1999 Kawasaki ZRX1100... 20k miles

[V4underme]

The local HD dealer has a 99 ZRX1100 on the floor, 20k miles, 2 Brothers pipe installed, Corbin seat. It's tempting me since they are asking $2,999 for it. They put a new front tire on it, rear has about 1/3 tread left. Body showing some age/wear in places, like the black mirror edges appear rubbed (not scratched) through so the metal shows, 1/4" nick in the paint on the tank, some of the black parts with sharp edges have the paint "faded" on the edges. Engine appears very clean and it fired up on the first try, ran smooth for the 30 seconds it was on. Can't test ride it due to insurance reasons (so they told me). I asked two of the salesmen if they knew the history of the bike, but they didn't. Would have to find the guy who took it in on trade.

Anyone with ZRX experience have any advice? Does the mileage scare you? I just sold my Honda Magna w/ 24k miles, but I knew that bike well. I was thinking of offering $3,000 or $3,100 out the door if they put a new matching rear tire on it first.

[scan]

Without the service records and without knowing the kind of previous owner (owners?) that rode the bike, it is a bit of a crap shoot. I would recomend signing up at the zrxoa.org discussion board and read/post on the topic. I know the engine on the 11 and the 12 are "bullet proof" and if they were well maintained they will last for a very long time. They are usually ridden very hard though, but they are made for that. I wouldn't expect someone to baby this kind of bike.

I would not take a bike with this high of milage though without taking it for a ride. My dealer told me they couldn't do a test ride, until I told them it was the only way they were going to sell the bike. Guess what, they found a way to let me take the test ride. A store employee rode with me and I had to sign a waiver (which ticked me off since they acted like there was no way to test ride - they said the same thing - insurance). In the end it is up to them, but I'd do the "If I'm not trying, I'm not buying".

The damage does not sound like it has been dropped moving, but again it is hard to say if someone rebuilt a bike. I can tell you if you get a good example of this bike, you will be very happy.

[V4underme]

I was hoping you would see this thread I like what I've read about the rex. It would be nice to park one next to my vmax... what a combo that would be.


Thanks for the tips. It's like buying any used vehicle, eh? Any idea if that's a good price for that bike (assuming an acceptable history)? I looked at Kelly Blue Book and NADA, but have found those numbers to be way off from what I see bikes (any make) sell for on ebay and cycletrader.

[scan]

I was hoping you would see this thread I like what I've read about the rex. It would be nice to park one next to my vmax... what a combo that would be.


Thanks for the tips. It's like buying any used vehicle, eh? Any idea if that's a good price for that bike (assuming an acceptable history)? I looked at Kelly Blue Book and NADA, but have found those numbers to be way off from what I see bikes (any make) sell for on ebay and cycletrader.

Yeah, a V-max and a ZRX in the same stable is quite a combo. I saw a great V-max at a local meet. It had modified carbs where two intakes stuck out the right and two on the left. It also had a pair of sportbike looking cans on the end of the exhausts. He also had a clear clutch cover so you could see the inner workings. It also had a racing tach - big one with a shift light. Real dragster.

I thought the dollars your dealer wanted for the Kaw sounded a little high for a 20000 mile bike of its age. If it runs great though, they seem rock solid and easy to fix and replace parts on. They are not cheap to rebuild, but you can do cool things to keep older ones alive - and even many mods to make it a sportbike eater.