Whats up everyone, I recently purchased my first bike, a 98 kawasaki ninja zx6r. I have a couple questions about it.

First of all, it is already at 40k miles. The dude I bought it from told me he maintained it well but I can't trust anyone in reality. I plan on changing the oil every 3-4 thousand miles and I'm hoping the bike will last me at least another 10k miles, until I have time to save up for an upgrade. My question is pretty much just how long these bikes can last. The bike rides great and has no funny noises coming from the engine, so hopefully that is a good sign.

Also, while driving it home on my friends trailer he hit a bump and the bike fell over on the trailer while driving down the freeway (he didn't take the time to strap it down correctly I guess), and now the windshield and front fairing is all smashed up. Not a great way to start off the new bike.

Also I payed $2700 for it which I now understand is probably to much for 40k miles but there is nothing I can do about it now. Do you guys think I payed too much?

 

Wow! 40k huh, well I only have 30k to go to catch up with ya. I don't know anything about that bike, but good luck and welcome to the forums.

 

welcome to KF

 

Welcome to KF. What is prolly the most irritating is that it fell over and will cost you more than what you intended. Good luck with that.

 

I think the bigger question isn't so much how low long will the bike last, but for a new rider on a ZX6R, how long will you last?

At least, do a training course.

Rob

 

I was literally devastated. One of the worst feelings in the world.

Also, I know its more likely I put the bike down before the bike runs out of life, I understand this. I also understand it is a high performance machine. I am not some immature 17 year old looking to go 150 down the freeway. My younger friend started on a 02 r1 and my other good friend on an 03 r6, neither of them have had any trouble (knock on wood). I've ridden "race inspired" 250's and they are just too small/weak for me, plain and simple. I'm 6'3" and 200 lbs, and I really didn't feel like getting a 250 only to sell it and lose money after a few months.

 

Hey. Welcome aboard. Doesn't matter what you ride if you USE YOUR HEAD and wear your gear. (Yes, yes, I know what statistics show.)
Super, we're glad to have you on the forums. Let us know if/how we can help.

 

I've seen 2004 ZX636 with 60k miles still running like a dream. Bikes these days aren't like the bikes of old that had to be completely rebuild every few thousand miles. As long as you take care of her, she'll take care of you.

 

And pay no mind to williamr... he means well but is a little misguided. Just because you start on a 600 doesn't mean you're going to die. A lot of people that I know started on a 600 and are still alive. It's all about whether or not you ride with your head. The arguement can be made that starting on a 250 is a better idea and will make you a better rider in the long run, but that doesn't mean that you are living on borrowed time because of your choice of bikes. However, I will agree with him on one point... take a motorcycle safety course. That will definately make you a better rider. And wear your protective gear.

 

Hell I ride a ZX-14 and I'm crazy! Of course I have ridden for 30 years too. Just remember when the urge hits you to really crank the throttle, think about the road you are on, and if you dont really know the road, dont thrash the throttle. I think most new riders wreck by going too fast and missing curves!