Quote:
Originally Posted by
spm0912
I suspect if you stripped both bikes down to the chassis they'd be pretty similar.
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The Z and R are like brothers with different fathers, the heart is the same, but the body around it is far from similar.
If you've decided that the old Ten isn't for you, and to be honest those bikes should be looking toward renovation, restoration to full glory, (in my opinion), then I think you've made your decision already.
There is nowhere an R can go that a Z (with a committed rider) can't, but you are right, experience and fear of the unknown make most people stop and think, and the conclusion is usually "I can't do that", the reality is more often than not, that you can, you just need someone to show/tell you you can.
If you ask any of the guys who have been to the Lakes meets (May this year) who we've sort of pushed into off road situations, most (who didn't really want to have a go) would agree it's not as hard as it looks to ride a big bike on your average UCR (Green Lane).
I see your point though, so here's a curve ball..... TT600RE's are cheapish these days, and there always seams to be one or two on eBay. It's the same 600 motor from the old Tenere, but in a light package that keeps the power of the bigger single, but the weight of the DRZ. Air cooled so really simple machines. The TT600RE was the bike Yamaha brought out to fill the gap before the R was released, so it's not far from what you are considering.