The First Week On My New Bike
Within eight days I rode 600 miles on So. California freeways and mountain roads. In less than a week I put more miles on the ZR-7 than I put on the Nighthawk during four months. I did the Santa Monica Mountains, eastern San Gabriel Mountains and the Angeles Crest Highway. All very enjoyable experiences. I decided at the outset to ride in the mountains only during midweek when the traffic is low.
I rode conservatively, concentrating on trying to carve through the curves as smoothly as possible. Still somewhat inconsistent. It will take a while to firmly implant the right technique. Sometimes I went through them like a pro, other times not so smoothly. Once I screwed up and crossed the yellow line briefly. Of course, if a vehicle is heading your way, one time is all it takes.
I found that left curves were easier and more natural for me. With right curves I had to concentrate more and I didn’t do them as smoothly. Wonder if it is common for riders to favor one side over the other?
On the freeway I usually rode at 70 mph, which I figure is closer to 65 mph, occasionally at 80 mph and once I blipped it up to 90 mph briefly just to see what it was like—not fun with the stock windshield. Anything over 75 mph or so and there’s too much buffeting for my taste. I’ll buy a taller windshield for touring and winter use.
Will also replace the seat—Corbin or Rick Mayer, not sure which yet. The stock seat is fine for every day use. But for all day in the saddle, like most stock seats it sucks.
Checked gas mileage on a 200 mile trip (about 1/3 mountains and 2/3 freeway). Averaged 49.6 mpg.
The ZR-7S is a phenomenal bike to this newbie. It supposedly weighs about 520 lbs wet. Sure doesn’t feel like it.
Since I’m riding conservatively, I haven’t come close to it’s limits in the mountains or on the highway. Over time, as my skills improve I’ll probably be able to push it a little closer to those limits. But my thing is leisurely touring so I’ll never find it’s limits.
Too bad Kawasaki saw fit to discontinue the ZR-7 with the 2004 model year. Oh well, I have one. That’s all that counts. On Monday the 12th of July I left Los Angeles towing the ZR-7 and a 1976 Honda GL1000 Goldwing (a gift from my brother in law).
