TOPIC:

hello and welcome from the uk, I too am new to the mighty six pack!

Hello there from Omaha/Bellevue Ne!

It's nice to hear of a new 1300 owner nearby. Only a few hours to Missouri from here .

TouringGuy - I can't agree with your opinion that the B2 looks ugly. I think that picture of yours shows a mighty impressive machine. Further more, I'll bet that if you renovate that paintwork with some suitable compounds and waxes, that it will grow on you. I love those original paint jobs. You are lucky to have one that has not been bastardised!
Good luck with it!
Regards,
james

I have always been amazed at the motorcycle world's opinions on the 1300. You have these press editors writing mainly derogatory comments on it's weight and slab sided looks, without trying to understand the mission or the function of the machine.

They look at it from a skin deep perspective and just write it off.

I (and the others on this site) love the looks, performance, reliability, and uniqueness of this machine. Even back in 1979, I always thought this bike was one to have, and still think this today.

I also ride a newer BMW K1200GT. This bike is a technological marvel but I have always viewed it as an electronic toaster. When I ride my old KZ's I always receive favorable comments, especially when people count the exhaust pipes on the 1300. There is much more character in these old bikes we like to keep in a resurrected status.

Last month I rode my Z1R to a local bike night, with some kind comments by the riders in attendance. When they heard I had a 1300, they were asking me when I would bring it. There seemed to be much more interest in the 1300, even from the young kids.

When water-cooled engines came out in the 70's, it was a technological marvel and the 1300 was one of the first engines that incorporated this technology well. Not to mention the final drive system, which is relatively trouble free.

Most of our bikes have been neglected over the years by previous owners. When we find one that has been maintained, as a one or two owner copy, they can still be mechanically very sound and still in pristine condition.

So TouringGuy, if you can, leave your B model intact, it is worth more left in its original state.

Regards.

T.

I lived in Bellevue 1990-1993 when I was in the Air Force

I don't intend to change anything with my B2 other than the color -- I like stock bikes. The photos don't reveal it, but the original paint is in bad shape. I couldn't bring myself to repaint it that horrible maroon color and recreate those hideous graphics -- I'd have to ride with a bag over my head . . .