Kawasaki Z900RS

[Ulvetanna_imp]

Sat on one yesterday. Sent Kawasaki a tweet about that bulbous tank. Sat on the 18 CB11EX down the row from it. Much better. I liked the 9RS otherwise though. My 919 had a radiator. I don't mind. The Z9RS is not retro retro but I'd still ride one. My 919 was so sweet at exactly 72 mph on the highway. Smoooooth. So there is something to be said for water cooling. And she sure did like an exit ramp. Just roll her on in and lean. A touch of front brake. Nice. But the CB11EX is still a beauty. What a piece of art.

That's how I feel about it. The Z900RS is a liquid-cooled motorcycle, and needs a radiator; a discussion of the engineering strategy behind the bulbous tank (to allow a full 4.5 gallons of fuel and the huge airbox needed for the engine's low-end torque) is found in another post. So I have to wonder, in this case, just exactly what could Kawasaki's engineers have done differently to assuage these aesthetic concerns?

There is only one answer: they could have built an air-cooled motorcycle! And they've already done that, over 15 years ago. The ZR750 was a beautiful motorcycle, in profile very similar to the new Z900RS. When it first came out, my buddy bought one right away, and I had the chance to ride it. It was a superb machine in every way.


A bone-stock Zephyr 750, circa 1992.


Not bad with the MRS pipes.

[url=https://www.cycleworld.com/focusing-in-on-kawasaki-zephyr-to-find-out-if-it-was-ultimate-750-from-archives]Cycle World has published an article about the ZR750, where it has named that bike the best standard of 1992, on its website.

Kawasaki produced versions of the ZR (Zephyr) in 400, 550, 750, and 1100 versions.


The Zephyr 1100 shares the "bulbous" tank design of the Z900RS. It's a Kawasaki signature throughout the line.


Not a bad-looking mill.

[url=https://www.cycleworld.com/riding-impression-zephyr-1100-from-archives#page-4]Cycle World has also posted a review of the Zephyr 1100 from 1992, which has a lot of interesting information about the bike's performance, its adherents, and its development.

I had another buddy who had a few of these retros, the 1100 in particular. He commuted for years on that bike. Later he upgraded to the ZRX1200 and rode that bike for tens of thousands of commuting miles. He still had one, last time I checked.


The ZRX1200 was the first liquid-cooled machine in the retro line of ZR's.

Kawasaki has been all the way down the road and back with respect to making retro-styled inline fours of the air-cooled variety. And what they've learned is that, these days, they just don't sell very well. The Z900RS is a very slimmed-down example of the same kind of bike as the ZRX1200. Motorcycle sales are down right now, and KHI has made the right decision in choosing the style and technology for the new Z series.

Anyone who owns a CB1100 today should be thanking their lucky stars that they got one now, since it doesn't look like the bike is going to be back in the USA, at least. Those folks have the bike they want, it doesn't have an ugly radiator, bulbous tank, or the wrong badge on the tank. And hopefully, the bike they have is the bike they want, and it'll make them happy. I can't say, but it may be that no one bike can have everything one might want. I suppose that's why we have a lot of good choices. And if another person's choice differs from ours, it can still provide the same satisfaction of ownership.

I leave it to Cycle World's excellent staff of 1992 to sum it up; these thoughts are equally relevant 15 years later:

Good times are what motorcycles are for, though if recent sales figures are anything to go by, a smaller percentage of people than ever are enjoying good times on new bikes. But who knows? There would seem to be strong demand, among riders and former riders, for a liter-class standard-style motorcycle that offers a workable combination of style, comfort, performance and value.

Those words, written over 15 years ago, couldn't be more apropos.

As one who cut his riding teeth on the classic KZ bikes, I loved the Zephyrs.

But that was '92. Honda did the same thing in '91 with the CB750 Nighthawk back then. Emissions regulations allowed them to basically reuse lightly modified 1980s powerplants to produce real retro bikes. The Zephyrs used the same 8 valve, twin cam engines from the KZ bikes of the 70s/80s. The CB750 used a detuned version of the 80s CBX750.

I don't think any of the other manufacturers (besides Honda) were willing to jump through the engineering hoops required to produce a Euro 4 compliant air cooled inline-4 engine for a 21st century retro bike. I don't think the retro market is big enough to justify the R&D expense.

I see the Z900RS for what it is. A retro-ish styled version of a modern Z900. Fat tanks and radiators are to be expected. You're not going to get something that looks like a Zephyr (or a CB1100) without a heavily reengineered air cooled inline 4.

That's just it. The CB1100 is a very unique motorcycle. And very likely the last of its kind. Honda is not making much money on it. Get yours while you can.

W/R, I'd correct that typo to "25 years" but I can't because of the one-hour editing rule. No big deal.

All I know is that Ulvetanna better get a move on, if he's going to grab a '17 CB in America. With spring just around the corner and no 2018 models coming to these shores, the remaining '17 EXs won't be available much longer.

Well-said. I will probably begin getting more serious about once I finish last year's taxes!

If I miss out, I think the used-bike market will still have quite a few examples for a year or two, anyway.

Well-said. I will probably begin getting more serious about once I finish last year's taxes!

If I miss out, I think the used-bike market will still have quite a few examples for a year or two, anyway.
With so few '17 EXs brought to America, I wouldn't expect to see many used ones pop up for at least another year or two. I doubt there are more than five hundred in the country, and the vast majority of them will not be showing up anytime soon on Cycle Trader or craigslist.

I know mine won't.

I would tend to believe that. However there do seem to be used examples of very lightly-ridden '17's on the market. I think a guy really has to know what he wants with this kind of bike, and I think you really did have a good sense of the qualities you would appreciate.

When I bought my 2013, no one else had one, the reviews were pretty good, and I figured "it's a Honda, it's got to be a good bike."

It was indeed a good bike but in the end, not quite as good a fit as I'd hoped. I believe sincerely that the '17 would be a much better fit but I've bought a few bikes here recently and to make another move is going take serious contemplation.

I like everything I am hearing about the 2017 as well as the "feel" of the bike in the showroom.

That's just it. The CB1100 is a very unique motorcycle. And very likely the last of its kind. Honda is not making much money on it. Get yours while you can.

W/R, I'd correct that typo to "25 years" but I can't because of the one-hour editing rule. No big deal.

All I know is that Ulvetanna better get a move on, if he's going to grab a '17 CB in America. With spring just around the corner and no 2018 models coming to these shores, the remaining '17 EXs won't be available much longer.

Well-said. I will probably begin getting more serious about once I finish last year's taxes!

If I miss out, I think the used-bike market will still have quite a few examples for a year or two, anyway.

Well-said. I will probably begin getting more serious about once I finish last year's taxes!

If I miss out, I think the used-bike market will still have quite a few examples for a year or two, anyway.
With so few '17 EXs brought to America, I wouldn't expect to see many used ones pop up for at least another year or two. I doubt there are more than five hundred in the country, and the vast majority of them will not be showing up anytime soon on Cycle Trader or craigslist.

I know mine won't.

I would tend to believe that. However there do seem to be used examples of very lightly-ridden '17's on the market. I think a guy really has to know what he wants with this kind of bike, and I think you really did have a good sense of the qualities you would appreciate.

When I bought my 2013, no one else had one, the reviews were pretty good, and I figured "it's a Honda, it's got to be a good bike."

It was indeed a good bike but in the end, not quite as good a fit as I'd hoped. I believe sincerely that the '17 would be a much better fit but I've bought a few bikes here recently and to make another move is going take serious contemplation.

I like everything I am hearing about the 2017 as well as the "feel" of the bike in the showroom.
I was just bustin' your chops Ultevanna.

I agree with you that the CB1100 is the last of its kind, I would be very surprised to see a 2019 model in Canada (unless the 1100RS' fly out the door). Both the dealers in NB that brought in '17s still have them on the floor. If I were a betting man (I'm not) I would hazard a guess the US has seen the last new CB1100s in 2017.

Although they seem to be selling well in the rest of the world.

Rotor - the shop here is Toys for Big Boys in Moncton.

All the more reason for me to keep an eye out for one.
If Honda brought this bike here I would go down to my closest dealer and buy one TOMORROW. I wouldn't wait.

I am not as convinced about the EX but if that's all we can get, so be it.

I prefer cast wheels and I like the suspension setup on the RS, but it's not a deal-breaker. We'll see what happens by the end of April.

[Capo]

I’ve gone back and forth on the Z900RS, but seeing one in the wild at the Rock Store over the weekend (I’ve been burning up Angeles Crest and The Malibu Canyons for the last 9 days) tilts it back towards like. It really does look good in person, fat tank and all. I believe Ferret mentioned the need to do some powder coating of the silver stuff, and I concur. But a nice effort by Kwak.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[the Ferret]

I've been there. Big disappointment. Who knew they were closed on Mondays. Lol

I was really surprised how small the whole venue was

[Banned_imp]

Sat on one yesterday. Sent Kawasaki a tweet about that bulbous tank. Sat on the 18 CB11EX down the row from it. Much better. I liked the 9RS otherwise though. My 919 had a radiator. I don't mind. The Z9RS is not retro retro but I'd still ride one. My 919 was so sweet at exactly 72 mph on the highway. Smoooooth. So there is something to be said for water cooling. And she sure did like an exit ramp. Just roll her on in and lean. A touch of front brake. Nice. But the CB11EX is still a beauty. What a piece of art.

That's how I feel about it. The Z900RS is a liquid-cooled motorcycle, and needs a radiator; a discussion of the engineering strategy behind the bulbous tank (to allow a full 4.5 gallons of fuel and the huge airbox needed for the engine's low-end torque) is found in another post. So I have to wonder, in this case, just exactly what could Kawasaki's engineers have done differently to assuage these aesthetic concerns?

There is only one answer: they could have built an air-cooled motorcycle! And they've already done that, over 15 years ago. The ZR750 was a beautiful motorcycle, in profile very similar to the new Z900RS. When it first came out, my buddy bought one right away, and I had the chance to ride it. It was a superb machine in every way.


A bone-stock Zephyr 750, circa 1992.


Not bad with the MRS pipes.

[url=https://www.cycleworld.com/focusing-in-on-kawasaki-zephyr-to-find-out-if-it-was-ultimate-750-from-archives]Cycle World has published an article about the ZR750, where it has named that bike the best standard of 1992, on its website.

Kawasaki produced versions of the ZR (Zephyr) in 400, 550, 750, and 1100 versions.


The Zephyr 1100 shares the "bulbous" tank design of the Z900RS. It's a Kawasaki signature throughout the line.


Not a bad-looking mill.

[url=https://www.cycleworld.com/riding-impression-zephyr-1100-from-archives#page-4]Cycle World has also posted a review of the Zephyr 1100 from 1992, which has a lot of interesting information about the bike's performance, its adherents, and its development.

I had another buddy who had a few of these retros, the 1100 in particular. He commuted for years on that bike. Later he upgraded to the ZRX1200 and rode that bike for tens of thousands of commuting miles. He still had one, last time I checked.


The ZRX1200 was the first liquid-cooled machine in the retro line of ZR's.

Kawasaki has been all the way down the road and back with respect to making retro-styled inline fours of the air-cooled variety. And what they've learned is that, these days, they just don't sell very well. The Z900RS is a very slimmed-down example of the same kind of bike as the ZRX1200. Motorcycle sales are down right now, and KHI has made the right decision in choosing the style and technology for the new Z series.

Anyone who owns a CB1100 today should be thanking their lucky stars that they got one now, since it doesn't look like the bike is going to be back in the USA, at least. Those folks have the bike they want, it doesn't have an ugly radiator, bulbous tank, or the wrong badge on the tank. And hopefully, the bike they have is the bike they want, and it'll make them happy. I can't say, but it may be that no one bike can have everything one might want. I suppose that's why we have a lot of good choices. And if another person's choice differs from ours, it can still provide the same satisfaction of ownership.

I leave it to Cycle World's excellent staff of 1992 to sum it up; these thoughts are equally relevant 15 years later:

Good times are what motorcycles are for, though if recent sales figures are anything to go by, a smaller percentage of people than ever are enjoying good times on new bikes. But who knows? There would seem to be strong demand, among riders and former riders, for a liter-class standard-style motorcycle that offers a workable combination of style, comfort, performance and value.

Those words, written over 15 years ago, couldn't be more apropos.

As one who cut his riding teeth on the classic KZ bikes, I loved the Zephyrs.

But that was '92. Honda did the same thing in '91 with the CB750 Nighthawk back then. Emissions regulations allowed them to basically reuse lightly modified 1980s powerplants to produce real retro bikes. The Zephyrs used the same 8 valve, twin cam engines from the KZ bikes of the 70s/80s. The CB750 used a detuned version of the 80s CBX750.

I don't think any of the other manufacturers (besides Honda) were willing to jump through the engineering hoops required to produce a Euro 4 compliant air cooled inline-4 engine for a 21st century retro bike. I don't think the retro market is big enough to justify the R&D expense.

I see the Z900RS for what it is. A retro-ish styled version of a modern Z900. Fat tanks and radiators are to be expected. You're not going to get something that looks like a Zephyr (or a CB1100) without a heavily reengineered air cooled inline 4.

That's just it. The CB1100 is a very unique motorcycle. And very likely the last of its kind. Honda is not making much money on it. Get yours while you can.

W/R, I'd correct that typo to "25 years" but I can't because of the one-hour editing rule. No big deal.

All I know is that Ulvetanna better get a move on, if he's going to grab a '17 CB in America. With spring just around the corner and no 2018 models coming to these shores, the remaining '17 EXs won't be available much longer.

Well-said. I will probably begin getting more serious about once I finish last year's taxes!

If I miss out, I think the used-bike market will still have quite a few examples for a year or two, anyway.

Well-said. I will probably begin getting more serious about once I finish last year's taxes!

If I miss out, I think the used-bike market will still have quite a few examples for a year or two, anyway.
With so few '17 EXs brought to America, I wouldn't expect to see many used ones pop up for at least another year or two. I doubt there are more than five hundred in the country, and the vast majority of them will not be showing up anytime soon on Cycle Trader or craigslist.

I know mine won't.

I would tend to believe that. However there do seem to be used examples of very lightly-ridden '17's on the market. I think a guy really has to know what he wants with this kind of bike, and I think you really did have a good sense of the qualities you would appreciate.

When I bought my 2013, no one else had one, the reviews were pretty good, and I figured "it's a Honda, it's got to be a good bike."

It was indeed a good bike but in the end, not quite as good a fit as I'd hoped. I believe sincerely that the '17 would be a much better fit but I've bought a few bikes here recently and to make another move is going take serious contemplation.

I like everything I am hearing about the 2017 as well as the "feel" of the bike in the showroom.

That's just it. The CB1100 is a very unique motorcycle. And very likely the last of its kind. Honda is not making much money on it. Get yours while you can.

W/R, I'd correct that typo to "25 years" but I can't because of the one-hour editing rule. No big deal.

All I know is that Ulvetanna better get a move on, if he's going to grab a '17 CB in America. With spring just around the corner and no 2018 models coming to these shores, the remaining '17 EXs won't be available much longer.

Well-said. I will probably begin getting more serious about once I finish last year's taxes!

If I miss out, I think the used-bike market will still have quite a few examples for a year or two, anyway.

Well-said. I will probably begin getting more serious about once I finish last year's taxes!

If I miss out, I think the used-bike market will still have quite a few examples for a year or two, anyway.
With so few '17 EXs brought to America, I wouldn't expect to see many used ones pop up for at least another year or two. I doubt there are more than five hundred in the country, and the vast majority of them will not be showing up anytime soon on Cycle Trader or craigslist.

I know mine won't.

I would tend to believe that. However there do seem to be used examples of very lightly-ridden '17's on the market. I think a guy really has to know what he wants with this kind of bike, and I think you really did have a good sense of the qualities you would appreciate.

When I bought my 2013, no one else had one, the reviews were pretty good, and I figured "it's a Honda, it's got to be a good bike."

It was indeed a good bike but in the end, not quite as good a fit as I'd hoped. I believe sincerely that the '17 would be a much better fit but I've bought a few bikes here recently and to make another move is going take serious contemplation.

I like everything I am hearing about the 2017 as well as the "feel" of the bike in the showroom.
I was just bustin' your chops Ultevanna.

I agree with you that the CB1100 is the last of its kind, I would be very surprised to see a 2019 model in Canada (unless the 1100RS' fly out the door). Both the dealers in NB that brought in '17s still have them on the floor. If I were a betting man (I'm not) I would hazard a guess the US has seen the last new CB1100s in 2017.

Although they seem to be selling well in the rest of the world.

Rotor - the shop here is Toys for Big Boys in Moncton.

All the more reason for me to keep an eye out for one.
If Honda brought this bike here I would go down to my closest dealer and buy one TOMORROW. I wouldn't wait.

I am not as convinced about the EX but if that's all we can get, so be it.

I prefer cast wheels and I like the suspension setup on the RS, but it's not a deal-breaker. We'll see what happens by the end of April.

All the more reason for me to keep an eye out for one.
If Honda brought this bike here I would go down to my closest dealer and buy one TOMORROW. I wouldn't wait.

I am not as convinced about the EX but if that's all we can get, so be it.

I prefer cast wheels and I like the suspension setup on the RS, but it's not a deal-breaker. We'll see what happens by the end of April.


It looks even better in person. There are a couple of design features that I don't like and overall I feel that the 2013 US and 2014 Canadian models are the best looking but I think the RS makes up for that in the performance upgrades. I also think the RS is the best looking bike for sale right now - it baffles me to no end why the CB1100 isn't the #1 selling bike right now.

I just wish my stupid back would allow me to fit on it. I haven't completely ruled one out yet.... still thinking.

I really hope I'm wrong and they keep bringing them to NA and the US really should get the RS, it makes no sense to me why they haven't.

[Ulvetanna_imp]

What would Honda have to lose by bringing in a few hundred of those in 2018?

I know they'd sell at least one.

[VLJ_imp]

I'm reasonably certain that the higher price tag for the RS is the reason Honda didn't bring it to America. Honda is already struggling to sell the best-looking (by a country mile) retro here, in large part because the $12,199 cost of admission combined with relatively modest spec-sheet numbers position the EX beyond the means of all but its most ardent admirers. Now they're faced with trying to sell a less purely beautiful, more expensive version of the same thing, only this version is marketed as a higher-performance alternative, even though it really isn't. Nevertheless, because they gave it Ohlins-look suspension, radial brakes, and lower bars, this bike will be pitted against higher-performance competitors like the Z900RS, the numerous R-Nine-T variants, a couple-few Triumphs, a smattering of Ducatis, and a few other classy-looking, sporty machines.

Lacking similar performance, the RS just isn't going to pan out for Honda, not in modern American showrooms, where UJMs historically go to die.

Instead, yep, they have the CB1000R ready to enter that particular fray, while the CB1100 EX holds down the classic-retro fort.

There's really just nothing in it for Honda, by bringing the RS here. The RS and EX would only cannibalize sales from each other, dividing an already very small niche market.

Now, what doesn't make any sense at all is Honda's decision to ditch both CB1100 models for the U.S. market in 2018. Pairing the EX or even the RS with the CB1000R seems like a no-brainer, since the CB1000R buyer isn't the CB1100 buyer. Those are two very different age groups/types of riders. There is no reason for Honda not to offer both the CB1000R and at least one of the CB1100 air-cooled retros.

[Ulvetanna_imp]

I'm reasonably certain that the higher price tag for the RS is the reason Honda didn't bring it to America. Honda is already struggling to sell the best-looking (by a country mile) retro here, in large part because the $12,199 cost of admission combined with relatively modest spec-sheet numbers position the EX beyond the means of all but its most ardent admirers. Now they're faced with trying to sell a less purely beautiful, more expensive version of the same thing, only this version is marketed as a higher-performance alternative, even though it really isn't. Nevertheless, because they gave it Ohlins-look suspension, radial brakes, and lower bars, this bike will be pitted against higher-performance competitors like the Z900RS, the numerous R-Nine-T variants, a couple-few Triumphs, a smattering of Ducatis, and a few other classy-looking, sporty machines.

Lacking similar performance, the RS just isn't going to pan out for Honda, not in modern American showrooms, where UJMs historically go to die.

Instead, yep, they have the CB1000R ready to enter that particular fray, while the CB1100 EX holds down the classic-retro fort.

There's really just nothing in it for Honda, by bringing the RS here. The RS and EX would only cannibalize sales from each other, dividing an already very small niche market.

Now, what doesn't make any sense at all is Honda's decision to ditch both CB1100 models for the U.S. market in 2018. Pairing the EX or even the RS with the CB1000R seems like a no-brainer, since the CB1000R buyer isn't the CB1100 buyer. Those are two very different age groups/types of riders. There is no reason for Honda not to offer both the CB1000R and at least one of the CB1100 air-cooled retros.

It's really not that much money. Any competitor is at least that much or more. Even the Kawasaki is within $1000 or so. And seriously, while the Honda is not as powerful, it's just so much better-looking, and is dramatically more accurate as a sport-heritage or retro machine. You put that RS or EX next to the Z900RS, game over. As far as looks go, anyway. Both great bikes, but the essence, Honda has it.

You can't touch a Thruxton for less than $12K, nor even the lowly RNineT Pure. $12K puts it right in the game.

No, I just don't get it at all. It's really beginning to irritate me because I have no interest in the Z900RS at all, and even LESS interest in any European retro.

I would go for an EX if the CB1100RS was a no-show but I wanna wait and see.

[Ulvetanna_imp]

It's a small market compared to India. This country still has it's share of disposable income and while moto purchases are down there are still quite a number of bikes being sold / year. I'm not sure if it's worth sending or what the costs involved in sending say, 300 bikes of a specific model are but the Thrux's sure are selling (@ 16k I might add). I can't believe that the US couldn't produce 300 buyers for the RS.

I'm sure I could be wrong. I'm a proven idiot.

The only dog I have in this hunt is one with the following placard hangin' around its neck:

WHY DON'T HONDA BRING THE CB1100RS TO THE US OF A?

There are plenty of guesses but most don't add up. The difference in monthly payment between the CB1100EX, RS and any competitor is really small. Buyers are convinced to purchase expensive service contracts, GAP insurance, thousands of dollars worth of accessories quite easily.

I'm seeing many, many examples of RNineT's on the road, lots of ADV bikes much more expensive, and sports bikes and supernakeds out there. It's not too hard to qualify for those loans.

I think Honda has other reasons not to bring the RS to the USA and they are somehow related to their longer-term business plan.

Truthfully, I speculate Honda have another air-cooled retro in the works with around 900cc displacement, ranging into the 95-100 brake horsepower range, and coming in at under 500 lbs.

I think this bike is going to be out in less than two years (by MY2020), and Honda want to sell off all its existing stock of USA CB1100s before bringing in any more examples. That strategy would help insure a huge hit and big advance interest and orders. A bike like that would put all competition into the weeds, so to speak. What could compare to it? Nothing. I'd rather, even now, have a CB1100RS in my garage just to look at than a Kawasaki Z900RS, or any European retro bike, even at the same price. Honda like to win, they are not going to sit back and let Kawasaki come out with something they know they can beat hands-down. They are working ceaselessly to win this market and the stature that comes with it.

This new bike, let's call it a CB900F, is going to be a phenomenal machine based on all that Honda know about these things. No radiator, it'll look very much like the superbikes of the early 1980s and call to mind Freddie Spencer, et. al. Right now I think the CB1100RS is the best-looking bike in the world, it's my desktop. Honda are getting reactions to the bike all over the world and I figure this new bike will look almost exactly like it, with the same 17" wheels, aluminium swingarm and overall profile and features.

It isn't about the money, or the market. It's about a new model and Honda wants to clear the path for maximum sales and marketing stature when this new machine hits the showrooms.

That's my guess.

So at this point I'm just going to sit back and wait, and ride what I have. Maybe by the end of 2018 we'll know more. Because I think that such a bike would crush the RNineT and other pseudo-retros by being the real deal, with real power, handling, and looks. I think Honda are well-capable of producing about ~90 rear wheel HP from 950cc of air-cooled might from Kumamoto. And awesome looks as well.

And bear in mind that the bike I just imagined is in fact exactly the bike that Honda's engineers had in mind when they first went about designing the CB1100.



And the concept bike in three dimensions:


Here's the original concept of the CB1100F, which is what I think we'll be seeing in a 900cc version:


[url=http://world.honda.com/CB1100/engineer-talk/]I think anyone who really wants to discuss the CB1100 series of bikes with any level of knowledge just has to read all nine articles in this series:



As a once-famous First Officer liked to say, they are "Fascinating".

[the Ferret]

On today's ride I met a guy named Rocky. He was riding a Z900. About my age. Bought it last year. Likes it well enough, but said he wished he had waited a year and got the RS. He really liked the CB but not the 17 model. CB drew a big crowd of admirers at the rest stop today. One guy was snapping cell phone pics and another had to tell me about his CB 350F he used to have. lol

[Ulvetanna_imp]

On today's ride I met a guy named Rocky. He was riding a Z900. About my age. Bought it last year. Likes it well enough, but said he wished he had waited a year and got the RS. He really liked the CB but not the 17 model. CB drew a big crowd of admirers at the rest stop today. One guy was snapping cell phone pics and another had to tell me about his CB 350F he used to have. lol

That always happened to me. I got tired of it! But I guess I could get used to it again.