I bought this bike recently because it seems smart to make the 05 ZX6R a track-only bike. The Triumph is not only more practical and comfortable as a street bike and traveler, but it means that the ZX doesn't get a bunch of miles piled onto it when it really should remain as fresh as possible for ripping around on the racetrack.
I must say that the Triumph has a bit of a beast-like character with its three cylinder engine, and it is definitely not Japanese. The motor is very mechanical and a bit rough, which is cool. It is very much like the MZ Scorpion I used to own.
It should be an interesting bike to ride.
Those of you who know DRzs will know that the "e" model is the dirt-only model. But, I bought it with all the street accessories and street title. Realistically, I would be just as happy with an "s" street model, although it is nice to have the lighter weight.
This bike is a great all-arounder. I commute with it and can climb the nastiest New England terrain.
This was a neat motorcycle that had a Yamaha 660cc motor and made about 46hp. It served as a streetbike that my daughter learned on, and as my racebike from 2003 to 2005. I do believe I hold the fastest lap time for a stock MZ at NHMS (Loudon) at 1:22.8. I sold it in 2008 to a fellow MSF instructor, track day Control Rider and new racer. Good luck Dan!
In 1997, my good friend Graham offered me this Ninja after seeing me struggle with my 900F on sport bike rides. I was so happy to finally own a "real" sportbike after riding the Honda 900F for so many years.
The ZX had a great motor, but suffered from the weird handling of the 16 inch front wheel and anti-dive brakes. It became my wife's bike when I bought the VFR.
This RD was my first racebike. It was still competitive in 1986 when I was campaigning in the AAMRR club ranks at the old Loudon track. I won my share of trophies with the RD. I can still smell the 2-stroke smoke; Ahhhhhh.
Later, it served as my wife's first streetbike.
1968 Honda CB160T
1971 Yamaha TX650
1971 Triumph Bonneville 650
Hopefully, I can find some photos to complete my album.
Yikes! Someone needs a haircut!
This is me posing with my CB900F between runs at Lebanon Valley Dragway in 1992. I bought it new in 1984 as a leftover and put 65,000 trouble-free miles on it. I did the custom paint in the basement of my apartment in 1986.
This photo is of my second ride on the VFR. I was so happy. The VFR was a real trooper. I put 45,000 miles on it before I sold it to buy the ZX6 in 2005.
I sold the 1999 VFR800 at the end of 05 so I could buy my 2005 Kawasaki ZX6R. The ZX6 is one heck of a motorcycle. It is competent on the racetrack and surprisingly civil on the street. Sure, the handlebars are low, but they are close to my body so it is almost as comfortable than the VFR.
The photo above shows what a Kawasaki Supersport looks like when loaded to the gills. The load isn't as heavy as it looks, so it handles this duty rather well. I flipped the handlebars (clip ons) over to raise them a bit, which made the bike quite comfortable.
Since I bought the Triumph, the ZX will have race bodywork and serve its time on the racetrack only.
