ZX9R or Blade??

defiant12

Hi Guys,

I’m looking to pick up one of these in January; either a 99 ZX9R or a 97 Blade.
Bikes are similarly priced and both in good nick with nothing needed to be done to them.

What are the pros and cons of each and which would you guys recommend?
It will be used in all conditions for all purposes; commuting, touring, Sunday blasts…

cantdecide

I'd say Kwackie. I just find them more appealing than the blades of that era.

Wossack

id be more wary buying a 2nd hand zx9 then a 2nd hand blade of that vintage - good few problems with some revisions of the 9.. though at 1999 that'd be a C model? think that was a pretty good un

still though, some points to watch for:
6 pot calipers are a pita..
gearbox can be problematic
can go through head gaskets
budget to get clearances done pretty much immediately
check around headstock area for signs of wheelie abuse..

KamiKazi

Blade!

LookBehindYou

Blade

defiant12

I've always wanted a Blade but now i'm ready for one i'm leaning towards the ZX.
I don't really know why!?

The Kwak is a C2 model and i'd be putting her straight into the shed and doing the clearances myself.
The Blade would be ready for the road with nothing needed doing.
What to do???

Idleater

What to do?
ZX12r

P.C.

I would go for the Blade.

KamiKazi

Gotta be the blade.

Pique

On that note, why are Kwacks so cheap second-hand ? Are they poorly made or something ?

They look great, go like stink and are a mainstream brand....

...so what's the catch ? Made outta butter or something ?

defiant12

Generally Kwaks are the most troublesome of the Jap bikes. The C model ZX9 seems to be one of the better ones...

I've not had a Honda since a Bros years ago, maybe it's time to go back...

honeybadger

blade aswelll

hobochris

This is a tough one, its like asking which member of jedward you'd like to kick the the **** out of the most...both would be saticfying.

My head says blade but I've a soft spot for Z..

Wossack

I've love a zx9 myself

martydunf

Neither, get a gixxer thou instead!:pac:

multiscan

ZX9 will need more love but i still want one

arybvtcw0eolkf

Most people won't ride either bike anywhere close to its limits, so follow your heart.

Both bikes will probably have similar mechanical issues due to fair wear and tear. Both will be fast and agile enough for even a very good rider.

Best of luck, and safe riding.

Ratchet

ZX9 would be great day to day bike and does long distance trips very well....comfy seat and good wind protection

it will be hard to find blade that had easy life or Kwak that was properly maintained...

defiant12

To wrap this up i got the ZX9 and i'm happy out with it:D

Idleater

Nice one, well done. Wish you all the best with it.

P.C.

defiant12 wrote: »

To wrap this up i got the ZX9 and i'm happy out with it:D

Well wear.

Jonybgud

May it serve you well.

I would have gone with the FB, but I have really good memories of a 1978 Z650B, better times....:)

arybvtcw0eolkf

Jonybgud wrote: »

but I have really good memories of a 1978 Z650B, better times....:)

Tell me you had an Alfa 4-1 pipe?.

Loved the Z650, Z900 and Z1.

Jonybgud

Malia Nice Temperance wrote: »

Tell me you had an Alfa 4-1 pipe?.

Loved the Z650, Z900 and Z1.

What else....:D and the throttle into the 4 carbs was instant response. I had to keep the closing off cable oiled every second day, god I really loved that bike, such raw gutsy power, a pure animal and a dear friend all in one. I better stop I've a tear in my eye.

KamiKazi

defiant12 wrote: »

To wrap this up i got the ZX9 and i'm happy out with it:D

Get some pics up!

defiant12

I forgot to post a pic, here she is in bad need of a wash...