What keeps you on a KZ?

I bought a 2001 ZX-6R, one of my three dream bikes, and I have to say it's better in so many ways than my 750. Faster, smoother, more comfortable, nimbler, lighter, more reliable. 

But I wouldn't dream of getting rid of the pink one, so I wanted to know how you all felt about this. Bikes get better on technical levels, but the KZ is still too cool to pass up. 

 

I wouldn't get rid of either unless it was absolutely necessary - and even then I might pick the Ninja to get rid of. 

I sold my 2011 Hornet to pay for my current project, and I didn't really miss it this summer. Technically it was miles ahead of the 750, but seriously low on character I wouldn't give the 750 up for anything!

I'm the same with cars though. I'd rather squeeze myself into the wife's mini than take the 2016 VW. 

I like the older bikes mainly for easy of maintenance , besides, they look like what I think a motorcycle is supposed to look like, are more comfortable than a lot of modern sport style bikes and have oodles of character, I also like the idiosyncrasies of these  bikes, kinda like old friends....

For me, it's the bike I've owned since 1979. I rode it for 5 years, then life changed so into storage it went. When we bought our current house in 1992, I took my truck to Vancouver to collect the bike out of storage (9 years @ $35/month) and shifted it to our garage. There it sat until 2016 when I brought it out again. It still has the things I bought it for. It's the right size for me, has plenty of go, has always been very dependable and then, as now, will often draw an audience when stopped. 

I do not agree newer motorcycles are more reliable.   Newer..... yes,..... which at the moment inspire confidence, ......but with so much complication; sensors galore, computer, fuel injection, , fuel pump, switches everywhere, ABS brakes, ride modes.....no sir.....a lot more things to break....and unfamiliarity as to even where they are.  

On the old ones you can almost see everything is in proper shape or not......If something goes wrong with the old one on the road, I know where to look...and am confident I can get it going.   On the newer ones, I would not know even where to begin.......not to mention removing all that plastic, which is a project by itself.

...............don't get me wrong,..... I also own a Suzuki GSX-S1000, and can appreciate the instant start with fuel injection, and (too) awful power, ....but it is a handfull compared with the docility and good behavior of the much older bike, which is simply easier to ride.     Because of the newer bike experience, .....am more determined to keep the old one 

The look, the sound, and the memories. That's what keeps me on mine.

I’ve said before, these KHI machines were well though out. Your not going to cover 2631 miles in a 24 hour run averaging 109 mph out of a poorly build bike. They are easy to work on, I can’t think of a single part beyond a lock cylinder that can’t be taken apart and serviced. In my mind they are what a bike is supposed to look like. Every time out without fail they get attention. Here’s the the biggest reason for me. Every time I get off my bike and walk away I have to turn around and look, I get the biggest grin and satisfaction that a 40+ year old machine looks so good and runs so strong. 



 

Well said Matt!   Thanks for posting one of my all time favorite videos,  I remember watching it for the first time in the factory early in 1975.  The KZ650 video is pretty cool also.

Mike

I like seeing the machinery. The engines are attractive. Why would you cover them with plastic?

.
 

Ed

wrote:

.
 

Ed

A picture is worth a thousand words. Well said!

It's my first time seeing that video. Thanks Matt!