Am 66 and been riding my Z900RS since 2018...love watching EICMA videos and wonder what the new bikes would be like...especially the RNines, Bonnevilles, and the XSR900s...but I also wonder what being with Sophia Loren or Raquel Welch would be like too...yet the Mrs. and the Z900RS always bring me back to reality and all I really need is more time with them...ride safe and look through your turns
At 62 now ,and over 42 years of riding. I own several bikes , in fact I am a custom bike builder . Taught to ride by a big Kawasaki fan . Fan of especially of any inline 4 , Japanese bikes of the 70's and 80's . I grew to love them as well!!! For the last 20 years I've only owned Harley's. Still always fantasizing of the good old days ...light quick smooth and satisfying inline 4 dream ...FOUND IT PURCHASED A 2019 Z900 RS CAFE LIME GREEN BANSHEE FROM HELL ...ITS ALL I RIDE AND MY HEART BEATS FASTER JUST THINKING ABOUT IT...THESE BIKES ARE LIVING LEGENDS
Only past my UK test this February. Had the CB125 then straight to the shop and bought the CB500F. To light for me but a great fun bike. Traded in for the NC750X which held the motorways better but had butt comfort, handling and suspension issue (imho) so finally landed on my 2024 Transalp. Got to say she really ticks every box. More than enough power if needed. Cruises beautifully. Comfortable on long rides where I only need to stop to refuel and not give my butt a rest. If I have a gripe it is with the beuracrats imposing in town blanket 20mph road speeds which are a bit of a challange for me on a big bike. I have been looking for a 350 to 450 town bike but each time I go hit the buy button, my TA seems to pull my finger back as if to say let’s have more time together before making a rash decision. Or that could be the conversation I would need to have with Mrs C about where to garage 2 bikes. I prefer the poetic TA tugging at my emotion’s version though. Then Honda announce the GB350 coming the the UK......... watch this space lol. I wish you well with happy and safe journeys.
Yep - I'm with you. My V7 850 Stone is perhaps one of my favourite bikes ever. It just works for me with its 65 Bhp it is fast enough to be fun without scaring me silly. 😉
Old Age = more wisdom. Downsizing = better control. Big/Fast/Scary bikes? Been there. Happy now with my 650 WEE Strom. Enjoy the scenery on your videos as it brings back memories of the years I spent on Vancouver Island in the late 60's, and early 70's.
I'm 68 and riding a 2008 Harley Low Rider, my third one. I'm very fit and healthy but I'm now finding it heavy. The Kawasaki Z900RS is top of my list for the spring. I have very fond memories of two Honda 750 fours that I had in my youth. It's time to go back.
Yes, those Honda CB 4s were lovely bikes - and they spawned the original Kawi Z1B 900. You'll enjoy the Z900RS it feels light and easy to ride. Cheers.
I’ve taken your mindset to an even further place. Bought myself a new Kawasaki W800 and it’s been incredible. The 50hp may seem low but it’s all usable and gets me to 120kph without much effort when the situation calls for it. Most rides I go on do not see me going over 100kph and the bike excels at that range. The feeling, the sound, the vibrations the 773cc air cooled, 360° crank parallel twin delivers is a thrill. A solidly built bike that gets me so many comments, folks are surprised it’s a new bike, most think it’s an old Triumph or BSA. My wife purchased a Speed Twin 900 and we ride together, it’s been a great first year on our bikes.
I only have one bike I regret selling - it was my 2000 W650. Loved that bike. I will likely get something like it again in the future. Enjoy (I'm slightly envious!).
A nice peaceful Friday morning vid with my coffee. Thanks for posting. I'll stick with my 2020 650 V-Strom for the same reasons (for now anyways). I could probably have as much fun on something else but someone once told me that "the best bike is the one you own and love to ride".
My daily rides range from Royal Enfield 500, Kawasaki Z900RS SE , Thruxton R and Tiger 900. I'm happy zone for horsepower ranges from 25 to 100. Weight from 400 to 500 pounds. I still dabble with drag racing and land speed racing so more horsepower is better and I lean towards 160 to 260 horsepower machines. At 71 my general street riding is at a much more relaxed pace than when I was younger. I think if you had a speedy youth you never totally lose the itch but you don't have to scratch that itch every ride down a city street.
Great video. I currently ride and love my 2024 Speed 900. It almost has too much power. It begs me to return to my risk taking youth. Being 65 years old and at last count this new bike being number 48, I can say with certainty that I appreciate the laid back journey now. Oh sure, I’ve had bikes that could hit ridiculous speeds and handle like moto GP machines, but I was young and full of it. During my long biking career, I can reflect on the bikes that really hit home with me. 2 Bonneville T100’s. A CB400F. A Honda SL70 as a pre teen. So when I retired and moved to Ontario Lake country from Calgary Alberta I sold my Concours14 and bought a boat. I soon found out that the urge to ride again was too great. The 900 fits the bill and I love it.
That Trumpet 900 is a nice bike - I've often admired them and the 1200, but as you say, getting older like we are, the 900 is likely the better choice. I always liked that CB400F - what a hoot. Never got to own one, but always admired them. Thanks for the story. Cheers.
Time and taking the time to enjoy it......talking my language there. I have the best time on my 250L. I've not ever had a bike that has brought me so much joy and so many smiles. Great video.
Like your videos and the way you think! I am 65 and I ride a Yamaha FJR 1300. It is my dream bike. I will ride it till I can’t hold it up. My heart tells me I can ride all kinds of motorcycles. But my body keeps telling me different. The struggle is real. Every spring, is this the last year. Let’s hope not!😊
Hope you find another few seasons in you. I dread the thought of giving up my bikes, but if the worst comes to the worst, I'll get something smaller and managable rather than leave motorcycling altogether. Thanks for your comment. Cheers.
@BlueMarbleRider yes sir, just shy of 90,000 km now. I'm going to pull the engine out this winter and strip it down to the frame and give a good once over, do the valves again, clean everything change all the fluids etc... looking forward to it.
Very timely. 66 years old; when my ‘08 r1200r developed a transmission problem more expensive than the bike was worth, I somehow talked myself into a super tenere. 🙄 Capable tourer, but waaay too heavy and boring. I miss the low cg and excellent handling of the beemer, but all the boxers are over 500 lbs. I dunno, tiger sport 660? We’ll see. Thanks for your thoughtful essay.
I've followed your channel ever since you got the Z900rs. I like all the mods you've settled on. I find it hilarious that the Griso also appeals to both of us. I still haven't bought my way back into riding. It's a long story. But I've vowed to buy if not by my next birthday, but by the following one. As for smaller bikes. I still miss my XT250 and wish I never sold it. As I started in the dirt, my eyes sometimes linger on ADV's. The Tenere being the favorite. Maybe, towards the inevitable end. I'll opt for a 300-450cc displacement bike like the new triumphs or a dual sport for knocking around town. BC is beautiful and I've been there for skiing but the warmer weather and riding looks awesome. I may have to look into a west coast version of the East coast trip I want to make. Riding from New England to Nova Scotia/PEI vs. Riding from the San Francisco area to somewhere past Vancouver. Sigh. ❤
Or a Kawasaki W800. Easy to ride, relaxing and just enough power to get around the traffic or run down the four lane highway when needed but still a thrill on the lower speed roads. Plenty of low end torque and a wonderful 360 degree crank shaft twin that bring me back to the 60s. I like the looks and sound of the Z900RS but at 70 years of age it's a tad too much machine for me. If only I were 15 years younger. Cheers: Bob in Ottawa, Ontario
Had a 2000 W650 from 2005 to 2012. It's the only bike I have had seller's remorse over. I think you've probably found that sweet spot. Do love how well made the W's are, and that engine should be sat on a coffee table and admired.
Thank you so much for another nice and inspiring video about riding a motorcycle. Maybe i'm not exatly on your point, but i never went to more than 650 ccm/50 HP. Being a 50 year old guy of 1,8 m (bit more than 6 ft) and over 100 kg (230 lbs), i'd probably fit a bigger/heavier bike easily - but why? I ride a Suzuki V-Strom 650 build in 2009 which provides enough height to sit comfortably and i don't need more power to cruise the german cities and overland roads at 80 km/h (50 miles/h). Running faster, especially on the Autobahn (Motorway) is just loud and boring. I love the small roads, with a whole lot of curves, the bike tilted to the side. Strongest/fastest/loudest... bike - i'd expect less fun, not more. All viewers: ride safe, have fun
I went from the Vstom 1000 (2018) to a 2015 VStrom 650. And I love the 650. I also have 2 other 650 bikes that are singles and a 250. Riding a slow bike fast is more fun to me. Had the 100+ hp bikes and I keep going back to what keeps me in more legal speeds and having more fun at the same time.
I'm 55 and have a mint 20 year old Hayabusa in my garage that hasn't turned a wheel in over a year, and I'm not sure that it ever will again under my stewardship. I adore the bike, but riding it in my area became so frustrating that I stopped enjoying my rides... and once you stop enjoying something, why continue to do it? I had a BMW RnineT alongside it for a while which made me grin, but dealing with the local Motorrad dealer tainted the ownership experience of that bike, so I sold it a few months back. Now my go-to is my old reliable GSX1250FA... comfortable, very useful with full luggage, but a bit overkill as a zip-around toy. Yup, what I really need is something small, peppy and darty in my garage... something that begs me to go out and play. Off to Marketplace!
Well said, well done and agree w/the vast majority of your thoughts. Like you, a few years back I downsized from my '16 FJR1300a to a '21 Z900RS. Prettiest bike I've owned in my 45 years of riding. Modded it nicely into a lightweight ST and thought 'this was my last bike." She was a jewel in my eye, nearly perfect for my riding wants, needs and desires. But my daughter- my riding partner- was uncomfortable on the bike so, after little more than a year of ownership, off it went and back onto another FJR1300. The FJR is a wonderful bike for touring and 2-up riding but she's a large one and it gets tiresome wheeling her around at times. So I've been thinking of downsizing/simplifying and voila, Kawasaki comes out w/the revised 2025 Ninja 1100SX/SE and Triumph has the new Tiger Sport 800 to be released in March 2025. I'd previously owned an '11 Ninja 1000 and modded her into a lightweight ST- great bike- so I know what I'm getting into w/the N1K. But... I've always loved Triumphs and yet never owned one. I lusted after the 2008-09 Sprint ST1050 but never pulled the trigger. The new TS800 looks to fit the bill. At 64, I've got more years behind me than ahead and I haven't bought a brand new bike since 1994. I think I'm gonna treat myself and do so, sell the FJR and get one of these two bikes. In a perfect world, I'd have a '21 or '22 Z900RS complementing whichever ST I get but I'll be ok and settle down w/one of those picks.
Thanks for the thoughts. I've heard good things about the new 1100SX. Had a friend with a 2009 Sprint ST1050 with white rims. Looked lovely. He modded that thing in every way and rode it every summer all round the states. Eventually fell asleep on it in Idaho, I believe, and wrote it off. Only damaged his wrist. Ended up with another Triumph, but missed that sweet 2009 ST. Bought it back from the insurance and transferred as many parts as he could to his new Triumph! I lives on. :-)
For me, I'm not interested in new bikes, I have a Moto Guzzi Bellagio which has 75bhp which I've converted to look like a V7 and I have a 50bhp cx500 which is now 46yrs old. I love riding both these bikes and have no desire for more power on either of them. They are both capable of overtaking slow traffic if I want to get a move on. If I was to buy another bike it would probably be a small capacity single or twin with even less bhp than my current bikes, something nice and light around 350 or 400cc, probably something Japanese, this would be nice for a little bimble in the countryside. It's not a race anymore, it's just about enjoying the moment. By having bikes that are a bit different or have a bit of history, it allows for a conversation, which ever bike I'm riding I either get I've never seen one of those before or I used to have one of those back in the day.
Great story, Paul. Agree with your sentiments. Certainly feel that slower is where it is at. I was in Bellagio on L. Como a month or so ago - and saw a few Bellagios in the Moto Guzzi factory at MDL. A lovely looker. Cheers.
I'd like a DRZ400 or maybe that RE 650 scrambler or classic--for dirt roads. But I'd have to get rid of another bike and I can't do it. Those DRZ bikes are kind of expensive for what you get--which is so un-Suzuki-like, but I still like them. I test road one and a Honda 300 and liked the DRZ far better: it felt like a little hot rod. With the new fuel injected ones maybe I will find a deal I can't refuse on a carb one. I love the 900RS but went with the Katana as it fit me better being a tall man. Thanks for the vid, glad you're healed up.
I'm 73 and the love of my life {these days} is my 2017 Guzzi V7 special, such unique bikes.
Am 66 and been riding my Z900RS since 2018...love watching EICMA videos and wonder what the new bikes would be like...especially the RNines, Bonnevilles, and the XSR900s...but I also wonder what being with Sophia Loren or Raquel Welch would be like too...yet the Mrs. and the Z900RS always bring me back to reality and all I really need is more time with them...ride safe and look through your turns
At 62 now ,and over 42 years of riding. I own several bikes , in fact I am a custom bike builder . Taught to ride by a big Kawasaki fan . Fan of especially of any inline 4 , Japanese bikes of the 70's and 80's . I grew to love them as well!!! For the last 20 years I've only owned Harley's. Still always fantasizing of the good old days ...light quick smooth and satisfying inline 4 dream ...FOUND IT PURCHASED A 2019 Z900 RS CAFE LIME GREEN BANSHEE FROM HELL ...ITS ALL I RIDE AND MY HEART BEATS FASTER JUST THINKING ABOUT IT...THESE BIKES ARE LIVING LEGENDS
Saw a lime green Cafe a couple of days ago - gorgeous to look at. Glad you found your groove again. Cheers.
Only past my UK test this February. Had the CB125 then straight to the shop and bought the CB500F. To light for me but a great fun bike. Traded in for the NC750X which held the motorways better but had butt comfort, handling and suspension issue (imho) so finally landed on my 2024 Transalp.
Got to say she really ticks every box. More than enough power if needed. Cruises beautifully. Comfortable on long rides where I only need to stop to refuel and not give my butt a rest.
If I have a gripe it is with the beuracrats imposing in town blanket 20mph road speeds which are a bit of a challange for me on a big bike.
I have been looking for a 350 to 450 town bike but each time I go hit the buy button, my TA seems to pull my finger back as if to say let’s have more time together before making a rash decision.
Or that could be the conversation I would need to have with Mrs C about where to garage 2 bikes.
I prefer the poetic TA tugging at my emotion’s version though.
Then Honda announce the GB350 coming the the UK......... watch this space lol.
I wish you well with happy and safe journeys.
at 41 with a z650 and couldn't be happier. torq over high hp and still a lot of fun till 100mph which is more than enough to me on a naked bike.
Yep - I'm with you. My V7 850 Stone is perhaps one of my favourite bikes ever. It just works for me with its 65 Bhp it is fast enough to be fun without scaring me silly. 😉
Old Age = more wisdom. Downsizing = better control. Big/Fast/Scary bikes? Been there. Happy now with my 650 WEE Strom. Enjoy the scenery on your videos as it brings back memories of the years I spent on Vancouver Island in the late 60's, and early 70's.
I'm 68 and riding a 2008 Harley Low Rider, my third one. I'm very fit and healthy but I'm now finding it heavy. The Kawasaki Z900RS is top of my list for the spring. I have very fond memories of two Honda 750 fours that I had in my youth. It's time to go back.
Yes, those Honda CB 4s were lovely bikes - and they spawned the original Kawi Z1B 900. You'll enjoy the Z900RS it feels light and easy to ride. Cheers.
Pure happiness!
Contentment is the richness of life. Just do you.
I’ve taken your mindset to an even further place. Bought myself a new Kawasaki W800 and it’s been incredible. The 50hp may seem low but it’s all usable and gets me to 120kph without much effort when the situation calls for it. Most rides I go on do not see me going over 100kph and the bike excels at that range. The feeling, the sound, the vibrations the 773cc air cooled, 360° crank parallel twin delivers is a thrill. A solidly built bike that gets me so many comments, folks are surprised it’s a new bike, most think it’s an old Triumph or BSA. My wife purchased a Speed Twin 900 and we ride together, it’s been a great first year on our bikes.
I only have one bike I regret selling - it was my 2000 W650. Loved that bike. I will likely get something like it again in the future. Enjoy (I'm slightly envious!).
A nice peaceful Friday morning vid with my coffee. Thanks for posting.
I'll stick with my 2020 650 V-Strom for the same reasons (for now anyways). I could probably have as much fun on something else but someone once told me that "the best bike is the one you own and love to ride".
It's the best advice - ride what you love and it will always feel good. Cheers.
Amen to much of that..😊
My daily rides range from Royal Enfield 500, Kawasaki Z900RS SE , Thruxton R and Tiger 900. I'm happy zone for horsepower ranges from 25 to 100. Weight from 400 to 500 pounds. I still dabble with drag racing and land speed racing so more horsepower is better and I lean towards 160 to 260 horsepower machines.
At 71 my general street riding is at a much more relaxed pace than when I was younger. I think if you had a speedy youth you never totally lose the itch but you don't have to scratch that itch every ride down a city street.
Nicely put. The Z and Griso allow me to potter nicely, but also allow to scratch that itch very occasionally, less now as I get older. Cheers.
Great video. I currently ride and love my 2024 Speed 900. It almost has too much power. It begs me to return to my risk taking youth. Being 65 years old and at last count this new bike being number 48, I can say with certainty that I appreciate the laid back journey now. Oh sure, I’ve had bikes that could hit ridiculous speeds and handle like moto GP machines, but I was young and full of it. During my long biking career, I can reflect on the bikes that really hit home with me. 2 Bonneville T100’s. A CB400F. A Honda SL70 as a pre teen. So when I retired and moved to Ontario Lake country from Calgary Alberta I sold my Concours14 and bought a boat. I soon found out that the urge to ride again was too great. The 900 fits the bill and I love it.
That Trumpet 900 is a nice bike - I've often admired them and the 1200, but as you say, getting older like we are, the 900 is likely the better choice. I always liked that CB400F - what a hoot. Never got to own one, but always admired them. Thanks for the story. Cheers.
I discovered that the problem with a bike that will go Zero to "go directly to jail" in 3 seconds is that you end up in jail. DAMHIK
Time and taking the time to enjoy it......talking my language there.
I have the best time on my 250L. I've not ever had a bike that has brought me so much joy and so many smiles.
Great video.
Cheers Critter. Agree, slow and steady wins the race for me too.
Like your videos and the way you think! I am 65 and I ride a Yamaha FJR 1300. It is my dream bike. I will ride it till I can’t hold it up. My heart tells me I can ride all kinds of motorcycles. But my body keeps telling me different. The struggle is real. Every spring, is this the last year. Let’s hope not!😊
Hope you find another few seasons in you. I dread the thought of giving up my bikes, but if the worst comes to the worst, I'll get something smaller and managable rather than leave motorcycling altogether. Thanks for your comment. Cheers.
I hit that like button as soon as I hear that kawi start up 😍
Hi, KB - do you still have yours?
@BlueMarbleRider yes sir, just shy of 90,000 km now. I'm going to pull the engine out this winter and strip it down to the frame and give a good once over, do the valves again, clean everything change all the fluids etc... looking forward to it.
Very timely. 66 years old; when my ‘08 r1200r developed a transmission problem more expensive than the bike was worth, I somehow talked myself into a super tenere. 🙄
Capable tourer, but waaay too heavy and boring. I miss the low cg and excellent handling of the beemer, but all the boxers are over 500 lbs. I dunno, tiger sport 660? We’ll see.
Thanks for your thoughtful essay.
I've followed your channel ever since you got the Z900rs. I like all the mods you've settled on. I find it hilarious that the Griso also appeals to both of us. I still haven't bought my way back into riding. It's a long story. But I've vowed to buy if not by my next birthday, but by the following one.
As for smaller bikes. I still miss my XT250 and wish I never sold it. As I started in the dirt, my eyes sometimes linger on ADV's. The Tenere being the favorite. Maybe, towards the inevitable end. I'll opt for a 300-450cc displacement bike like the new triumphs or a dual sport for knocking around town.
BC is beautiful and I've been there for skiing but the warmer weather and riding looks awesome. I may have to look into a west coast version of the East coast trip I want to make. Riding from New England to Nova Scotia/PEI vs. Riding from the San Francisco area to somewhere past Vancouver.
Sigh. ❤
Or a Kawasaki W800. Easy to ride, relaxing and just enough power to get around the traffic or run down the four lane highway when needed but still a thrill on the lower speed roads. Plenty of low end torque and a wonderful 360 degree crank shaft twin that bring me back to the 60s. I like the looks and sound of the Z900RS but at 70 years of age it's a tad too much machine for me. If only I were 15 years younger.
Cheers: Bob in Ottawa, Ontario
Had a 2000 W650 from 2005 to 2012. It's the only bike I have had seller's remorse over. I think you've probably found that sweet spot. Do love how well made the W's are, and that engine should be sat on a coffee table and admired.
Thank you so much for another nice and inspiring video about riding a motorcycle. Maybe i'm not exatly on your point, but i never went to more than 650 ccm/50 HP. Being a 50 year old guy of 1,8 m (bit more than 6 ft) and over 100 kg (230 lbs), i'd probably fit a bigger/heavier bike easily - but why? I ride a Suzuki V-Strom 650 build in 2009 which provides enough height to sit comfortably and i don't need more power to cruise the german cities and overland roads at 80 km/h (50 miles/h). Running faster, especially on the Autobahn (Motorway) is just loud and boring. I love the small roads, with a whole lot of curves, the bike tilted to the side. Strongest/fastest/loudest... bike - i'd expect less fun, not more.
All viewers: ride safe, have fun
Thanks Holger. Agree, back roads and taking time is my preference too. Loved my Vstrom 650. Cheers.
I went from the Vstom 1000 (2018) to a 2015 VStrom 650. And I love the 650. I also have 2 other 650 bikes that are singles and a 250. Riding a slow bike fast is more fun to me. Had the 100+ hp bikes and I keep going back to what keeps me in more legal speeds and having more fun at the same time.
I am on the same page with you, it’s more fun to ride a bike at a slower pace.
I'd love to find a mid size 4 cylinders with abs. Got RE Himalayan 411 atm. Plenty of fun.
I'm 55 and have a mint 20 year old Hayabusa in my garage that hasn't turned a wheel in over a year, and I'm not sure that it ever will again under my stewardship. I adore the bike, but riding it in my area became so frustrating that I stopped enjoying my rides... and once you stop enjoying something, why continue to do it? I had a BMW RnineT alongside it for a while which made me grin, but dealing with the local Motorrad dealer tainted the ownership experience of that bike, so I sold it a few months back. Now my go-to is my old reliable GSX1250FA... comfortable, very useful with full luggage, but a bit overkill as a zip-around toy. Yup, what I really need is something small, peppy and darty in my garage... something that begs me to go out and play. Off to Marketplace!
Sounds like you come to the same conclusion as a lot of us. I see something smaller in my future too eventually. Let me know what you go for. Cheers.
Well said, well done and agree w/the vast majority of your thoughts.
Like you, a few years back I downsized from my '16 FJR1300a to a '21 Z900RS. Prettiest bike I've owned in my 45 years of riding. Modded it nicely into a lightweight ST and thought 'this was my last bike." She was a jewel in my eye, nearly perfect for my riding wants, needs and desires.
But my daughter- my riding partner- was uncomfortable on the bike so, after little more than a year of ownership, off it went and back onto another FJR1300. The FJR is a wonderful bike for touring and 2-up riding but she's a large one and it gets tiresome wheeling her around at times. So I've been thinking of downsizing/simplifying and voila, Kawasaki comes out w/the revised 2025 Ninja 1100SX/SE and Triumph has the new Tiger Sport 800 to be released in March 2025.
I'd previously owned an '11 Ninja 1000 and modded her into a lightweight ST- great bike- so I know what I'm getting into w/the N1K. But... I've always loved Triumphs and yet never owned one. I lusted after the 2008-09 Sprint ST1050 but never pulled the trigger. The new TS800 looks to fit the bill.
At 64, I've got more years behind me than ahead and I haven't bought a brand new bike since 1994.
I think I'm gonna treat myself and do so, sell the FJR and get one of these two bikes. In a perfect world, I'd have a '21 or '22 Z900RS complementing whichever ST I get but I'll be ok and settle down w/one of those picks.
Thanks for the thoughts. I've heard good things about the new 1100SX. Had a friend with a 2009 Sprint ST1050 with white rims. Looked lovely. He modded that thing in every way and rode it every summer all round the states. Eventually fell asleep on it in Idaho, I believe, and wrote it off. Only damaged his wrist. Ended up with another Triumph, but missed that sweet 2009 ST. Bought it back from the insurance and transferred as many parts as he could to his new Triumph! I lives on. :-)
For me, I'm not interested in new bikes, I have a Moto Guzzi Bellagio which has 75bhp which I've converted to look like a V7 and I have a 50bhp cx500 which is now 46yrs old. I love riding both these bikes and have no desire for more power on either of them. They are both capable of overtaking slow traffic if I want to get a move on. If I was to buy another bike it would probably be a small capacity single or twin with even less bhp than my current bikes, something nice and light around 350 or 400cc, probably something Japanese, this would be nice for a little bimble in the countryside. It's not a race anymore, it's just about enjoying the moment. By having bikes that are a bit different or have a bit of history, it allows for a conversation, which ever bike I'm riding I either get I've never seen one of those before or I used to have one of those back in the day.
Great story, Paul. Agree with your sentiments. Certainly feel that slower is where it is at. I was in Bellagio on L. Como a month or so ago - and saw a few Bellagios in the Moto Guzzi factory at MDL. A lovely looker. Cheers.
I'd like a DRZ400 or maybe that RE 650 scrambler or classic--for dirt roads. But I'd have to get rid of another bike and I can't do it. Those DRZ bikes are kind of expensive for what you get--which is so un-Suzuki-like, but I still like them. I test road one and a Honda 300 and liked the DRZ far better: it felt like a little hot rod. With the new fuel injected ones maybe I will find a deal I can't refuse on a carb one. I love the 900RS but went with the Katana as it fit me better being a tall man. Thanks for the vid, glad you're healed up.
The Katana is a fine choice, always loved those bikes - if it hadn't been a Z900RS it would have been a Katana, for many of the same reasons.