Hi I Saw a kawasaki zx 10 (1990) for sale in craiglist and when i went to view the bike I fell in love with it. The bike has been fully serviced and never layed down. It has a vance hines exhaust, and all of the original leather strapings in the cockpit. It even has a little tool kit in the tail end of the bike. As a new rider i know this bike has too much power. But my cousin was gracious enough to let me store it in his garage untill im ready to ride it. He lives in a rual area in the central valley so it would be a little safer to practice in his area. In the meen time I was going to buy a cheap old 5oo cc bike to learn on for 8 months to a year. After that i would then try to ride the ninja, very carefully. If i still feel like the ninja is to much for me i can always sell it. He was asking to grand But he agreed to take 1750. And im planning to take the motorcycle safty cours as well. I think my plan is a safe one rather then taking the motor cycle safty course, then trying to ride that beast.

 

wow, I am jealous. Congrats

My only 1990 is the zx7 but still a good year. I have not had the fortunate opportunity to play with the 1990 zx10. I do own a "a cheap old 5oo cc bike" though and love it along with the other kawi rides. Bring it, gear up and enjoy. Congrats again.

 

Should i be able to handle a zx 10 after a year of riding a 500? Im 5"10 175 lbs and i can flat foot it easy.

 

That of course will depend on you. Just stay in your comfort level and things are golden. If you think that the 500 is a great street ride for you (we are similar in size), then use it. There is nothing written in stone that you have to move up, but knowing that you do have a '90 zx10 to move up to is worth a try in my opinion. The 10 would make a great touring bike if you are into 20k mile/yr rides. HINT (just another opinion of course)

Good luck man and make sure that you are comfy with the ride or rides. Otherwise you will not like it and maybe hurt you or others.

 

FWIW, there are guys who've been riding 20 years and still can't (safely) handle a ZX10. With the power of that bike, it might actually slow your learning curve; i.e., you won't get the benefit of a smaller bike and engine, being able to push it harder to learn limits of power vs handling. Don't get me wrong, I'm not some crusty old pedantic who thinks everyone should learn on a 250. However, there are things you can learn on a lesser-powered bike which would get you killed trying to learn on a 10. Just take it very very easy, and don't get in over your skill level. (Don't let the "fast guys" pull you in to do stupid crap. Power, testosterone, and inexperience will get you very dead.)
ALWAYS wear your gear; no excuses.