12-20-2017, 03:05 AM
The Kawasaki Z900RS is a great alternative to the Honda CB1100.
I have never owned a Kawasaki, but in the early seveties, dirt bike friends had Kawasaki 350 Big Horns and they did well cross country in the Mojave desert around Randsburg, Johannesburg, Red Mountain and Cuddeback Dry Lake.
At almost 1800 miles, I am extremely pleased with the CB1100. Coming back to Las Vegas from northern Clark County, after a pleasant but cool run along the west side of Lake Mead (highways 147/167/169), traffic on Interstate 15 was running 80+ (75 MPH zone), so cruising at 85 MPH was reasonable.
4,000 RPM in 6th is about 82 MPH. MPG dropped to 48 MPH at that speed, compared to 52 MPG, averaging about 65 MPH, on the way up on the two lane. At that speed there is a whole lot of throttle left. It feels like the motor is just plain loafing.
I very much enjoy torque that does not need 10,000+ RPMs to perform. I had this with both Sportsters, the Triumph and the Moto Guzzi...but the Honda 1140 cc has so MUCH more.
Highway 167 (North Shore Road) is constant sweeping turns and some moderate grades for more than 50 miles. The CB1100 is quite comfortable doing in all in 6th gear, or drop down a gear, maybe two, for stronger acceleration out of the turns.
After a ~140 mile run, I was not anxious to get off the saddle, so I ran a couple errands around the valley, then topped off the tank. When I got home, a hot damp cloth took care of the dust on the tank and side covers. Using the center stand, instead of a jack (as a stock Z900RS would need), I lubed the chain (589 miles and 18 days since last chain service). Chain has not yet needed adjustment.
Other than not having an ambient temperature display, I can think of nothing to change on my 2014 standard.
Not enough HP?! It will do 100 MPH in third, in < 9 seconds!
Alright, if you absolutely must have the fastest bike within 100 mile radius, then it is not for you. But for of us who love a standard naked bike, it is a dream.
I have never owned a Kawasaki, but in the early seveties, dirt bike friends had Kawasaki 350 Big Horns and they did well cross country in the Mojave desert around Randsburg, Johannesburg, Red Mountain and Cuddeback Dry Lake.
At almost 1800 miles, I am extremely pleased with the CB1100. Coming back to Las Vegas from northern Clark County, after a pleasant but cool run along the west side of Lake Mead (highways 147/167/169), traffic on Interstate 15 was running 80+ (75 MPH zone), so cruising at 85 MPH was reasonable.
4,000 RPM in 6th is about 82 MPH. MPG dropped to 48 MPH at that speed, compared to 52 MPG, averaging about 65 MPH, on the way up on the two lane. At that speed there is a whole lot of throttle left. It feels like the motor is just plain loafing.
I very much enjoy torque that does not need 10,000+ RPMs to perform. I had this with both Sportsters, the Triumph and the Moto Guzzi...but the Honda 1140 cc has so MUCH more.
Highway 167 (North Shore Road) is constant sweeping turns and some moderate grades for more than 50 miles. The CB1100 is quite comfortable doing in all in 6th gear, or drop down a gear, maybe two, for stronger acceleration out of the turns.
After a ~140 mile run, I was not anxious to get off the saddle, so I ran a couple errands around the valley, then topped off the tank. When I got home, a hot damp cloth took care of the dust on the tank and side covers. Using the center stand, instead of a jack (as a stock Z900RS would need), I lubed the chain (589 miles and 18 days since last chain service). Chain has not yet needed adjustment.
Other than not having an ambient temperature display, I can think of nothing to change on my 2014 standard.
Not enough HP?! It will do 100 MPH in third, in < 9 seconds!
Alright, if you absolutely must have the fastest bike within 100 mile radius, then it is not for you. But for of us who love a standard naked bike, it is a dream.