02-08-2014, 12:24 AM
Hey Ferret.
Delighted to learn about the shim-under-bucket, but the new ZX10 must sure make more than that--my 12-year-old carburetted ZX9R makes that much. I'd wager the new literbikes are making closer to 150. Anything more than 100hp on two wheels is just excess IMO.
My Honda disdain is well earned. I'll try not to let this drag on. My '98 Honda Superhawk's cylinders were worn egg-shaped after only 50,000 miles, despite responsible riding and meticulous maintenance. I spent about $7000 on parts & tools, and about 7 months in the garage rebuilding that Superhawk (a $9000 bike), and I got something even more precious than my beloved bike back: an education.
Felt like a complete tool spending that much money and that much time, until I learned that Motorcycle Mechanics Institute in Phoenix charges about 20,000 bucks, (I've met a few MMI graduates, and feel pretty confident that my knowledge is superior.)
It's hilarious to me that Honda touted this engine design as lighter and more robust, when the Superhawk was a heavy bike and the cylinders might as well have been made out of recycled water bottles.
Why Kawasaki? Well, the W650 caught my eye, I was impressed by the internals of my father's Concours engine when I did his valve adjustments, and the ZX6R I bought my ex-wife turned out to be quite a peach as well.
I don't buy a new bike every 2 years--I prefer to ride them until they fall apart. Just didn't expect that last Honda to do so after only 50,000 miles. I've fallen for pretty bikes before, so I need to learn more about the CB11's cylinder block before I commit.
Delighted to learn about the shim-under-bucket, but the new ZX10 must sure make more than that--my 12-year-old carburetted ZX9R makes that much. I'd wager the new literbikes are making closer to 150. Anything more than 100hp on two wheels is just excess IMO.
My Honda disdain is well earned. I'll try not to let this drag on. My '98 Honda Superhawk's cylinders were worn egg-shaped after only 50,000 miles, despite responsible riding and meticulous maintenance. I spent about $7000 on parts & tools, and about 7 months in the garage rebuilding that Superhawk (a $9000 bike), and I got something even more precious than my beloved bike back: an education.
Felt like a complete tool spending that much money and that much time, until I learned that Motorcycle Mechanics Institute in Phoenix charges about 20,000 bucks, (I've met a few MMI graduates, and feel pretty confident that my knowledge is superior.)
It's hilarious to me that Honda touted this engine design as lighter and more robust, when the Superhawk was a heavy bike and the cylinders might as well have been made out of recycled water bottles.
Why Kawasaki? Well, the W650 caught my eye, I was impressed by the internals of my father's Concours engine when I did his valve adjustments, and the ZX6R I bought my ex-wife turned out to be quite a peach as well.
I don't buy a new bike every 2 years--I prefer to ride them until they fall apart. Just didn't expect that last Honda to do so after only 50,000 miles. I've fallen for pretty bikes before, so I need to learn more about the CB11's cylinder block before I commit.