I wanted a lightly used zx-25r, light weight, high revving, it would be a fun way to get around the city pretending I'm a sportsbike revving to 17000 rpm while barely generating 50 hp. But there was an even lighter used, newer zx-4rr for the same price. Not what I wanted, but obviously more bike=better.

But then there was a 2014 z1000 in great condition for the same price so I really didn't have a choice in the matter.

I have to push really hard to keep this thing leaned over, my feet feel like they're way too far back, I can't split like I normally do because it's so big, my thighs get cooked, there's literally no reason to leave first gear it might as well be an automatic scooter that likes to do wheelies.

Anyone have any advice how I can make it more comfortable or enjoyable?

A guy laying on a halloween-colored z1000.
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[–] 3 points 3 days ago (10 children)
  • [–] [S] 2 points 3 days ago (9 children)

    Groms cost like 4000 USD.

    If you could have a Grom or pay 600 more for a z1000, would you be able to justify the Grom?

    It is kinda insane to me that nobody sells cheap beginner bikes in the US. Honda Waves cost 800 USD new and have a semi-automatic gearbox, Honda cb150 verzas go for 1400 new, the closest you get is the crf150L which also costs 4000 dollars.

    It's like they know there's no alternative so they increase prices to used big bike or car territory. I think lack of accessibility is partly responsible for why motorcycles are so uncommon and aren't considered a legitimate form of transport in America.

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  • [–] 2 points 2 days ago (1 child)

    It is kinda insane to me that nobody sells cheap beginner bikes in the US.

    Because no one buys them. Beginners buy used bikes.

    Also, do all the math: Grom gas and insurance is the cheapest possible.

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  • [–] [S] 1 point 2 days ago

    You bought a Grom, people want and buy 125s and 150s, despite them costing 4000 dollars. Way more people would buy them if they cost half to a fifth of that like they do over here. The explosion of ebikes is because there has been literally nothing for people who want a small bike or scooter but don't want to pay 4000 dollars.

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  • [–] 3 points 3 days ago (4 children)

    I actually bought a Grom, brand new, but mostly bc I wanted a fun little bike for my short commute. The insanely awesome mileage (140 mpg) helped as well.

    A large bike never entered the equation for me.

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  • [–] [S] -1 points 3 days ago* (3 children)

    OK, and if you were at the dealership and they had 8x more bike for just 15% more money, you wouldn't be required to buy the bigger one?

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  • [–] 4 points 3 days ago (2 children)

    Not at all.

    It all comes down what you want out of the bike. I wanted fun, fuel efficiency, and ease of use.

    Sure, the Grom has a ridiculously low top speed, but it accelerates quickly, stops quickly, and is extremely agile. For riding around town, it's perfect.

    That's all I wanted.

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