TOPIC:

With three of us in BC , about 4 or 5 hours apart - might be able to met up sometime in the future- compare war stories.

tackelhappy, yes, definitely we should! I am thinking these three are you, scotch and me, right? Also Bucko, but I think he has a voyager. I went to the Chilliwack bike show recently, and I saw one. I wonder if it was him. It looked really well taken care of. But I think there must be a few more people out there 'hiding' with the sixes, and I'd think those would be Voyagers not out 'naked' bikes.

I need some kilometers to break this practically new bike in. The manual says not higher than 4000 rpm for the first 800 km. Then another 800 up to 6000. I could live with that! I just want to play safe. So.... I want to put that 800 as soon as possible so I can ride the bike pretty much normally with a clear conscience. Your profile says Saskatchewan, but you are in BC? Where? Maybe we could triangulate and meet all of use when the weather is still permitting somewhere half way? Scotch?

me to, Stan !!
#3 needs the mixture screw turned out 1/4 of a turn

I bet your ear was tuned to the carbs. You're the carb man! hahaha I'll just turn 1/8 in just to bug you, hahaha

On a serious note, a new bike, a new running bike, and I am learning how the different points of control interact with all others. Just like with the other bikes, and especially old machinery - all have their own character and peculiarities. I'm listening to noises and clicks and wondering - is this normal? hahaha Just that kind of not a very serious 'paranoia', but of course I do keep an eye on things.

Took some photos of the bike on the road, but having problems transferring them, so I can't post right now. Oh well, tomorrow is another day. I did 28 km today. The bike is incredibly smooth. Despite keeping it under 4000 rpm, I am impressed. Being used to Vmax, even at this point riding conservatively I feel the power, and I can see it as a worthy contender. The points I discovered right away, in comparison, are: it's purring instead of 'barking' ( I love that vmax unique throaty sound, don't get me wrong!), the seat is much, much more comfortable, it's smoother - that's for sure the 6 inline versus v-4 without a doubt.
Of course, the KZ1300 looks amazing. I've already seen some 'looks' counting the pipes!!! hahaha And a few guys from afar staring like if they saw a ghost. Indeed, it's a legendary bike they probably read about some 30 years ago. Now they see it!

Well, I hate to say it out of loyalty, but this is my favorite bike!

Not ideal photos, but from the road.
Got the first 30 km on my first day.

Riders in BC - great idea. Lets meet!

I am taking the '8150' as a new zero mark, as pretty much it's a new bike.

OUTSTANDING, Stan !

After the first phase I called 'rinsing' the engine, I did the first oil change at 50 km. Despite manual attention to clean everything, there were many particles easily to spot, and actually to pick up! All were brownish rust small crust. Just 50 km, and the oil looked like after a 3000. Now, new filter, new oil, let it rinse again! I can see how crucial this is, and it would be plain stupid to try to save any money on such maintenance. If someone does, they don't deserve a bike at all in my books.

So, new oil, adjusted the gear change lever, adjusted the rear break, the front fork air valve on order, still sourcing a proper fuel level sender male connector - I might just cut the wires and get over with it.

Now time to sleep, but I want to go down to see my KZ!!!! LOLOL
Cheers! Good night.