08-08-2013, 07:54 AM
(08-07-2013, 09:23 PM)The ferret_imp Wrote: OldF7guy..the Kawasaki was an excellent machine and maybe my favorite bike of all time. Loved it.
What is amazing is how close the specs are on the KZ1000 and the CB1100
Motor. 1015 vs 1044
Hp. 83. vs. 88.5
Trq. 59. vs. 68.6
Wt. 563 w/ 1/2 tank gas. Vs 546 wet
Gas 4.4 gal. vs 3.9 gal
Trans. 5 sp. vs 5 Sp
Chain. 530. vs. 530
Brakes. Dual disc. vs triple discs
Cost. $ 2299. vs $ 9999
Amazingly the CB is actually slightly better is every category measurable category, weight, trq, hp, brakes, it undoubtedly handles better....I think the seat was better on the Kaw, but then again I had a 27 year old bum then and a 63 year old bum now. I like the looks of the big KZ better, especially the pipes. It will take a couple years before I decide just how good of a motorcycle the CB is in my eyes, but on paper it certainly has the potential to move right to the top looking at the numbers.
Thing that the specs can't capture is that the big KZ 900 and 1000 was the undisputed King and everyone knew it. Even the hardcore Harley guys had to grudgingly admit that 'yeah, they're fast, but....'
Now there is no King, there is no royalty, just different nations with their diverse national traits each good at it's own particular niche...
To own the bike that was the King, when it was the King.. that must've been great (I was too poor at the time, couldn't even afford the demoted prince: CB750...)