A new appreciation

[Emerson]

The way kids in the 1980's lusted over Lamborghini cars with the scissor doors, I longed for a Kawasaki KZ900 in the early-mid 1970's. Flash forward and they re-released the classic for this year. I test rode it and purchased one, in the root beer and orange color. I call it Shasta, for now. Besides the flat spot off idle in the lower gears under easy acceleration-its pretty cool and looks great. Friends think its a resto, and I love seeing it in the garage. Light with great power and brakes.
Why is it posted under Trophy chat? Simple.
After riding the Z almost exclusively for the ten days since purchase I took the TTSE on a long ride. Simply put, it is equal in a few ways but exceeds my other bikes hands-down. This is a Trophy love letter, sorry I ignored you in nice weather. The Trophy handles better than it has any business to, and when I rode it like a sport bike for three hours last night I still averaged almost 57 mpg! The shifting and clutch-just a pleasure. And the fuelling, power from just off idle with no hiccups, the best of any bike I've owned. The K12RS might have a better top end rush, but the dead spot 2,500-3000 rpm negates that.
I never doubted you big fella,  you are still by far the best bike I've ever thrown a leg over. We will party hard this summer!  #ATGATT be safe

[thumper]

 

Pictures!!!!

Of all the new bikes out there, that Kawi (same color!) is about the only one I'm seriously contemplating adding to the garage.   

My favorite dealer has one sitting on the showroom floor.     

[trophied]

My pick if I was still young enough to adapt to the riding position is the Thruxton 1200 "R" in British Racing Green.  Oh my!!!!  Nothing since my old Norton 750 Commando has stirred my soul the way looking at that thing does (bikewise, that is).

[Emerson]

[GarminDave]

The dog looks as shinny as the bike does!

Love, light, and kindness,

Dave

[thumper]

 

Pooch says:   "Dad told me to sit right here and guard the Kawi."       

 

[Volfy]

IMO, Kawi nailed the retro roadster better than everybody else.  True modern mechanicals (USD forks, radial brakes, monoshock rear, alloy wheels, 17" tubeless tires, etc.) give no compromise to have retro styling.  I never understood why a guy has to put up with wire wheels, tubed tires, and dual rear shocks for the sake of looking retro.

That said, I thought the "regular" Z900 is probably the best value in Kawi's Z line up right now.  I guess the RS and now the RS Cafe are stealing all the limelight, nobody is paying any attention to the poor Z900.  I've seen leftover 2017's marked down to less than $7k.