A hiatus from Kawasaki

[maraach]

Well everyone,

After a solid 12 years of owning nothing but Kawasaki's I have finally been tempted into trying something different. So, for the next bit of time, im going to be riding a GSXR 750. Yes. I know, that's not a Kawasaki model number.... I didnt think i would ever be sitting on a Suzuki myself, but its a fantastic bike for what I am after at this stage of my life. It's a shame everyone else stopped making the 750's. At the weight and weight and handling of a 600 (190kg fully wet.. insane), with power that wasn't far off my zx9r ... the bike is a lot of fun.

In saying that. It is with a heavy heart that i say goodbye to my "9". It was a tremendous bike and was almost perfect in every way. If it was fuel injected and a little lighter, i doubt i ever would have let it go.

It seems to have gone full circle though. Back in 2008 I bought the bike and had it shipped from Perth. The new owner, yep, you guessed it, is buying it off me and having it shipped back to Perth. Its amazing how those things go.

I have encouraged him to drop by and say hello. He is a nice guy who is back on a Kawasaki after a short Ducatti stint.

I just want to thank everyone here for the tremendous help they have been over the past 4 years. For those of you I met it was a pleasure. For those of you I only know from here, but who have been amazing help (especially Jono and Strika), thanks a million.

Well, thats it from me until i cave in a couple of years time and finally get myself that 12 I have been thinking about... In the meantime, ride safe.

[Possum]

Bikes are like jeans, not all pairs suit all arses. Forums on the other hand are more giving
I cant speak for everyone, but I'd still welcome your contributions

Congrats on your new wheels

[Benno]

Just because you now own a spewzuki, doesn't mean you have to go!

I've still got my Yammy, and I haven't been banned....... yet

[Glen]

Just because you now own a spewzuki, doesn't mean you have to go!

I've still got my Yammy, and I haven't been banned....... yet

Actually we keep ignoring you but you won't go away

Congrats on the new bike though mate. The GSXR's are a nice thing I reckon.
Hang around though, theres' plenty of non Kawi riders here.......and we'll be able to hang shit on someone other than Benno

[Strika]

Congrats on the Zook mate. I know a few guys who have had and do have 7fiddies and you are 100% spot on, they are a really good combo. Have fun and whatever you do don't go. We need another foreigner to hang shit on now that Benno is courting a new Kwaka again!

[maraach]

thanks guys. Who knows, i have a feeling i might actually meet more of you in person now.

The GSXR does a fantastic job of using tons of technology to make up for my less than amazing riding ability... It's why i couldnt help myself in the end. 10 minutes on my mates one had me taking corners in a way i never would dare to on my 9... See your profile pic strika? I never had the balls to do that on my 9. On the 750 though.. i dunno what it is.. the thing just inspires confidence.

[Strika]

Maybe your 9 wasn't set up to do that sort of stuff. Even though It had stock suspenders, I took a little time to adjust ride heights and clickers on mine till I got it steering like a proper one. But they turn as well as any road bike does, just need a little more effort at times. But certainly the gixxer will be an awesome back roads scratcher and a wickedly capable track day ride. Not quite the comfort levels of the 9, but when your cranked over at 200 gazelles it don't fucking matter.

[maraach]

the comfort of the 9 is something i will ever find in another 'sports' bike again. There is a reason everyone who has ever owned one loves them.

[Jonno]

Dont go anywhere, one day you will see the Kawasaki light again and there are plenty here that enjoy the forum no matter the bike. Ultimately it is the passion of riding that keeps us together.


edit* fuk I sound sooky

[maraach]

I have no doubt i will own a kawasaki again. I have to admit, there are certain things im going to miss... Kawasaki does the whole "positive neutral finder" thing better than anyone. Also, the power deliver of a kawasaki is addictive.

However, with the new breed of bikes... i tried out one of the previous model 10's and i hadnt even left the shop's driveway before i knew i just wouldnt be able to ride it. I hear the new one is slightly less aggressive which in my view is probably a good thing. Im guessing its a pretty tough balance to get a bike which has precision handling but still retains a mild level of comfort. In the new breed (and with adjustable footpegs!) the GSXR was the one that just felt right when i sat on it.

The obvious draw back is that my chance of getting a pillion on it (my wife is 5'11") is zero. It kind of fits in well that she plans to be off the bike for the next period of time

[mike-s]

I haven't had a kawasaki for five years now, and i must admit that i DO miss the positive neutral finder more than anything else from any kawasaki I've had in the past.
And yeah they ignore me here, but for some dumb reason i still hang around here, go figure.

[maraach]

i figured i should post a photo of it anyway....

i didnt like it at first, but i have to admit, the look is growing on me..

[Possum]

So long as ya happy. Great pic

[hoffy]

i figured i should post a photo of it anyway....

i didnt like it at first, but i have to admit, the look is growing on me..

Do they do a mens version??

[maraach]

i figured i should post a photo of it anyway....

i didnt like it at first, but i have to admit, the look is growing on me..

Do they do a mens version??

That did get me laughing Hoffy. Not surprisingly the Mrs loves the look of it and talked me out of the gsxr 1000 i was originally going to buy.

In the end it will probably become her bike, for now, its a bit of fun.