Well, I don't know where my manners were - but I completely missed saying G'day to you all.
I found this site when I was having questions about exhaust systems, but found it very hard to get some straight-up advice without sales pitch bias etc. Was very glad to get some good advice here though.
I guess I should be able to trust my local dealer, but thought they would just suggest what they carry.
Anyway, I am another one from Newcastle (or newie as its known by some). I rode honda dirt bikes as a kid, and got on the road for the first time in '98 (as a middle aged coot) as a cost effective commuter option. At least that was my rationale, if anyone asked.
It was just luck that I bought a Kawasaki then. An 82 or 83 model GPZ750 (I think the red reminded me of the old Honda). This old bike did me proud, for about 7 years until it got terminally ill with rusted fuel tank and oil leaks.
So I pretended I won lotto and bought a brand new ZRX1200 '05 model. I liked the retro styling and it had a similiar riding position to the old GPZ, twin shocks etc...all nice and familiar. But thats where the similarities ended... My only frustration now is speed limits, school zones, dottery car drivers and pot-holes. My favourite competion on the road is the Impreza. I'm no super fast rider or anything, but I like the fact that this mean machine has got the ability, if I ever grow into it. Having said that though, I reckon I'll need a "balls transplant" to ever get this baby to really stretch its legs.
Hope to catch up with you guys sooner or later.