Oh Oh, I did it again

 I BOUGHT ANOTHER BIKE.  This one will probably be my last (my son says he has heard that before).  My Honda cbr500r got up to 80,000 miles and was still running strong and I was pretty happy with it, but a new model came along and stole my heart.  Here it is: 

It's a new model this year.......a Kawasaki Z650RS.  I ordered it in February and I didn't get it until June 7.  I guess it was due to the supply chain problems that we have been hearing so much about.  The dealer said they had 400 units on order, mostly water craft and side-by-sides, and didn't know when they would be arriving. The new bike has pretty much the same engine as the Ninja 650 that I owned before my cbr, and I put 115,000 miles on that bike, so I know the engine is pretty reliable.  

I had been thinking about getting another bike for awhile.  Although I liked the cbr, it was just a bit down on power.  I'm definitely not a power junkie, but I still felt the need for a little more.  The cbr is rated at 47 horse  power, while the new Kawi is supposed to be 67 horsepower.  

I had criteria for a new bike that just wasn't showing up anywhere.  I wanted at least 50 horsepower, a weight of 425 pounds or less, and a seat height of less than 32 inches.  It also couldn't be ugly, which put many modern bikes in the no-go category.  There has been a style developing over the past 10 years that is getting worse, and that is the trend towards smaller and smaller rear fenders and passenger seats, along with "terminator" treatment of the front end.  Kawasaki calls it Sugomi-inspired, and most manufacturers have adopted the same style.  For example, my new bike is essentially a retro style of an existing model, and this is what it looks like: 

In the extreme case of minimizing the rear fender, several manufacturers are mounting the license plate and brake and turn signal lights on the swingarm, like this Triumph: 

 

This is a really dumb idea.  The swingarm and the wheel move a lot more than the chassis, so when following a bike with this set-up, the license plate is jiggling constantly.  Besides which, there is not much protection from spray coming up your back on wet roads.  I guess people don't ride much in the rain, but living in the Pacific Northwet, I do.  I'm probably showing my age in these preferences.  

I have my cbr up for sale, but no buyers yet.  The fact that it has 80,000 miles is a turn off I'm sure.  Most people crash or sell their bikes long before that and don't realize a modern motorcycle with proper care can easily do 100,000 miles.  I must admit, though, that the Honda has been the most trouble-free bike I have ever owned.......sort of like our Honda van and car.  

After taking possession of the new bike I immediately started making it fit me the way I wanted.  I adjusted the shift lever and transferred the GPS and heated jacket wiring from the Honda to the Kawai and installed a windscreen.  I also softened the rear shock and raised the fork legs in the triple clamps to lower the seat a little.  It was about a half-inch higher than the Honda, and I could feel the difference.  

So far, after over 700 miles, I am loving the extra power, the great mirrors, and the more upright riding position.  I'm a little disappointed in the lack of storage space under the seat, so in order to carry some tools I have started keeping the soft side cases that I had bought earlier on the bike all the time.