Rode a V2K...

metallisch · 06-07-2007

It was Kawasaki's test ride day down at one of the local dealerships in town, and I signed myself up for the Ninja 650R and the V2K classic.

the 650r
I tried out the 650 first, and our test rider was a pretty good guy. When he was leading us around corners, he noticed I was right behind him, so he'd speed up a little for the next curve just in case I wanted to hit it a little harder.

Soon, we were taking some of the curves at ~160km/h on the backroads (in my head the entire time, I was thinking about how weird it was we were allowed to go this fast on a test ride. Is that normal?) Of course, we had lost everybody else so the rider from the dealership last in line had taken over leading the slower riders.

The lead rider pulled me aside after we got back to the dealership, and said he was very impressed with my riding abilities (

) and told me that he taught racing courses at a local track, and that I should come for some lessons to fine-tune my riding for racing, if I liked.

I thought that was a pretty cool little tale, and I was pretty excited by how impressed he looked and sounded when talking about my riding. he told me I should try out the Z750 because I mentioned that I hated the handlebars and lack of power the 650R had. (the handlebars were FAR too high for me. my wrists ached by the end of the 45minute ride), but I politely declined, as it was time for....

the V2k
I was riding with a passenger for both these rides. The first thing I liked about the V2K was a backrest (never had one on a bike before), it felt reassuring that the passenger wasn't going anywhere. Then I noticed the fuel GAUGE, lack of tach, and how comfy floorboards are. Everything about this bike was just so comfortable.

We took it out on the roads, and we were staying fairly close to the posted speed limit since we were in city limits still, and I was keeping up with the lead ZX12R, then I got my first taste of floorboard scraping. I never realized that the floorboards aren't hinged. It pretty much sent me on course towards the ditch, but i recovered and acted like nothing happened. My passenger asked "Did we almost crash back there?" to which I replied, "nah, that wasn't even close", very confidently

The v2k had some nice power, and it was a smooth ride, but I just wasn't feeling it. I liked having a bike that was all dressed up, but I can do the same to my meanie. I didn't even feel a HUGE difference in power. I felt the rev limiter at about 160km/h, and besides the creature comforts of this bike, I really have to say that I enjoy my meanie a lot more.

The V2k is WONDERFUL, and I can absolutely see what all the fuss is about, but I won't be trading my meanie in for the v2k any time soon. I think that makes me one of the few who rode a v2k and didn't bring it home

Hope you enjoyed my tales of test rides!

airski · 06-07-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by metallisch

I think that makes me one of the few who rode a v2k and didn't bring it home

I was one of those too

But I still brought a kawi home

BigDaddy · 06-07-2007

Nothing wrong with not getting a V2K....its all in what you are comfortable
with! Sounds like a nice couple of test rides though.

BD

LordGT · 06-07-2007

I don't know if the V2K was broke in or not, but I was not impressed by it's power either, but somewhere during the break-in period there was a night and day change, all of a sudden there was more power. And this resistor mod they are doing is supposed to stop the retarding of the timing in gears 1 thru 3 so we can see how she really responds to a twist of the wrist...

I'm used to acceleration from bikes more along the Naked's or Sport Bike families, which have 10 to 11 sec 1/4 mile times instead of the V2K's mid 12 sec at best. And I have had to adjust my thinking and riding style when switching to the V2K.

I've haven't rode a Meanie yet, but I'd like too. I know she would be more fun in the twisties, but I hope the ole V2K will still pull on a Meanie down the straights.

I really do enjoy riding her.

gdhugh · 06-07-2007

Sounds like fun to me. One thing.. MY Floorboards ARE hindged. LOL you had that big girl leaned over like a sport bike. That just goes to show how great she handles. IMHO

MauiAl · 06-07-2007

It's what feels good under your butt that matters most.

metallisch · 06-07-2007

No doubt about it, the meanie and the v2k both handle like an absolute dream, FAR better than the Victory's and Harley's I rode last year.

I still yearn for that sport bike lean every once in a while, but I prefer the "relative safety" of a cruiser.

Either way, I am not bashing the v2k at all, i was pushing it pretty hard for a bike with a total of less than 100km on it, and it responded well.

LordGT, I am interested in what you said about the 'break-in' change. I definitely think you have a point, because compared to the power I've heard some of ya'll on here describe, it was a lot weaker when I rode it, so your explanation makes absolute sense.

*anamosity* · 06-07-2007

My boards are hinged and have scrubbed them plenty of times.
You just have to be comfortable doing it and knowing they are going to scrape if you lean far enough.

*trikebubble* · 06-07-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by metallisch

No doubt about it, the meanie and the v2k both handle like an absolute dream, FAR better than the Victory's and Harley's I rode last year.

I still yearn for that sport bike lean every once in a while, but I prefer the "relative safety" of a cruiser.

Either way, I am not bashing the v2k at all, i was pushing it pretty hard for a bike with a total of less than 100km on it, and it responded well.

LordGT, I am interested in what you said about the 'break-in' change. I definitely think you have a point, because compared to the power I've heard some of ya'll on here describe, it was a lot weaker when I rode it, so your explanation makes absolute sense.

They probably had the "valet switch" turned on for the demo rides...........

Having owned both bikes, my summation would be as follows: nothing quite handles like a Mean Streak, and nothing has the stump pulling roll-on power of a V2K.

Too bad I couldn't have both.

*anamosity* · 06-07-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by trikebubble

They probably had the "valet switch" turned on for the demo rides...........

Having owned both bikes, my summation would be as follows: nothing quite handles like a Mean Streak, and nothing has the stump pulling roll-on power of a V2K.

Too bad I couldn't have both.

hehehehehehehehe, I won't rub it in now, but maybe later!

**Spok** · 06-07-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by metallisch

It

The v2k had some nice power, and it was a smooth ride, but I just wasn't feeling it. I liked having a bike that was all dressed up, but I can do the same to my meanie. I didn't even feel a HUGE difference in power. I felt the rev limiter at about 160km/h, and besides the creature comforts of this bike, I really have to say that I enjoy my meanie a lot more.

so when your comparing the power of a v2k 2 up to your meanie, are you considering your meanie 2 up?

I tell ya, i have a 1500 classic that ain't no slouch as its been jetted for uber power and my V2k will smoke it....like it wasn't even there

*trikebubble* · 06-07-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by anamosity

hehehehehehehehe, I won't rub it in now, but maybe later!

Keep that rubbing to yourself my friend.......or you'll end up on the plastic sheet bed with Bill.

*anamosity* · 06-07-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by trikebubble

Keep that rubbing to yourself my friend.......or you'll end up on the plastic sheet bed with Bill.

now there you go making promises again.
What time is dinner biatch?

*trikebubble* · 06-07-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by anamosity

now there you go making promises again.
What time is dinner biatch?

1/2 hour after you get the apron on and start cooking Rosario!

*anamosity* · 06-07-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by trikebubble

1/2 hour after you get the apron on and start cooking Rosario!

I can swing that, but you are on clean up. I make some great Alfredo. Very very good. Well OK, Beks actually makes it, but thats besides the point.

ImpactG · 06-07-2007

You to kill me!...

...

metallisch · 06-07-2007

haha, holy hell, this thread took a turn for the awesome seriously fast!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Spok

so when your comparing the power of a v2k 2 up to your meanie, are you considering your meanie 2 up?

I tell ya, i have a 1500 classic that ain't no slouch as its been jetted for uber power and my V2k will smoke it....like it wasn't even there

Ya know, I guess I am comparing it to my meanie solo. I guess comparing it 2-up to 2-up, the v2k's power looks even nicer. Thanks for reminding me of my logical fallacies

**Spok** · 06-07-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by metallisch

haha, holy hell, this thread took a turn for the awesome seriously fast!

Ya know, I guess I am comparing it to my meanie solo. I guess comparing it 2-up to 2-up, the v2k's power looks even nicer. Thanks for reminding me of my logical fallacies

well, its really easy to do. i know two up with my son on my v2k the pull isn't near as impressive as it is one up but still harder than my 1500 solo....

metallisch · 06-07-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by Spok

well, its really easy to do. i know two up with my son on my v2k the pull isn't near as impressive as it is one up but still harder than my 1500 solo....

What's easy to do?!! Point out my poor logic?!

I challenge you to a duel! Do you accept?

Revolvers at dawn!

Targetbuster · 06-07-2007

Interesting..... I've currently got 4 of kawis best in my garage. 800A, MS, Nomad and an '06 V2k. I've had the pleasure of comparing them all for more than a test ride. My impression is that they are all good at what they do best. The 800A is the best dollar for dollar bike on the market, the Nomad is the best cruiser hands down, the MS is a great fun machine with great throttle response and handling and the V2K is just a beast. Handles pretty well for a big bike but the power is truly impressive in the higher gears. I had the V2K out the other day and twisted the grip to put some space between me and a cager that was following too close....110 MPH in a heartbeat and it was still pulling so hard that the bumps in the road were almost sending me airborn. Amazing power, but on a long haul I'm glad I still have the Nomad.

06-07-2007	#1 (permalink)
metallisch all things metal. BTK Expert Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: calgary, canada Posts: 356	Rode a V2K... It was Kawasaki's test ride day down at one of the local dealerships in town, and I signed myself up for the Ninja 650R and the V2K classic. the 650r I tried out the 650 first, and our test rider was a pretty good guy. When he was leading us around corners, he noticed I was right behind him, so he'd speed up a little for the next curve just in case I wanted to hit it a little harder. Soon, we were taking some of the curves at ~160km/h on the backroads (in my head the entire time, I was thinking about how weird it was we were allowed to go this fast on a test ride. Is that normal?) Of course, we had lost everybody else so the rider from the dealership last in line had taken over leading the slower riders. The lead rider pulled me aside after we got back to the dealership, and said he was very impressed with my riding abilities () and told me that he taught racing courses at a local track, and that I should come for some lessons to fine-tune my riding for racing, if I liked. I thought that was a pretty cool little tale, and I was pretty excited by how impressed he looked and sounded when talking about my riding. he told me I should try out the Z750 because I mentioned that I hated the handlebars and lack of power the 650R had. (the handlebars were FAR too high for me. my wrists ached by the end of the 45minute ride), but I politely declined, as it was time for.... the V2k I was riding with a passenger for both these rides. The first thing I liked about the V2K was a backrest (never had one on a bike before), it felt reassuring that the passenger wasn't going anywhere. Then I noticed the fuel GAUGE, lack of tach, and how comfy floorboards are. Everything about this bike was just so comfortable. We took it out on the roads, and we were staying fairly close to the posted speed limit since we were in city limits still, and I was keeping up with the lead ZX12R, then I got my first taste of floorboard scraping. I never realized that the floorboards aren't hinged. It pretty much sent me on course towards the ditch, but i recovered and acted like nothing happened. My passenger asked "Did we almost crash back there?" to which I replied, "nah, that wasn't even close", very confidently The v2k had some nice power, and it was a smooth ride, but I just wasn't feeling it. I liked having a bike that was all dressed up, but I can do the same to my meanie. I didn't even feel a HUGE difference in power. I felt the rev limiter at about 160km/h, and besides the creature comforts of this bike, I really have to say that I enjoy my meanie a lot more. The V2k is WONDERFUL, and I can absolutely see what all the fuss is about, but I won't be trading my meanie in for the v2k any time soon. I think that makes me one of the few who rode a v2k and didn't bring it home Hope you enjoyed my tales of test rides! __________________ At night we ride through mansions of glory in suicide machines

06-07-2007	#4 (permalink)
LordGT Millenium Vulcan Pilot Forum Supporter Join Date: May 2006 Location: New Port Richey, FL Posts: 3,738	I don't know if the V2K was broke in or not, but I was not impressed by it's power either, but somewhere during the break-in period there was a night and day change, all of a sudden there was more power. And this resistor mod they are doing is supposed to stop the retarding of the timing in gears 1 thru 3 so we can see how she really responds to a twist of the wrist... I'm used to acceleration from bikes more along the Naked's or Sport Bike families, which have 10 to 11 sec 1/4 mile times instead of the V2K's mid 12 sec at best. And I have had to adjust my thinking and riding style when switching to the V2K. I've haven't rode a Meanie yet, but I'd like too. I know she would be more fun in the twisties, but I hope the ole V2K will still pull on a Meanie down the straights. I really do enjoy riding her. __________________ Member of (Todd's V2K Custom Temptress Club) TV2KCTC #1 2006 V2K LTD

06-07-2007	#5 (permalink)
gdhugh PColaFl V2K LT Forum Supporter Join Date: May 2007 Location: Pensacola, Florida USA Posts: 2,731	Sounds like fun to me. One thing.. MY Floorboards ARE hindged. LOL you had that big girl leaned over like a sport bike. That just goes to show how great she handles. IMHO __________________ David VROC#23997 2007 V2K Classic LT VROC#23977 SCRC#164050

06-07-2007	#6 (permalink)
MauiAl Evil Doer BTK Expert Join Date: May 2007 Location: Butt Crack Oregon Posts: 1,371	It's what feels good under your butt that matters most. __________________ Just More Whining

06-07-2007	#7 (permalink)
metallisch all things metal. BTK Expert Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: calgary, canada Posts: 356	No doubt about it, the meanie and the v2k both handle like an absolute dream, FAR better than the Victory's and Harley's I rode last year. I still yearn for that sport bike lean every once in a while, but I prefer the "relative safety" of a cruiser. Either way, I am not bashing the v2k at all, i was pushing it pretty hard for a bike with a total of less than 100km on it, and it responded well. LordGT, I am interested in what you said about the 'break-in' change. I definitely think you have a point, because compared to the power I've heard some of ya'll on here describe, it was a lot weaker when I rode it, so your explanation makes absolute sense. __________________ At night we ride through mansions of glory in suicide machines

06-07-2007	#3 (permalink)
BigDaddy Big Boy with a Big Toy BTK Expert Join Date: May 2007 Posts: 644	Nothing wrong with not getting a V2K....its all in what you are comfortable with! Sounds like a nice couple of test rides though. BD

06-07-2007	#8 (permalink)
anamosity secret agent BTK Expert Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Lolo, MT Posts: 13,993	My boards are hinged and have scrubbed them plenty of times. You just have to be comfortable doing it and knowing they are going to scrape if you lean far enough. __________________ ====== 08 ZX14 ======

06-07-2007	#16 (permalink)
ImpactG Perpetual Motion Extreme Forum Supporter Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Harrisburg, PA Posts: 6,139	You to kill me!... ... __________________ ImpactG 2004 V2K ---------------- Proud member of Julie's Avatar Cleavage Club (JACC#3)