My wife’s next bike??

[Tached1300]

So the wife and I were at the dealership this past Saturday she was checking out bikes and has pretty much decided on the Z400 as her next bike.

I think it’s perfect in that it’s pretty light, low seat height relative to other choices she’s REALLLLY short and since she hasn’t had a bike of her own in about 7 years or so would be a good reintroduction to riding. Also in the running was a Suzuki gladius/sfv 650. She started off on a ninja 500, moved to a Honda f4i, then to the SV650 which was her fav of those 3. Given we mainly ride backroads and nothing long distance, I think she will enjoy her choice. She likes the naked/standard look and doesn’t want anything with fairings.

Not one to impulse buy so didn’t get it but probably will within a week or so though honestly it would suit me to wait until next spring because she’s NOT riding once it gets below a certain temp unlike me lol.

Stay tuned let’s see how this plays out as she may decide she’d rather have flooring or something. A pic of the color scheme she wanted.

 

[Bumblebee]

I've read all good things about these bikes...I rode the faired version and it was a brilliant little bike...very fun to ride and surprisingly responsive...it would absolutely wipe the floor with the old EX500 Ninja.

 

[rubbersidedown]

Yer a smart guy Tached and together I'm sure you 2 will make the right choice for her. I have 100% confidence in that.
Butt... Look at that Zook a couple more times.
Me,I'm black w/red all the way...but the blue is super sweet also. That exo frame... and the rest of the styling,IDK man. Does the Zook have a few more ponies too? She may want to grow into that.

Both colors are extreme eye-candy to me.

maybe put it up for a vote?
Between the red or blue I mean. What was the other choice...a Z something or other...

Rubb.

 

[Tached1300]

I've read all good things about these bikes...I rode the faired version and it was a brilliant little bike...very fun to ride and surprisingly responsive...it would absolutely wipe the floor with the old EX500 Ninja.

Good to see you reply you have been missed around here. I’ve seen good press as well on this bike it hasn’t been out that long but hopefully it has good reliability. It’s a good bang for the buck I think and would serve her well.

 

[rubbersidedown]

Oh...the Zook would be safer for her too. Dual disc's up front. See,right there,50% better in just one category.
Rubb.

 

[Tached1300]

Rubb, I’m a huge fan of the lil zook, here’s a pic of one I’m watching locally and the color scheme she liked. I’ve actually found a few leftover new models marked down

 

[Bumblebee]

Good to see you reply you have been missed around here. I’ve seen good press as well on this bike it hasn’t been out that long but hopefully it has good reliability. It’s a good bang for the buck I think and would serve her well.

Thanks brother,

The little Kawi is a class leader and green is the best color for a Kawi (IMO).

I'm sure the reliability will be the usual Kawasaki standard so no worries there.

I'd own one in a heartbeat.

 

[c10]

Z650 over 400 . Wont out grow, and same wasp style seating In low height. Passing pwr vs 400 . Very light weight too

2020 Kawasaki Z650 | Naked Motorcycle | Aggressive Versatility

The 2020 Kawasaki Z650 ABS naked motorcycle features aggressive, Sugomi-inspired Z styling and boasts a sporty 649cc parallel-twin engine for fun with a uniquely Z attitude.

m.kawasaki.com

 

[rubbersidedown]

Pre-owned.. let somebody else eat that "Driven-off-the-lot" depreciation. I like it. If you go for that black one,don't forget to ask for the stock parts,fender,mirrors,etc.
Rubb.

 

[Tached1300]

Z650 over 400 . Wont out grow, and same wasp style seating In low height. Passing pwr vs 400 . Very light weight too

2020 Kawasaki Z650 | Naked Motorcycle | Aggressive Versatility

The 2020 Kawasaki Z650 ABS naked motorcycle features aggressive, Sugomi-inspired Z styling and boasts a sporty 649cc parallel-twin engine for fun with a uniquely Z attitude.

m.kawasaki.com

I’ll have her give it a look

 

[WuzzaCBXRider]

My daughter had an SV650 and loved it. 40ci (650cc) is what the original Bonnevilles were. Plenty of power, good brakes and suspension and the 650 won’t be timid riding into a head wind and she won’t be wanting a bigger bike so soon, if ever.

 

[Tached1300]

Well I tried to steer her back towards the z650 but she wanted the lighter 400 said it felt better to her and it was cheaper which was just fine by me until she shows me that she’s really going to rack up some miles. With me losing my riding buddy who can no longer ride and soon to have surgery no. 28 I’m good with her with wanting to inch her way back up the ranks.

My son wants to learn how to ride and they had discussed going in half and sharing this bike at one point but I’m thinking perhaps in a year or two she can upgrade to the 650 if she wants and the boy can take the 400 which would be cool. For where we ride and how she rides this bike will be plenty. This is a Busa forum so obviously there’s a power addiction amongst the ranks lol, but the Z400 moves for what it is lots of low down torque compared to the 250-300cc. Shes no speed demon she’s about the leisure of riding and on roads we ride traffic isn’t an issue and she never have to go above 70 or on the roads we ride unless she’s feeling spunky. I’ll pull over and wait for her and wait at the next stop

Anyways we picked up the bike today I put 91 miles on it. I’ll do a ride review after some more logging of miles. First mods done are removal of tank sticker and front reflectors. A few pics below the Z400 is small in cc but not so in stature a few pics next to the Busa. I did not feel cramped or uncomfortable and felt much better than I would’ve on the Busa given the same distance. In the first pic below there’s a Busa behind the Z400 somewhere lol.

 

[Tached1300]

My daughter had an SV650 and loved it. 40ci (650cc) is what the original Bonnevilles were. Plenty of power, good brakes and suspension and the 650 won’t be timid riding into a head wind and she won’t be wanting a bigger bike so soon, if ever.

My wife’s last bike was a SV650 she regrets selling it said she’s not making the same mistake again we shall see...

There are guys on the Z400 forum who own the SV650 as well and some actually prefer the Z400 or ninja variant over the SV. The combination of weight, brakes, power is actually nice(keeping things in context of course) entry level.

I really wanted another suzuki but my first impression of the Z400 Is pretty good thus far.

 

[Tached1300]

Pre-owned.. let somebody else eat that "Driven-off-the-lot" depreciation. I like it. If you go for that black one,don't forget to ask for the stock parts,fender,mirrors,etc.
Rubb.

Yeah I like to look for nearly new low mileage preowned bikes from private sellers, I’ve never bought a new bike. BUT the wife’s bike is a new leftover 2019 model that I got without all the added bs fees so it close to what used ones go for in my area.

 

[BigBSBusa]

Congrats to her/you on getting the new ride! Any plans for the bike while she gets comfortable riding it?

 

[Bumblebee]

Well I tried to steer her back towards the z650 but she wanted the lighter 400 said it felt better to her and it was cheaper which was just fine by me until she shows me that she’s really going to rack up some miles. With me losing my riding buddy who can no longer ride and soon to have surgery no. 28 I’m good with her with wanting to inch her way back up the ranks.

My son wants to learn how to ride and they had discussed going in half and sharing this bike at one point but I’m thinking perhaps in a year or two she can upgrade to the 650 if she wants and the boy can take the 400 which would be cool. For where we ride and how she rides this bike will be plenty. This is a Busa forum so obviously there’s a power addiction amongst the ranks lol, but the Z400 moves for what it is lots of low down torque compared to the 250-300cc. Shes no speed demon she’s about the leisure of riding and on roads we ride traffic isn’t an issue and she never have to go above 70 or on the roads we ride unless she’s feeling spunky. I’ll pull over and wait for her and wait at the next stop

Anyways we picked up the bike today I put 91 miles on it. I’ll do a ride review after some more logging of miles. First mods done are removal of tank sticker and front reflectors. A few pics below the Z400 is small in cc but not so in stature a few pics next to the Busa. I did not feel cramped or uncomfortable and felt much better than I would’ve on the Busa given the same distance. In the first pic below there’s a Busa behind the Z400 somewhere lol.

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She made the right choice, those are great little bikes.

Tell her congrats from me on her new baby...

 

[Tached1300]

Congrats to her/you on getting the new ride! Any plans for the bike while she gets comfortable riding it?

Protection mods in case of a tip over or drop, of the 3 previous bike she had she only dropped her first at a stop sign but given she tippy toes I’d like to account for the possibility of being in uneven ground or hill, so frame sliders or cage, case savers, and rear spools,

Then there may be some consideration of figuring out which way we want to get her feet more on the ground, so options include shaving seat, shorter rear shock, lowering link, thicker soles on boots to name a few. She wants to leave the suspension alone as I would i because I’d like to ride it at times too. She was moving it around today in the driveway using one leg and trying to get more comfortable with that eventually. All the above would not be needed but one to two might get her to where her feet are decently planted. Tomorrow I’m going to remove the seat have her sit on it w/o it then do some measurements with height and inseam. Prob start with the least expensive and least obtrusive method and go from there.

Then bar end mirrors, Tail tidy with integrated rear light/blinkers, tank pad, and she mentioned an exhaust which would drop a bit more weight 7-8 pounds, probably a tail bag since there will never be any two up riding. Mini wind/dash screen

 

[c10]

Cool deal Thomas !

 

[Tached1300]

Cool deal Thomas !

Thanks man, I got your message and appreciate it was a crazy busy week between work and looking for her bike. They were selling as fast as I could find them it seems but all worked out in the end and momma is happy (for now)

 

[BigBSBusa]

Congrats to her/you on getting the new ride! Any plans for the bike while she gets comfortable riding it?

Protection mods in case of a tip over or drop, of the 3 previous bike she had she only dropped her first at a stop sign but given she tippy toes I’d like to account for the possibility of being in uneven ground or hill, so frame sliders or cage, case savers, and rear spools,

Then there may be some consideration of figuring out which way we want to get her feet more on the ground, so options include shaving seat, shorter rear shock, lowering link, thicker soles on boots to name a few. She wants to leave the suspension alone as I would i because I’d like to ride it at times too. She was moving it around today in the driveway using one leg and trying to get more comfortable with that eventually. All the above would not be needed but one to two might get her to where her feet are decently planted. Tomorrow I’m going to remove the seat have her sit on it w/o it then do some measurements with height and inseam. Prob start with the least expensive and least obtrusive method and go from there.

Then bar end mirrors, Tail tidy with integrated rear light/blinkers, tank pad, and she mentioned an exhaust which would drop a bit more weight 7-8 pounds, probably a tail bag since there will never be any two up riding. Mini wind/dash screen

Looks like a good plan and can't wait to see the progress.