Sayonara to the CB1100, with an exit interview.

[TCBronson_imp]

Thanks Timpo!

[curlyjoe_imp]

Congrats on the new Z650, Ulvetanna.

Stop by now and then to say hello.

[DAC]

Sorry to see you go. Quite a step down from the CB. But if you're trying to come down on size and keep the fun, you may have it right.

The way a bike fits the rider matters more than the spec sheet. At 54, 6' and a bit over 200lbs, the CB fits this rider well. I look a little silly on anything that's much smaller.

The new crop of detuned, literbike derivative standards (see GSX-S1000F, Z900, FZ-10) are highly capable, lightweight, economical and look quite fun. i sat on a GSX-SF at the local dealer and shifting it around it felt a 250. The styling of these bikes is of the current transformer school of design, though the Suzuki seems to have a little organic flow to it the others lack. If I had to step down in to a lighter bike, the Suzuki might be where I'd go.

Check in and update us if you feel so inclined, though maybe there is a Z forum somewhere that will get more attention.

[Django]

I would have liked to own this Z650: http://nippon-classic.de/classic-bikes/k...staerkung/



Couldn't afford it in the seventies.

[Rolls_imp]

Wait, my dates were wrong. That not 3 new bikes in 3 months; it's 3 in *one* month! You've shattered the awesomeness meter!!

Anyway, don't be a stranger. First, I've always enjoyed your posts. While occasionally incendiary, they're always insightful and informed by years of relevant experience. Second, as far as your new rides, I really like each of your choices, and I'd guess others do, too.

Please keep us posted on how things go as you enjoy your updated fleet. And don't let that age thing bug you. You may be 60, but remember, that's only about 48 Canadian.

Be well and enjoy!

[Ulvetanna_imp]

Wait, my dates were wrong. That not 3 new bikes in 3 months; it's 3 in *one* month! You've shattered the awesomeness meter!!

Anyway, don't be a stranger. First, I've always enjoyed your posts. While occasionally incendiary, they're always insightful and informed by years of relevant experience. Second, as far as your new rides, I really like each of your choices, and I'd guess others do, too.

Please keep us posted on how things go as you enjoy your updated fleet. And don't let that age thing bug you. You may be 60, but remember, that's only about 48 Canadian.

Be well and enjoy!

OK, I have to admit that is funny. What's it in AU, I wonder?

I would have liked to own this Z650: http://nippon-classic.de/classic-bikes/k...staerkung/



Couldn't afford it in the seventies.

I couldn't afford anything in the seventies!

[Cormanus]

Wait, my dates were wrong. That not 3 new bikes in 3 months; it's 3 in *one* month! You've shattered the awesomeness meter!!

Anyway, don't be a stranger. First, I've always enjoyed your posts. While occasionally incendiary, they're always insightful and informed by years of relevant experience. Second, as far as your new rides, I really like each of your choices, and I'd guess others do, too.

Please keep us posted on how things go as you enjoy your updated fleet. And don't let that age thing bug you. You may be 60, but remember, that's only about 48 Canadian.

Be well and enjoy!

OK, I have to admit that is funny. What's it in AU, I wonder?

I would have liked to own this Z650: http://nippon-classic.de/classic-bikes/k...staerkung/



Couldn't afford it in the seventies.

I couldn't afford anything in the seventies!

OK, I have to admit that is funny. What's it in AU, I wonder?
Mate, if I got the joke, I'd happily tell you.

[Ulvetanna_imp]

Wait, my dates were wrong. That not 3 new bikes in 3 months; it's 3 in *one* month! You've shattered the awesomeness meter!!

Anyway, don't be a stranger. First, I've always enjoyed your posts. While occasionally incendiary, they're always insightful and informed by years of relevant experience. Second, as far as your new rides, I really like each of your choices, and I'd guess others do, too.

Please keep us posted on how things go as you enjoy your updated fleet. And don't let that age thing bug you. You may be 60, but remember, that's only about 48 Canadian.

Be well and enjoy!

OK, I have to admit that is funny. What's it in AU, I wonder?

I would have liked to own this Z650: http://nippon-classic.de/classic-bikes/k...staerkung/



Couldn't afford it in the seventies.

I couldn't afford anything in the seventies!

OK, I have to admit that is funny. What's it in AU, I wonder?
Mate, if I got the joke, I'd happily tell you.

OK, I have to admit that is funny. What's it in AU, I wonder?
Mate, if I got the joke, I'd happily tell you. You mean you don't have a Hot Tub Time Machine that transmutes Canadian years to "Years AU?"

I would have liked to own this Z650: http://nippon-classic.de/classic-bikes/k...staerkung/



Couldn't afford it in the seventies.

[url=http://classic-motorbikes.net/kawasaki-z650-road-test/]Here's a really sweet article on that bike in English.

The specs on that bike are really great. If Honda'd made an equivalent in an inline four package I'd still own it. Under 470 pounds, about 65 HP. I'd take a disc brake in the rear and maybe twin disks up front. Funny but those specs are very similar to the Triumph Street Cup and even closer to the new Z650. KHI is saying about 65 HP, but it comes in at 410 pounds wet with ABS. Come on Honda, in three years I'll be ready, I hope, to trade in something else. Make a 750 with these specs, air-cooled, retro-look, affordable (to keep it in production) and Triumph will have some real competition.

Kawasaki Z650 B1 Specifications

Engine – Air cooled 4 stroke DOHC inline four
Capacity – 652cc
Bore/stroke – 62mm x 54mm
Power – 64bhp @ 8500rpm
Torque – 41 ft-lbs @ 7000rpm
Carburetion – 4 x Mikuni VM24SS
Transmission – 5-speed wet clutch chain final drive
Frame – steel twin loop cradle
Suspension – 36mm telescopic forks. Twin shock rear
Brakes – 275 mm disc single piston floating caliper. 180 mm single leading shoe drum
Wheels – 3.25 x 19, 4.00 x 18
Weight – 211kgs
Top speed – 125mph
Wheelbase – 1420mm
Fuel capacity – 16.8ltrs

[pdedse]

Understand your decision, Ulvetanna, the bike's weight was of concern for me in my early 50s. But I thought I could at least deal with that till I'm 60, maybe much beyond. At 6'4" it's a little on the small side for me but I've had that problem with all the bikes I've owned or test ridden that are not my KLR650. Of your fleet, the one I'm most interested in long term is that Wolf. Hopefully, you'll post a review after you have it a year. Wait...will you keep it that long? : )

[Rolls_imp]

I would have liked to own this Z650: http://nippon-classic.de/classic-bikes/k...staerkung/



Couldn't afford it in the seventies.

Django, I had a good friend who rode one of these in the late 70s well into the eighties. Not quite as smooth or refined as the CBs of '79 and later, but dead nuts reliable and charming in its own way. Would be great to ride one today. Good stuff.