the bumps that would otherwise jar the bars. I had a couple of real nasty ones before that were almost tank slappers. A tankslapper (generally speaking) is exactly what it sounds like, it's when the bars shake violently from full-left to full-right, with the bar ends slapping the gas tank (if they can on your bike). There's basically no stopping those (once they start), it's hold on and pray ya don't get spit off, but ya WILL.
A lot of peopel whi say they've had tank slappers have in fact only had bad wiggles. Dampers will stop that. But they do take away some of the feel (depending how high you set the damping) maybe, and there's a tad more effort req'd to turn (again, depends how high ya set it). But the stability if offers and the planted feel of the front is well worth it IMO, not to mention the added safety.
markus...
To add to gary's answer about the turn signals...
An option would be to use an Integrator to eliminate the turn signals and use the brake lights as your signals.
Or, you could use tiny LED's as signals.
Diirk
'99 ZX6R
'02 Raptor
'01 Wolverine
'87 Radian
To add to gary's answer about the turn signals...
An option would be to use an Integrator to eliminate the turn signals and use the brake lights as your signals.
Or, you could use tiny LED's as signals.
Diirk
'99 ZX6R
'02 Raptor
'01 Wolverine
'87 Radian
I find it quite scary that people are starting out riding on a supersport 600. Yeah, the Ninja may be a bit more forgiving for a novice as compared to say a GSX-R 600 but they can still bite back bloody hard when put into spirited use. If u are totally new to bikes I would go for a 250cc because they let you get used to riding and are great for practising you're cornering and braking, skills that set apart good riders from the squids (who have to have FASTER bikes in order to make up for their SHITTY cornering skills.) A 250cc starter bike may not have you riding at warp factor 10 but if you are a learner speed is not what you need. you need a bike with very nimble but predictable handling, light weight and tame road manners, all what most 250cc bikes are. Besides, 250's can smoke all but the fastest of cars from a traffic light and they have great acceleration, so they aren't that boring. Glad I don't live over in the US ( no offence guys!) Here in Australia, unless you have held a car licence for +3 years, you have to start on a 250cc bike. Atleast when I see some one on a big bike +250cc i know that they atleast have some experience.
heck, I think the 6r is about the only bike that doesn't need a dampener....
even heard alot of racers say they don't need one for the 6R....
i have experienced headshake 1 or 2 times from grabbig loads of throttle, but my bike seems pretty stab;e in turns over rough road...but maybe I'm not pushing my bike like you guys are...
-Andy
My Drinking Team Has a Racing Problem!
even heard alot of racers say they don't need one for the 6R....
i have experienced headshake 1 or 2 times from grabbig loads of throttle, but my bike seems pretty stab;e in turns over rough road...but maybe I'm not pushing my bike like you guys are...
-Andy
My Drinking Team Has a Racing Problem!
Marcus,
I too am new to bikes (about year now) and I started on a bike bigger than my 02 6R...it was a ZR-7 (750cc) bike. My OPINION is if you take it easy and ride REAL REAL safe, it doesn't matter what kind of bike you start on...but you just have to know yourself.
Yes, time and time again...studies show that inexperience and a powerful bike doesn't mix well, but as long as the rider breaks himself in properly, then I don't see a problem. Biggest factor...you have to be mature and ride you first bike like a granny for at least 6 months.
With my ZR-7, I didn't leave my neighborhood for 2 months...then after that when I got on a busy street, I went 5 miles slower than then speed limit. I didn't attempt an interstate ride for 6 months and when I did that I could not have been more careful.
Now, a year later and having an 026R, I still ride it like a granny and have never even attempted to do tricks. I have passed the statistic that a new rider is more likely to get into an accident within the first 6 months of riding.
Markus, just take a riders safety course and ride your new machine like your grandmother would....and NEVER lose respect for your bike.
Have fun!
02 ZX6R (Yellow)
I too am new to bikes (about year now) and I started on a bike bigger than my 02 6R...it was a ZR-7 (750cc) bike. My OPINION is if you take it easy and ride REAL REAL safe, it doesn't matter what kind of bike you start on...but you just have to know yourself.
Yes, time and time again...studies show that inexperience and a powerful bike doesn't mix well, but as long as the rider breaks himself in properly, then I don't see a problem. Biggest factor...you have to be mature and ride you first bike like a granny for at least 6 months.
With my ZR-7, I didn't leave my neighborhood for 2 months...then after that when I got on a busy street, I went 5 miles slower than then speed limit. I didn't attempt an interstate ride for 6 months and when I did that I could not have been more careful.
Now, a year later and having an 026R, I still ride it like a granny and have never even attempted to do tricks. I have passed the statistic that a new rider is more likely to get into an accident within the first 6 months of riding.
Markus, just take a riders safety course and ride your new machine like your grandmother would....and NEVER lose respect for your bike.
Have fun!
02 ZX6R (Yellow)
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31 Posts
here in the uk you cant even get on a bike unless youve done an 8 hour course of compulsory basic training which includes a road assesment.
once youve done that u can then start lessons at a training school where u have lessons starting on a 125(where youre let loose on the road with an instructor who screams down your ear on a radio) and once you have observations, emergency stops and u turns up to a level where youre instructor is happy you get to move on to the 500cc bikes.
only when he thinks youre ready the instructor will then put you in for youre test which involves a pursuit style exam with an examiner who follows you and makes sure that observations and life savers are adhered to, he also has you doing an emergency stop and u turn(where if u put a foot down its an automatic failure)this lasts about 45 minutes after which he gives you his verdict.
whats the laws in everyone elses countries?
ps you also need to pass a theory test b4 taking pratctical exam
once youve done that u can then start lessons at a training school where u have lessons starting on a 125(where youre let loose on the road with an instructor who screams down your ear on a radio) and once you have observations, emergency stops and u turns up to a level where youre instructor is happy you get to move on to the 500cc bikes.
only when he thinks youre ready the instructor will then put you in for youre test which involves a pursuit style exam with an examiner who follows you and makes sure that observations and life savers are adhered to, he also has you doing an emergency stop and u turn(where if u put a foot down its an automatic failure)this lasts about 45 minutes after which he gives you his verdict.
whats the laws in everyone elses countries?
ps you also need to pass a theory test b4 taking pratctical exam
Joined
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31 Posts
btw after passing i went out and bought a new 02 zx6r which ive now done 1000 miles on in all weather conditions without any probs(so far).
whether a 6r is a good choice of first bike is down to the individual and you only find out the answer to the question when you either a)put an ad in the paper- 1 zx6r immac condition 1 prev owner
or b)a member of your family puts an ad in the paper- notice of bereavment _____ lived life to the full and loved his zx6r but after a small mishap with the accelerator is now buried in a tree on the backroads off ______.
whether a 6r is a good choice of first bike is down to the individual and you only find out the answer to the question when you either a)put an ad in the paper- 1 zx6r immac condition 1 prev owner
or b)a member of your family puts an ad in the paper- notice of bereavment _____ lived life to the full and loved his zx6r but after a small mishap with the accelerator is now buried in a tree on the backroads off ______.
In Oklahoma all that is required is to take an easy 25 question multiple choice test and about a 10 minute pracical (riding) test in order to get a "M" stamped on your licence.
The riding test consists of neiborhood riding and all you do is like a couple of turns and stops...and that's it. And here is the sadest thing...even if you never get that "M" stamped on your licence, all you get is a 50 dollar fine if you ever get pulled over.
Oklahoma is THE state for conservatives, and as I am a republican...I do think Oklahoma needs to control motorcyclist a bit more. I mean...IT IS EASY FOR A 18 year old with no motorcycle experience to go a GSXR 1000 and be riding it like a maniac in a couple days. That is a little too relaxed with the laws around here.
02 ZX6R (Yellow)
The riding test consists of neiborhood riding and all you do is like a couple of turns and stops...and that's it. And here is the sadest thing...even if you never get that "M" stamped on your licence, all you get is a 50 dollar fine if you ever get pulled over.
Oklahoma is THE state for conservatives, and as I am a republican...I do think Oklahoma needs to control motorcyclist a bit more. I mean...IT IS EASY FOR A 18 year old with no motorcycle experience to go a GSXR 1000 and be riding it like a maniac in a couple days. That is a little too relaxed with the laws around here.
02 ZX6R (Yellow)
There isn't much to stop anyone with no experience and a license to get a liter bike and go crazy. PA now will license you at the end of the motorcycle safety course which seems the way most people are going which is great. How about this...when I was 16 here in PA a could drive a motorcycle anywhere with just my permit...didn't need a licensed driver. I'd been riding since I could almost touch the ground so it was great. Had permit a week and took my test for the car and bike at the same time and I was all set. Now that my youngest has her permit she has to drive on it for 6 mos. before she can test. Great idea I think now...wouldn't have worked for me 30 some years ago. Training and experience is everything!
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