Author Topic: Would you buy a ZRX1100 or an XS650? (Read 8204 times)

HawaiiMike · « **on:** November 07, 2009, 07:39:55 PM »

These two bikes are for sale in my area.

The XS650 is a '75 model. They were asking $1,500 for it. I went and looked, way too much. I figure maybe $800. There's rust, a dent in the tank, speedo is broken and the handlebars are bent. Would make a great cafe project.

The ZRX1100 is painted black, fairing removed and round headlight. Muzzy full exhaust (nice!), Muzzy jet kit and K&N individual filters. Also a HESA tail kit which I'm not crazy about. I'd probably find a stock seat and tailpiece. Since the bike is repainted black and the Kawasaki logos are gone, I'd probably repaint the bodywork. This one is available for about $2,000 and the owner says the price is firm.

Oh, by the way I have a CB550F in all apart in my carport, frame and motor being repainted, brakes upgraded etc. I'll probably finish it in a month, just working on it a few hours per week as time permits.

And I also have an '85 GPZ550 in the backyard. Not pretty, the guy who gave it to me tells me it used to run. I took the carbs apart, cleaned them out and then stopped working on it to take care of other things...

So it's not like I need another motorcycle. I like the ZRX, used to own one. Only problem is the ZRX's like to go fast!

What would you do?

Grnrngr · « **Reply #1 on:** November 07, 2009, 08:52:15 PM »

XSs are turning into cult bikes...but I like to go fast too. Tough chioce. Easy for me tho...I'm firm on not paying more than a grand for anything.

BeSeeingYou · « **Reply #2 on:** November 07, 2009, 09:15:31 PM »

Well I am partial to the XS650. Don't know anything about the ZRX but they are two completely different bikes. 1500 for the XS seems high. If the bike was a complete runner in good shape it would be a good price. Much as I like the XS Standards to be kept stock they do make great looking cafe bikes. The bike in this photo looks a hell of a lot better than a generic crotch rocket IMO. If you get the XS keep us posted. I am looking for a few things for for my 75 that you may not need for a cafe project.

Grnrngr · « **Reply #3 on:** November 07, 2009, 09:35:39 PM »

I had a 72 XS2 for a long time, pretty much a daily rider for better than 5 yrs. That thing went everywhere, I loved it. There's a 74 frame with forks, tires, and bars on CL for $200. I'm tempted...and I'd be willin to bet those tires are still on the rims.

Bodain · « **Reply #4 on:** November 08, 2009, 05:32:14 AM »

A ZRX or another old bike

What's the decision? The ZRX is in my view is probably the absolute best motorcycle ever made for REAL World street riding. A detuned engine that gives you a truely linear power band and tremendous low end grunt. Effortless power wheelies.

Most who see my 2001 ZRX 1200R think it's an 80's bike...

bill440cars · « **Reply #5 on:** November 08, 2009, 06:58:31 AM »

I too, like the XS650s, but you already have projects and the ZRX is ready, right? I'd probably go for the ZRX myself. And I'm not really into those kind, even though I seem to be on the edge with my GPZ1100.

Let us know what you do.

mrblasty · « **Reply #6 on:** November 08, 2009, 09:53:02 AM »

ZRXZRXZRXZRXZRXZRXZRXZRXZRXZRXZRXZRXZRXZRXZRXZRXZRXZRXZRXZRXZRXZRXZRXZRXZRXZRXZRXZRXZRXZRXZRXZRXZRXZRXZRXZRXZRX

bill440cars · « **Reply #7 on:** November 08, 2009, 01:03:54 PM »

Quote from: mrblasty on November 08, 2009, 09:53:02 AM

ZRXZRXZRXZRXZRXZRXZRXZRXZRXZRXZRXZRXZRXZRXZRXZRXZRXZRXZRXZRXZRXZRXZRXZRXZRXZRXZRXZRXZRXZRXZRXZRXZRXZRXZRXZRXZRX

Uh, I think that mrblasty's trying to say something. $:-\$ I sure wish he just say what he's got to say AND quit beating around the bush!

ev0lve · « **Reply #8 on:** November 08, 2009, 01:47:39 PM »

Wait. This

For $2000?

Are you insane? ZRX. I've ridden that bike and it was... fun. Lots of fun actually

.

That said the XS would be more fun to build I think. Take a look at FishHead's dual brake kits etc.

HawaiiMike · « **Reply #9 on:** November 08, 2009, 04:44:47 PM »

Okay I have not made a decision yet. The first responses were Pro-XS650 that I have been thinking about going back and making an offer. That bike just is not worth $1,500. It might take them awhile to adjust to the thought of accepting about half that amount.

The ZRX unfortunately does not look as good as the photo above. It's been repainted all black, does not have the stock tailpiece and seat and it needs cleaning. Pluses - it has a muzzy full exhaust, pods, muzzy jet kit and round headlight. Still, it's going to take a lot of work and $ to get it the way I want it to look.

By the way, I used to own a ZRX. I found it very fast (70 mph was the new 50 mph) and it's also very heavy for a guy of my size, 5'8" and about 175 lbs. Hard to push around the carport and be careful tip-toeing around the parking lot. I got a speeding ticket 3 years ago (in my Toyota Corolla, thank goodness) and insurance rates just went back down to the normal level. I don't want any other moving violations.

I'll let you know what happens! Meanwhile, all these cafe racer ideas have me thinking about getting to work on the GPZ 550 once I get my CB550 back together!

Aloha, Mike

BeSeeingYou · « **Reply #10 on:** November 08, 2009, 11:48:19 PM »

This may give you some idea on value for the 75. I picked this one up for $350 but would have payed up to $500 and felt good about it. It was a 19 year non runner and the tank while not in the photo was there but dented in several places. The tires are junk, the paint is crap, the gauges were questionable (now fixed), but the bike is 100% complete and original. There is some collectible value to the Standard models like the 75 especially if it has the stock exhaust system which for this year is quite sought after and valuable. I have seen very nice complete stock runners sell for $1500-1750 and much more for a pristine one so their price is out of line from your description. Is the bike fully operational?

andy750 · « **Reply #11 on:** November 09, 2009, 04:54:01 AM »

My Japanese friend used to have a ZRX - she is 5`4, weighs nothing and could push this thing around pretty easy. I think its all to do with technique. Anyway she sold it and got another VMax (she had one previously for around 15yrs)...if I were you Id get a VMax!

and the Vmax...

good choices to have anyway...

cheers
Andy

mrblasty · « **Reply #12 on:** November 09, 2009, 03:38:19 PM »

That muzzy set up cost well over a grand new the last time I looked. Are there issues with ZXR besides the cosmetics? Is the title clear? That XS650 weighs almost 500 pounds

Terry in Australia · « **Reply #13 on:** November 09, 2009, 03:58:42 PM »

Like has been said previously, these two bikes are poles apart, plenty of folks here with their opinions of what you should buy, including one guy who'd like you to buy the Yamaha so he can then buy some "unwanted" parts from you.

For 1500 - 2000 bucks, there are plenty of other bikes available too, so the question really is, what bike do you want to spend your money on? You've already owned a ZRX and had some issues with it, the Yamaha is too expensive for what it is, (they were great in their day, but rubbish compared to the Kawasaki) so why not keep looking mate? Buy what you want, not what we think you should? Cheers, Terry.

HawaiiMike · « **Reply #14 on:** November 09, 2009, 04:22:36 PM »

Srust58: The bike is operational according to the owners. I told them I'd only be interested in buying it if I can ride it home. They said no problem. When I went to their shop to look at it they were busy with another bike and I didn't talk to them. I just knew at that point there's no way they'd get $1,500 for it (from me at least).

MrBlasty: The owner says the title is clear. He says it runs but needs carb cleaning. I've taken apart ZRX carbs before, no big deal. Just cosmetics, making it look how I want it to look.

Andy750: Vmaxes aren't really my style. I like old standards (now called "nakeds") and old sportbikes. Oh, and I loved my Speed Triple. At the time I owned it I lived in a condo and didn't have a great place to park it, so I sold it. Better than having it stolen.

Terry: Yes you have a good point. I already have two bikes. My CB550 will definitely be a runner once I put it back together. The thing is, it's hard to find classic Japanese motorcycles in Hawaii. CB750's and KZ1000's are almost nonexistent. There was a guy selling a '79 GS550E on another island for $1,000 awhile back. Earlier this year I wasn't having much income $ and I called him periodically to see if he still had the bike. Finally when I was ready I called him and he'd just sold it! It was pristine too. Roundtrip airfare to another island plus shipping the bike to Oahu would have cost about $300 on top of the bike purchase.

Okay, still pondering, no offers made yet on either bike.

Terry in Australia · « **Reply #15 on:** November 09, 2009, 04:42:13 PM »

Yep, fair enough mate, I imported a CB750K0 from the US that I bought from one of the members here for similar reasons, here in Oz there aren't a lot of good old bikes left because (probably like Hawaii) the weather here is so good that we have a 365 day a year riding season, so after nearly 40 years, the only good bikes left are owned by collectors.

Luckily for me, the seller was happy to handle all the air-freight drama's at his end, all I had to do was pony up the dough. If you can find an Ebay seller (or any seller, for that matter) in the US who'd do the same for you, you might have a shot at finding a more desireable bike, but of course the cost might outweigh the desire, so to speak. Cheers, Terry.

wannabridin · « **Reply #16 on:** November 09, 2009, 04:58:37 PM »

i freaking LOVE the zrx, i want the 1200r, as they are unreal!! i'm a honda guy thru and thru, but those bikes are awesome!!! that and the speed triple, can't wait to get out of debt, those WILL be added to my stable sometime, AND an old XS. but for daily driving, i would go with the ZRX in a heart beat...

BeSeeingYou · « **Reply #17 on:** November 13, 2009, 05:42:13 PM »

Quote from: HawaiiMike on November 09, 2009, 04:22:36 PM

The thing is, it's hard to find classic Japanese motorcycles in Hawaii.

Probably one reason for the high price. Around here they seem to fall from the sky at times.

Occasionally for $300-500 but you have to move fast on those. Just missed out on a $275 76 XS650. May go look at a 78 runner for $500 this weekend. My bike budget is pretty low otherwise I would have garage full. There have been some very interesting and good deals here recently. I just have to grin and bear it.

HawaiiMike · « **Reply #18 on:** November 21, 2009, 07:16:56 PM »

Decision made! I bought the ZRX today!

Check it out. It's a Y2K repainted black with an aftermarket tail section, muzzy pipe, muzzy jet kit, round headlight etc. It has some scratches and dings, no big deal though.

Terry in Australia · « **Reply #19 on:** November 21, 2009, 08:19:01 PM »

Looks good mate, well done! Cheers, Terry.

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Author Topic: Would you buy a ZRX1100 or an XS650? (Read 8204 times)