Topic: The Motorcycling Thread

[ktm525]

You running slipper clutches?

[bridgecity]

The bike looks awesome. Is that cliche corner?

[Jaeger]

Got out for a quick rip yesterday.  Well past peak colours but it was still a nice glimpse of the last of the season.

Looks like it was a fabulous day.

How careful do you have to be of leaves on the road?

It sure was. Wet leaves are a nightmare - slippery AF.  Dry leaves, not so much, unless you hit big "snowdrift" of them.

[Jaeger]

The bike looks awesome. Is that cliche corner?

Thanks much, and yes, that's the spot.

[rrocket]

Yes, I'm old.

But anyone my age will remember how huge these racing colors were in the early 90s. ZX7R, Muzzy, Scott Russell. Russell winning the World Superbikev title (WSBK) as a privateer!

Kawasaki Anniversary edition colors.

https://superbikeplanet.com/story/635/2024-kawasaki-ninja-zx-10r-40th-anniversary-edition

[Jaeger]

Did we NEED to ride to Whole Foods for bread?  Nope!  But the newly-purchased tail bag had to be justified tested.    Two loaves, no probs. 

[PJungnitsch]

Ah, the advantage of on bike storage, using the machine for regular running around

[Jaeger]

Ah, the advantage of on bike storage, using the machine for regular running around

That's the idea. 

[DriverJeff]

Yes, I'm old.

But anyone my age will remember how huge these racing colors were in the early 90s. ZX7R, Muzzy, Scott Russell. Russell winning the World Superbikev title (WSBK) as a privateer!

Kawasaki Anniversary edition colors.

https://superbikeplanet.com/story/635/2024-kawasaki-ninja-zx-10r-40th-anniversary-edition

While I'm certainly nowhere neaaaar as old as you  , I recall a guy at my high school with a ZX-7 in that scheme that I used to lust over. 

My gf's first ZX-6 was also in that colour scheme years ago.  Her "newer" one (2000) is similar, but doesn't have as much white in it. 

[Jaeger]

While I'm certainly nowhere neaaaar as old as you  , I recall a guy at my high school with a ZX-7 in that scheme that I used to lust over. 

My gf's first ZX-6 was also in that colour scheme years ago.  Her "newer" one (2000) is similar, but doesn't have as much white in it.

That is a sharp-looking livery for sure.  If they draped that all over the Ninja 1000sx, I might not be able to resist.  I know it's not a sports bike and I don't care.    A killer paint scheme is a killer paint scheme.  Plus, I already have the matching helmet. 

[DriverJeff]

While I'm certainly nowhere neaaaar as old as you  , I recall a guy at my high school with a ZX-7 in that scheme that I used to lust over. 

My gf's first ZX-6 was also in that colour scheme years ago.  Her "newer" one (2000) is similar, but doesn't have as much white in it.

That is a sharp-looking livery for sure.  If they draped that all over the Ninja 1000sx, I might not be able to resist.  I know it's not a sports bike and I don't care.    A killer paint scheme is a killer paint scheme.  Plus, I already have the matching helmet. 

The Ninja 1000SX isn't a sport bike?  Cripes man, it handles brilliantly, goes like stink, is covered in Tupperware plastics ... and unlike a "real" sport bike, it won't cripple you after riding it for more than 15 minutes. 

I'm a HUGE fan of the 1000SX.

[Jaeger]

While I'm certainly nowhere neaaaar as old as you  , I recall a guy at my high school with a ZX-7 in that scheme that I used to lust over. 

My gf's first ZX-6 was also in that colour scheme years ago.  Her "newer" one (2000) is similar, but doesn't have as much white in it.

That is a sharp-looking livery for sure.  If they draped that all over the Ninja 1000sx, I might not be able to resist.  I know it's not a sports bike and I don't care.    A killer paint scheme is a killer paint scheme.  Plus, I already have the matching helmet. 

The Ninja 1000SX isn't a sport bike?  Cripes man, it handles brilliantly, goes like stink, is covered in Tupperware plastics ... and unlike a "real" sport bike, it won't cripple you after riding it for more than 15 minutes. 

I'm a HUGE fan of the 1000SX.

Sport touring. Factory saddle bags and everything. 😁 A "real" sportbike is not for me - I'm not hardcore enough. 

I did read your review on the bike - very well done as always. It's definitely on the 'next bike' list for me. And seriously,  if the released it in this paint scheme I'd be chucking my wallet at them.

[JohnnyMac]

What are people's thoughts on this new offering from Kawasaki?

https://www.kawasaki.eu/en/Motorcycles/EV_HEV/Ninja_7_Hybrid.html#productspecifications-78c4964e4d-item-15d93c6761-tab

So basically it's a low displacement sports bike with some hybrid technology.  They claim that the acceleration would rival a 1,000cc bike's due to the low end power that the electric motor generates.  The issue as I see it is the extra weight due to the added tech, so a 400cc Ninja is about 134 pounds lighter, that's not insignificant. 

[ktm525]

What are people's thoughts on this new offering from Kawasaki?

https://www.kawasaki.eu/en/Motorcycles/EV_HEV/Ninja_7_Hybrid.html#productspecifications-78c4964e4d-item-15d93c6761-tab

So basically it's a low displacement sports bike with some hybrid technology.  They claim that the acceleration would rival a 1,000cc bike's due to the low end power that the electric motor generates.  The issue as I see it is the extra weight due to the added tech, so a 400cc Ninja is about 134 pounds lighter, that's not insignificant.

Yeah you nailed it. Motorcycles don't need excess electronics or complicated running gears. Simple, light and fun. Last thing we need is an obese bike with oodles of power that an average rider will never come close to tapping or will die trying.

[PJungnitsch]

That's a lot of extra weight for a bike, and it's not like motorcycles generally have a shortage of power off the line

[Jaeger]

What are people's thoughts on this new offering from Kawasaki?

https://www.kawasaki.eu/en/Motorcycles/EV_HEV/Ninja_7_Hybrid.html#productspecifications-78c4964e4d-item-15d93c6761-tab

So basically it's a low displacement sports bike with some hybrid technology.  They claim that the acceleration would rival a 1,000cc bike's due to the low end power that the electric motor generates.  The issue as I see it is the extra weight due to the added tech, so a 400cc Ninja is about 134 pounds lighter, that's not insignificant.

Why not just buy the 1000cc bike?

[Arthur Dent]

Interesting. I had not heard of it. Sure seems like a answer to a question no one is asking. Additional fuel economy on a bike is fine but no where near the top of the priority list, at least for North American riders. Almost all bikes here are sold as playthings rather than transportation. Hybrids don't really add more fun, style, etc.

[Jaeger]

Interesting. I had not heard of it. Sure seems like a answer to a question no one is asking. Additional fuel economy on a bike is fine but no where near the top of the priority list, at least for North American riders. Almost all bikes here are sold as playthings rather than transportation. Hybrids don't really add more fun, style, etc.

Nailed it.

[rrocket]

Interesting. I had not heard of it. Sure seems like a answer to a question no one is asking. Additional fuel economy on a bike is fine but no where near the top of the priority list, at least for North American riders. Almost all bikes here are sold as playthings rather than transportation. Hybrids don't really add more fun, style, etc.

Yep.

For example, Honda has a hybrid PCX scooter for the JDM market. A hybrid like that makes sense for their market.

[PJungnitsch]

This on other hand looks like a win to me:

First Drive: Our Favorite New Honda Costs Less Than an Apple iPhone

The Motocompacto doesn't give you a chance to wonder if you look silly riding it because it's just that fun to ride. If the Motocompacto doesn't put a grin on your face after the first few moments then we'd recommend checking your pulse.

https://www.motortrend.com/news/honda-motocompacto-specs-first-ride-review/