I'm a Motorhead! (editorial on Kawasaki)

[TJ900B]

I admit my addiction. Since the first time I saw Richard Petty win the Daytona, that was 1964 guys, I have had a love with motors and anything that goes fast or simply just goes. To me it is not just a machine but a love affair, a passion in life. When I find a machine I love, I keep it till it drops. I collect them like one may collect quitars or guns. Oh I'm not rich so my collection is meager compared to most but I have managed to currently have five cars, two bikes, and two boats. I love either practical or insane and abhor the mundane.

I'd like to take this opportunity to touch on a subject I have read here often and give you my thoughts on it. That's why I felt it important to give you a little background. What I would like to discuss is Kawasaki.

I have a love for Kawasaki that goes back decades. No not the company, I don't know those folks from Adam but the machines. Odd as it may seem, of all the vehicles I own or have owned I have always been a buy American guy with one exception Kawasaki. In this one aspect in life, I walk my own path.

While my friends road Hondas and Harleys, I was on a Kaw. While their bikes were in their garages, my Kaws were on the road. While they bragged of their lone wolf image though riding in packs, I truly did ride alone. Whether it was the fastest, go where nobody else could go, or simply the feel of the wind in my face, my fondest memories in life on a bike has been in the saddle of a Kawasaki. I've owned Harleys, Hondas, Yamahas, Suzukis, and brands you probably haven’t heard of but it is the Kawasaki that continually over the years pulls me back like an old lover.

I've withstood the insults, snobbery, and being outcast with a smile for I knew they did not know what they were missing. You see to me it wasn’t about being cool, making an impression, or being something special, it was purely enjoying something special. I like the Kaws ride, durability, and performance. My Kawasaki’s have never let me down whether it was my got to be the fastest, got to go anywhere, or as now just a nice smooth get away. Kawasaki didn’t set the standard, they set their own standard. It even saddened me to see the company follow the trend of "Harley Me Too” but even then they set their own standard by adding a twist.

Why do I bother to tell you all this? I see the unwritten feelings in these pages. I feel the unwritten desires. Oh not that I am all that bright, just have been there once myself. It’s simply taken me awhile to realize I’m different and to take pride in that difference. If I could every bike I would own would be Kawasaki green.

Today I once again rode “The Dragon” on my Kaw. I don’t have a love affair with the 11 miles with 318 curves, which I know each curve like I know my brother. I love seeing the bikes and today there were miles upon miles of them. Knowing the area, I sat in the shade drinking my ice cold water from my bags and noticed the diversity of the bikes. This truly is an amazing time we live in as bikes now are as custom to the owner as one can imagine. This forum is full of fantastic information and advice on how to achieve that individual goal. It dawned on me right then and there this is it guys. We who love the Kawasaki have hit our zenith for finally the Kawasaki can be as customized to the individual as any brand of bike on the market and what can be more unique than the bikes we ride themselves.

I ask you to take pride in your ride though I know like myself that many will learn the hard way. I know many of you will progress from bike to bike in life but I also know if you live to ride that eventually the allure of the Kawasaki will call you back. It won’t be for the image, styling, or even the value for your dollar, but the joy a Kaw gives on the road where it counts most that no other bike can match.

God Bless, and Kaw Power!

Tj

PS: Any of you motorheads ever in my area, feel free to drop me a line. I’d love to share a ride with you.

[Svetlana]

Cheers indeed to Kawasaki fans the world over!

Ride Safe and Ride On Tj!

[TJ900B]

Originally Posted by Svetlana

Cheers indeed to Kawasaki fans the world over!

Ride Safe and Ride On Tj!

Thanks, I noticed the Guitar in the back in your pic album. You all are definately my kind of people. What goes better than motorcycles and guitars.

I think its a James Dean thingy.

Tj

[fastball]

I think that whole "poser" attitude thing with the Harley guys is disappearing little by little each year, as Metrics become more popular with true daily riders. This area used to be owned by HD's but now I wave to more Metrics and Victorys every day on my commute. On the weekends is when I see all the overpriced HD's. For my money, Maw Kaw has em beat, hands down.

[Svetlana]

Originally Posted by TJ900B

Thanks, I noticed the Guitar in the back in your pic album. You all are definately my kind of people. What goes better than motorcycles and guitars.

I think its a James Dean thingy.

Tj

You mean in my Photobucket pics? Ppl actually look at them? Well that's pretty cool!

I thought to say this in my first post, but your words were put concisely and eloquently enough that I needn't bother. But yes, I agree that it takes a certain substance to choose Kawasaki. We all know they're terrific, and many (if not most) of us could get most any other brand on the market. Yet we chose Kawi for many reasons and are, indeed, a relatively unique bunch. It's easy to fall in love with some of the other brands, as they are aesthetically easy on the eyes and offer some extraordinary capabilities. But Kawasaki encompasses everything from speed to recreation, beauty to gutts, opulence to practicality- and everything in between.

Perhaps most telling is that Kawi riders are often much like yourself- those that have enjoyed the delicacies of various manufacturers yet always retain that soft spot for the Green beasts. It's great to see other Kawi's on the road, but in some ways it's nice that they remain something of a minority- you know when you meet a fellow Kawasaki rider, they are probably the real deal.


0.02

[G]

well spoken "TJ900B" , my thoughts are very similar to your own ..

[TJ900B]

Yes, I agree definately in decline. Wasn't that long ago most HD riders wouldn't even wave at a metric and often give you the snide "Buy American" comment.

Heck these days even the Sports Bikes rate a wave and not uncommon to see groups mixed with not only brands but types of bikes.

Heck a recent ride here sponsored by the local Harley shop, raffled off a VN900LT.

Tj

[fastball]

Originally Posted by Svetlana

You mean in my Photobucket pics? Ppl actually look at them?
0.02

Oh yeah,,,we look at them... Just kiddin.

[G]

Originally Posted by TJ900B

Heck a recent ride here sponsored by the local Harley shop, raffled off a VN900LT.

Tj

now thats funny ..

[fastball]

Originally Posted by TJ900B

Heck a recent ride here sponsored by the local Harley shop, raffled off a VN900LT.

Tj

That's funny...my last poker run was sponsored by a Harley shop for a charity but made a huge issue of inviting ALL bikes. I won a $50 gift certificate to a Kawasaki dealership...so, there you go.

It's a positive trend, I think.

[TJ900B]

Originally Posted by Svetlana

You mean in my Photobucket pics? Ppl actually look at them? Well that's pretty cool!

I thought to say this in my first post, but your words were put concisely and eloquently enough that I needn't bother. But yes, I agree that it takes a certain substance to choose Kawasaki. We all know they're terrific, and many (if not most) of us could get most any other brand on the market. Yet we chose Kawi for many reasons and are, indeed, a relatively unique bunch. It's easy to fall in love with some of the other brands, as they are aesthetically easy on the eyes and offer some extraordinary capabilities. But Kawasaki encompasses everything from speed to recreation, beauty to gutts, opulence to practicality- and everything in between.

Perhaps most telling is that Kawi riders are often much like yourself- those that have enjoyed the delicacies of various manufacturers yet always retain that soft spot for the Green beasts. It's great to see other Kawi's on the road, but in some ways it's nice that they remain something of a minority- you know when you meet a fellow Kawasaki rider, they are probably the real deal.


0.02

How true! As my friends have seen my bike and know my financial status, after they say what a pretty bike it is, they more often than not say "Why didn't you buy a Harley?"

I simply reply, I wanted a Kawasaki and then smile at the deer in the headlights look on their face.

If they press for a why, I don't trash the Harley for they truly are fine motorcycles but simply say, "I like the ride of the Kawasaki, always have."

Tj

[m9x18]

Hi TJ,

You have sooooooo nailed it. For some untangible reason, when I first laid eyes on my 800, I heard it whisper to me. It had function, feel and form. But even more, it had a certain something that just set it apart from the bikes made by other companies...it had a soul. Until then, I never thought about owning a Kawasaki, then all of a sudden it hit me like a bolt of lightning. At that moment, my eyes, heart and mind were opened to Kawasaki. It affected me like no other manufacturer of motorcycles could do. I'm so fortunate to have discovered what so many others already knew and some others will never know.

In closing, thanks TJ for putting into words what is so hard to express. You make me even more proud to say I'm a Kawasaki owner and even more grateful to be a member of this forurm.

[TJ900B]

Originally Posted by m9x18

Hi TJ,

You have sooooooo nailed it. For some untangible reason, when I first laid eyes on my 800, I heard it whisper to me. It had function, feel and form. But even more, it had a certain something that just set it apart from the bikes made by other companies...it had a soul. Until then, I never thought about owning a Kawasaki, then all of a sudden it hit me like a bolt of lightning. At that moment, my eyes, heart and mind were opened to Kawasaki. It affected me like no other manufacturer of motorcycles could do. I'm so fortunate to have discovered what so many others already knew and some others will never know.

In closing, thanks TJ for putting into words what is so hard to express. You make me even more proud to say I'm a Kawasaki owner and even more grateful to be a member of this forurm.

LOL, You definaely have it bad which is a good thing. Its hard to explain to a non-rider the love affair one has with ones bike. Its more than transportation, its an extension of you.

One of my best friends has an 800 and he too loves his bike. Unlike me, my buddy started riding late in life but now its like a passion and he's a bad as the rest of us.

As for this forum, I was a lurker here during my decision process of a new bike. The people here are fantastic and gave me insight I can never repay. I first thought of buying the VN900LT but then thanks to this forum, I decided on the Classic then build it to suit my taste. I have little doubt thanks to their help, I have made the right choice. I hope though I know when to stop modifying.

Tj

[Jinxd4.6]

I'm right there with ya TJ900B. Anything with a motor gets my blood going. My Kawi is an exception for me as well. I won't buy anything but American cars and trucks, but there's just something about Kawasaki motorcycles that I love. I've tried others and keep coming back. I am blessed to own a total of ten vehicles (toys) including my bike and two ATVs. I am also blessed to have a wife who can put up with me and my obsession(s).

[BOURBON BOY]

Well said TJ!!!! You hit the nail on the head. I ride with all types of bikes, and usually before we go, there is a LOT of trash talking between brands. But after we get going the trash seems to stop and it's funny how some are brave enough to ask "what size of motor does that have?" When I tell them I'm thinking about adding a intake and some pipes for MORE power the ask WHY? They don't have the range or gearing to really cruise down the road, and it's kinda funny hearing all the noise (loud pipes) and gears shifting just to keep pace, and I don't ride very hard when in a group.I really like my Nomad, and until someone else has a serious contender, I'll probably be on it for many more years! BB

[BOURBON BOY]

It's a real shame YA'LL don't make good whiskey down there in Tenn. C'mon up here and we'll set you up! LOL BB

[A2rider]

Ma Kaw has had a manufacturing plant in Lincoln, NE since 1974. My 1978 is American made as any Harley!

[TJ900B]

Originally Posted by BOURBON BOY

It's a real shame YA'LL don't make good whiskey down there in Tenn. C'mon up here and we'll set you up! LOL BB

Sorry pal, I am originally from KY and went to Unniversity of. You will find Rare Breed in my bar and big blue on my wall.

[Scruffy]

When I'm ready to buy another cruiser, the right Vulcan will come along. Nomad or Drifter 1500, 800A, 800 Drifter. Maybe a W-1. My 800A wasn't bad, not great, but, I put 32K miles on it in under 2 years...

Until then, I'll stick with my "poor pathetic little baby bike", a heavily modified Savage.

I've had HD, Indian, Triumph, BSA, Norton, Honda, Kawi, Suzi, BMW, Yamaha, Puch, Benelli, Rickman, Hodaka, Henderson, Excelsior. Bikes from 1915 to 1999 model years. One, two, three and four cylinders.

I buy American trucks. My wife buys Toyotas and Subarus. I like 1950s technology, she dropped out with 2 semesters to go on her Masters in M.I.S. I like Harley, she likes Honda and Suzuki.

She cried when I sold my Vulcan. I retired my favorite helmet and jacket. They are waiting on the shelf for the next one to come along. I'll have another Vulcan. Looked at a nice Nomad yesterday, but, I'm not old enough for hard luggage yet.
-Scruffy