New retro Kawi on the horizon?

[Frulk_imp]

Another one I won’t be going to look at. Looks nice in the bright green though and it does have the profile of a classically designed bike. However, I prefer Japanese motors to have more than two cylinders. Don’t ask me why. I don’t really know myself. I just do. If that bike is anywhere near 400 pounds I can see a lot of older guys going for this as they ‘age out’ of the heavier class bikes like the CB1100. Probably pick up some first time buyers too although that price range might give younger folks getting into riding pause.

[tod.branko_imp]

Another one I won’t be going to look at. Looks nice in the bright green though and it does have the profile of a classically designed bike. However, I prefer Japanese motors to have more than two cylinders. Don’t ask me why. I don’t really know myself. I just do. If that bike is anywhere near 400 pounds I can see a lot of older guys going for this as they ‘age out’ of the heavier class bikes like the CB1100. Probably pick up some first time buyers too although that price range might give younger folks getting into riding pause.

Kawasaki lists it at 412lb kerb weight, which is decent in my opinion, and having ridden other bikes with the same engine Versys, Ninja 650 and the er6n, I think the performance is more than adequate. It's also utterly reliable and real-world performance is much better than a 4-cyl of the same displacement as it doesn't suffer from a lethargic bottom end. Gotta say I like the green with gold wheels the most

'14 CB1100 STD 5 speed

[rboe]

Like the GB1000, you just can't do a retro bike then stuff in a modern looking water cooled lump. It just doesn't fit.

Triumph put fins on theirs which carries the look through - Honda and Kawasaki should have done the same thing.

[Frulk_imp]

I don’t doubt it’s a capable machine and the weight certainly makes it very appealing. I just can’t think of any compelling reason I’d want to park it in my garage.

[pdedse]

Would not sniff at it just for the rectanculgar radiator alone.

[misterprofessionality]

Despite me scoffing at them for reusing the ninja 650 twin again, I am actually interested in this bike. I've grown to love the motor in my versys and this appears to be about 50 lbs lighter. Could be a real hoot.

[Whoops]

That is quite the convoluted exhaust header pipe path. Looks a bit odd.

Todd, I agree. The green looks the best.

[misterprofessionality]

That is quite the convoluted exhaust header pipe path. Looks a bit odd.

Todd, I agree. The green looks the best.

yea it looks funny. they're just recyling the same headers all the other ninja 650 variants have. the Z650, the Versys650, and the Ninja 650 all have those exact same headers. The tail cowl and seat looks to be pulled straight off the Z900RS, possibly even the gas tank. This is a true parts bin bike, but i'm not even mad because i know those are all good parts.

I think I just realized the reason that I kind of like it is it's like my CB1100 and my Versys had a child out of wedlock.

[tommymck]

I'm not against water cooled. Triumph does a great job making those fit in so far as I'm concerned, and so could anybody else. It's just the way that the "lump" (as mentioned above) is so in-your-face with this thing that ruins it for me. It'll probably be fun though.

[redbirds_imp]

That is a beauty. Sparky had a KZ 650 in '79 when we married and it was a gorgeous bike and very reliable. This new 650 looks to be a winner.