I did it...and always said I wouldn't...

So, throughout my life I have always heard people say "I had XXX car/bike back in 19XX. Wife made me sell it. Man I wish I still had it". I vowed I would never allow myself to do it. Well, I HAD a 2005 Kawasaki Z1000. Always said I wouldn't sell it. Well, I did so I could get a start on a downpayment for a house. That was 5 months ago... kicking myself now and most likely for a while to come.

Bummer... We've all been there but down the road once the house is to your/wife/families/kids liking, you can hopefully get another one.... Maybe an old beater (under $500) that you can spend restoring at your leisure mover the next couple years... A little here, a little there...

Hell, I had a 15 year spurt between... I know that just doesn't sound good but it goes fast, especially with kids around... One day they're 6 and the next, holly crapola they're 20....

Now where did that time go....

for you know who below.... :S

just to repeat what omr said ...bummer

jimmy and davey sittin in a tree........

smart ass... :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:

Have no idea why it posted twice...twice...

apbling wrote:

So, throughout my life I have always heard people say "I had XXX car/bike back in 19XX. Wife made me sell it. Man I wish I still had it". I vowed I would never allow myself to do it. Well, I HAD a 2005 Kawasaki Z1000. Always said I wouldn't sell it. Well, I did so I could get a start on a downpayment for a house. That was 5 months ago... kicking myself now and most likely for a while to come.

Been there done that. A lot of us old geezers here have done the same. Wife and family first. You did the right thing. You'll get back on a bike again. Might take some time. In the meantime enjoy the kids growing up.

Been there man, and im 19...ive had some nice cars/bikes that ive loved and built that it sucked to get rid of, cars/bikes that i pulled out of the weeds and learned on. But tight times came. Other more important things came up and i had no choice but to sell.

So i pick up cheap barn finds, throw 100 bucks into it here and there when i can afford it. When its done, ya get not only the satisfaction of building the bike, but the accomplishment of learning along the way, and maybe teaching the kids.

-luke

apbling:
So what features did you especially like about the Z1000? Was there anything that you did not care for?

I have been crazy about that motorcycle since doing a demo ride on one several years ago. To me, it is similar in riding position to the KZ bikes, with raised handlebars, foot pedals not so far back. Runs like a scalded dog. Smooth powerful engine. Great tranny, brakes, etc. Being a naked bike, it is not quite as aerodynamic as a ZX-10R, for example, but that probably only starts to make a difference after 100 MPH or so.

Will appreciate your honest evaluation of the Z1000. Many thanks.

apbling:
So what features did you especially like about the Z1000? Was there anything that you did not care for?

I have been crazy about that motorcycle since doing a demo ride on one several years ago. To me, it is similar in riding position to the KZ bikes, with raised handlebars, foot pedals not so far back. Runs like a scalded dog. Smooth powerful engine. Great tranny, brakes, etc. Being a naked bike, it is not quite as aerodynamic as a ZX-10R, for example, but that probably only starts to make a difference after 100 MPH or so.

Will appreciate your honest evaluation of the Z1000. Many thanks.

Andy

Sorry to hear that! Please keep in mind, it's only a bike. You can have more, bigger, better and faster.

Maybe you should set aside a place at your new house, where you will park the next one? Maybe not today or tomorrow...but soon!

It may seem bad now but time will heal all wounds. If one door closes and another door opens, be ready for what comes your way next! Keep your eyes open, so you don't miss it.

I have known so many men that put their bike first, they just didn't give a damn about their famlies. They bought parts before they fed their wife and kids.....What a shame!

Stand tall my friend, your a role model.

well, it wasn't my first bike, thats my 82 550 that I pour money in to. I actually prefer the barn find approach too. I LOVE wrenching on bikes just as much as riding.

As for the Z1000. You are right, it had a comfortable riding position. I kept the stock exhaust because it sounded somewhat tough and wasn't whiney sounding. I only saw 1 other one ever on the road, so I liked the uniqueness of it. And yes, if you got into it, she gave you a ride. Not a wheelie machine which was nice, and cruised at 100 without a bat of the eyelash. My personal top speed was 170 and I know she had a little bit left (completely stock).

The downfall was my wife didn't care to ride on it. She's 5'8" and 120 lbs, but complained her knees where bent up high, her ankles at an uncomfortable angle and the seat hurt her butt. The only other issue is it vibrated a bit... but didn't bother me too much. Much more comfortable than a rocket, plus more stylish.
I sold it because we moved back to WI from IA and I didn't have a good place to keep it, plus we want to buy a house next spring, so I decided it was time to sell it to someone else that can enjoy it! I bought it from the original owner with 4k on it in 2007 and sold it this spring (2010) with 14,500 on it.