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More Bangs for the BuckMay 15 '01 Write an essay on this topic.The Bottom Line Oil and filter changes, along with tire changes are really the only considerations. The bike is ultra-reliable! Last year I bought a new Kawasaki ZRX1100. The list price was about $7300 and I paid $6500. Right off, I was excited about making such a hot deal. I had read all the motorcycle articles before purchasing so I could make an informed choice: everyone seems to like it. The bike seems utterly reliable after about 13,000 miles and has cost nothing in repair. Usual maintenance costs were minimal: my mechanic suggested that I change the oil every 2,000 miles, along with the filter. The oil he recommened was a Suzuki 10-40 at $2.25 per quart, the bike takes about 3 quarts ; the filter was $6.00. So, for an oil change, I was spending approximately $15.00. The oil doesn't have to be changed so often (Kawasaki dealership recommended every 3,000) but I felt after talking to a mechanic that had seen the inside of many engines, that his advice was more valid. Kawasaki recommended high octane fuel, so I always use premium fuel. I find that I get from 46-50 miles per gallon depending on how aggressive I ride. As fuel prices rise, I feel more and more justified. Original equipment tires are Bridgestone Battlax 57's. The rear lasted 4,500 miles and the front, 8,000. I replaced them with the new Bridgestone Battlax 010's which perform better in the twisties: you may order them from a company such as Chapparal for about $97.00 for the front and &125.00 for the rear. In my experience, it is far better to cultivate a relationship with your dealer-order them from him(you'll pay about another $30.00 apiece) but if something happens to the ones you purchased while putting them on the rims, you will be responsible. The dealer will charge a fee for changing the tires...mine was about $40.00 but I feel it was well worth the time and possibility of error. It's also a good idea to replace them before they really need to be replaced, so every year or so, you'll be spending about $300 or so for tires...not bad for safety, however. I know a free checkup came from the dealer at about 500 miles ( I paid for the oil and filter) and there will be a valve adjustment charge next---I should be due soon and I don't know what my dealer charges. The chain is in great shape and the mechanics tell me that it should last 25,000 miles. I priced chains and the range was from $60-$90 for a chain. The mechanic said as long as I kept it well adjusted (about every 300 miles, check it) and lubricated, I could get more than the 25,000. Other incidentals include cleaning products: I use S100 cleaners and wax...very fine products. The spray wax is $9.00 and the cleaner was $12.00. A little Armor All on the rubber hoses (not the seat or tires!) was $3.00. All in all, a cheap ride.  |
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