TOPIC:

I can understand why, I'd be tempted though.
Steve

I would take it around an empty car park for a while - got a chance to ride a 1958 Ariel Red Hunter years ago - straight out into the traffic - not doing that again - being used to Jap bikes had some trouble with gear and brake on other side - never got up to any speed - sounded great though

How's this for a Laugh??

Blurry, hard to read. Does it say Harley cargo then live to ride? Does that mean he'll live as long as it's in that box?
Steve

redhawk4 wrote:

650ed wrote: [quote="KZQ" post=701702
I'm with you Ed! Here's exhibit B. Not quite as pretty as a Vincent but I like it.
My 1970 BSA 650 Lightning.

Bill

Bill, That is a really BEAUTIFUL bike! Mine never looked that good. Ed

On the old bikes the engines were so much of the look and appeal of the bikes, I don't think Triumph would have been nearly as successful if it wasn't for the engine shape, it's instantly recognizable. Even on the more modern KZ's that engine dominates the bike. Now they are water cooled with pipes running all over and usually, and thankfully hidden behind plastic, there are cars with more appealing looking motors than most of today's bikes. I'd not really thought of it before, but now I am thinking about it, that's one of the reasons so few modern bikes appeal to me.

Nice looking BSA,[/quote]

I agree on the engine look thing.Theres just something honest about an old air cooled motor.What you see is what you get. I really like the look of the ZRX but the engine lets it down.Im sure its a great engine and goes like the bollocks but I cant help feeling that it needs a proper Z motor to complete it.
My tuppence worth

Honda did a good job on their retro CB1100 going with the air cooled engine, but then lashed up the rest of it, to my tastes, some with the rest of the styling, then by going so retro on the power output.

On the Harley thing, one thing I've noticed recently, which might explain the contempt other bikes get held in, is the physical size. Next to a Harley most other non cruiser bikes look very small. After various people had recently made comments about my little bike that they'd seen me riding, I realized that to the uninformed eye a KZ1000 is like a Honda 350 or such, not something to get excited about, in the same way I'd view a scooter. Several have been amazed it is over 1000 cc and performance wise they were even more amazed "such a small bike could do over a 120 mph".. When the conversation turned to speed and 1/4 mile times, then I noticed people taking a lot more interest.

So next time you feel like you're cool riding your KZ, just remember you aren't even as cool as someone on a 150cc Scooter in the eyes of most people you'll pass

Ed_in_Miami wrote: How's this for a Laugh??

I think that's "Live to Ride" as long as the weathers warm enough and it's not too far

KEYWORD; PASS.
Steve

swest wrote: KEYWORD; PASS.
Steve

Exactly, nothing like leaving people for dead, while they are still feeling sorry for you because that's all you can afford

The other annoying attitude: that you'd have a Harley if you could afford one.

I've told this story before. Reek a outlaw biker notorious for what he's done to some of his "brothers" came up to me at the counter and asked me, "Steve, I don't want to know why you ride a Kawasaki, I want to know why you don't hide a Harley?" I told him I don't like them or the image that goes with them. "Grunt, good answer." He walked away. I've seen what they do to their "pledges" and had a few try to FK with me. It never ends well for them, I don't cheat fair.
Steve

I've ridden many different bikes. For touring with a passenger it's hard to beat an electraglide, goldwing or vision. I'll take my 06 VN1500FI over any other HD/Honda model for cruising one up. Many ironbutts on the VN with still being fresh and good. I also like the torque/hp combo on the vulcan, nearly square at 85trq and 75hp. The 650 and 550 are great changes of pace and much more nimble, but I would not go too far on it, due to the comfort factor. While they are able, I wouldn't prefer to do much more than two tankfuls of gas without bringing hemorrhoid cream.

Over 250000 miles in the saddle of something. Ride what ya like. R

I've said this too. There's nothing wrong in having pride in what you ride. To look down your snout at someone the has something different, that's wrong. If I had my way, I'd have a different flavor for the Day.
Steve