TOPIC:

I suppose that ride pics would include video:

Here's Carson, Washington to Mt Hood, Oregon I shot that two summers ago but I was, at least, riding my 13. The tunnels were great.


Bill

Nice upload Bill.
I was fortunate to work in the US (on and off) between 1995 to 2005: and have many great memories of riding (and driving) some stunning scenic routes/ roads. I recall Ouray in Colarado literally taking my breath away (it was where I discovered my fear of heights), and Sedona to LA being truly memorable. Happy Days !
You guys are blessed with some stunning geography to play in: be great to see some more pics - I must get my arse into gear and head back over.
Cheers Tim

Thanks Tim,
Every country has scenery worth being shared. This group has enough geographical diversity to nearly show the whole motorcycling planet.
Come on Folks, Let's see your rides.
Bill

That's a great video. Terrific scenery. Fabulous smooth roads. Your KZ1300 sounds beautiful, Bill. The engine sound combined with the transmission whine is music to my ears! You must have kept the engine in peak condition. What is your opinion on the power delivery of the 1300? I ask because I have not yet ridden mine - bought as a non-runner. I used to own a 1978 XS Eleven, and that had amazing performance, a truly great engine. A shame it was not water cooled, though, because it used to get a bit tappety when very hot.
Thanks for the KZ750B picture - a handsome bike.

biltonjim wrote: ..What is your opinion on the power delivery of the 1300?...

Thanks Jim,

The 1300 is a remarkable bike. It charges like it's been fitted with an engine from a sports car but still manages to handle like a motorcycle. The shaft drive does tend to climb a bit on acceleration but you get used to it.

Bill

I had a 1980 XS1100 back in the day. Awesome bike, but it needed more love than I could give it. It's been a couple years now since I've had it, but let's see what I can remember to compare the two.

As I recall, the XS11 was crazy-quick- very fast on the roll-on (never had the guts to launch it from a standstill), and rather pleasant to drive. Mine tended to get a little buzzy on the upper RPMs, but maybe it was just mine.

The biggest differences with the KZ1300 is weight (quite a bit heavier than the Yammy) and smoothness. There's really no engine vibration to speak of. It's very much like a Goldwing (of which I have two), even a bit better maybe. It's very eerie to be speeding along and have the engine running that smooth.

As for power delivery, the KZ is much like the XS, but just more of it. The acceleration doesn't snap you back- it's more like this giant SHOVE, pushing you along. It pulls like a freight train, in every gear. The roll-on performance is AMAZING. Also, because of the weight, it's also rock-solid. A bit fun in the corners, but will go in a straight line all day long.