[cocheese72]

Looking for opinions on what the sweet spot is for mostly daily riding but occasional long trips for the average sized rider. Is it a 900, is it 1700, or is it some other size not currently offered by Kawasaki. Kawasaki seems to have a big jump from the 900's to the 1700's and up. I currently ride a 900c but have ridden a VTX1300. Personally, I'm loving the styling, lighter weight, and high MPG of the Custom.

Guess the ideal would be to have two or more bikes. Looking forward to Triumph and Harley Demo Days this year to get a feel for other rides.

So for the people who have ridden everything and anything, what is your take?

 

[cocheese72]

Personally, to me the "sweet spot" is whichever bike tugs at your heart, the one that forces you to look back at it a half dozen times every time you leave......the bike that you can't stop dreaming about.
Again, this is just me, but throw all the numbers, and stats, and shootouts, and magazine reviews out the window........and buy (or keep) the bike that moves your soul.

I totally agree with that. I guess now I am really digging: Kawasaki Nomad, V2k, HD Fatboy Lo, HD Street Glide, Yamaha Stratoliner Deluxe. And at the same time loving the 900 custom. I see two bikes in the garage at some point if a deal presents itself. Found a 02 nomad for $3950 with 44k miles and a hideous paint job.

 

[cocheese72]

I'm with Trike on this one. No bike is perfect...they all have flaws, and are all compromises of some kind. The important thing is that you are happy with it.

I realized after riding the 900 for awhile that I loved riding...not the bike. I was constantly looking at other bikes...bigger cruisers, little sport bikes, big sport tourers...constantly looking for something better. With the ZX-14 I currently own...I love both...I still love riding, and honestly can't believe how happy I am with my bike. I passed 11,000 miles on it this past weekend (got it mid-June last summer), and have honestly not looked at other bikes over that time. Sure there are bikes I'd like to have in addition...but they can wait

For me, the '14 is the perfect street bike...in town or out. You just need to find the perfect bike for you.

Just looked that bike up on wiki: The ZZR1400 is capable of accelerating from 0–60 mph in 2.5 seconds. Thats insane.

 

[cocheese72]

That right there is the real answer to your question.
Me telling you to buy an 800, 1400, 2000 cc etc machine is pointless.
Only you can know what is right for you.

Any bike made currently can get you from point A to B.......heck a honda CBR 125 will get a 300 pound guy around if need be.

I totally get this point. I know it only matters what I choose. I'm just polling others opinions. Would like to see if anyone upgraded and then thought, **** I miss that smaller bike, or vice versa.

I like a handful of other bikes from both Kawa and other manufacturers, most solely of the looks though. Just have not had the chance to actually ride them to get the true feel.

Thanks for all responses so far.

 

[cocheese72]

Personally, I find that 2053 cc is the perfect size for all occasions.........lol

From what I usually read on the forums, it seems like people move up and don't look back. Comments like, "bought my 1700, now the 900 feels like a scooter", or "bought a nomad, and never ride the 900 anymore". Just read one yesterday on here, and the guy said his 900 was having hard time keeping up with 75 mph traffic so he rides the v2k. Thought that was funny, as mine has plenty at 75 mph and greater. I guess that is what doubling the displacement does to ya.

 

[cocheese72]

I guess a good rule of thumb for you would be--If you can bench press the bike it is too small. The 900 weighs in at 620 dry.

I will be happy just deadlifting it.

 

[cocheese72]

Good info Vulcan dude. I was thinking that the 1300 range seems like a good mix of power and weight. Having rode the VTX 1300 it did feel less nimble on mountains compared to the shadow spirit, but I was assuming that was due partly to the fatter front tire.