The first day of my bi-annual pilgrimage to Daytona is complete (I go to biketoberfest
as well).
First the mfg's review...it was nice to see them return the intnl speedway in force (almost).
I was there this past october and it was really spooky (pardon the pun) and
not in a good way. The only mfgs there were Kawi (very small space, demos only
no displays) and Yami/Star. No Honda, Suzuki, Harley, Victory, Boss Hoss,
Triumph, and very limited vendors. The speedway looked like a ghost town
and I feared it was a sign of things to come. Granted biketober is a little
watered down bikeweek, but this was ridiculous.
I am pleased to say, most were back. As I went friday Kawi and Triumph were
the only ones set up for demos (at the time) the rest were preparing, unloading bikes, etc.
(except for Honda who just had a big display but wasn't open to the public yet)
As usual...Kawasaki kicked butt. The highlight of the rides was the new Z1000
and let me say, Kawi does it RIGHT. TAKE NOTE HONDA...Most demo ride
availability for the day for example...they might have 20 slots open for zx10 rides...
as the Z1000 is their new baby, they had a whole row of Z1000 for the public
and a total of 72 slots available...(again TAKE NOTE HONDA, THINK VFR1200)
so, if you wanted to experience the new bike you definitely would get a chance.
This whole row is Z1000 ready to go....
All mfgs were present except...SUZUKI. While Kawi came in force, Yami/Star
huge display demos, Honda had a large display...not even a postcard from Suzuki.
Not surprising since you can't even BUY a 2010 model in America.
On to the bikes...
The highlight was the Z1000. Not a naked ZX-10 but a completely redesigned
from the ground up motorcycle, motor and all. I must I was very impressed.
It's a beautiful bike (paint is outstanding, you have to see it close) fit and finish
was first rate. Power delivery was very good (and smooth, almost electric motor like)
with decent low end torque, great ergos (kinda B-king like without all the bulk).
The mirrors nice and high, actually work and LCD display was easy to
see even in direct sunlight (especially in direct sunlight). Nice handling with
very good breaks. I rode it twice
I can not think of one negative thing
about this bike. Would be great for a daily commuter and sporty enough to push
all but the dedicated track racers. Hats off to Kawasaki...quite a winner.
Comparatively I rode a SpeedTriple from Triumph. They are very similar bikes.
The SpeedTriple sat a bit taller and came with Brembos. The Triple might have
a bit more omph down low(and that's a big maybe) and the Brembos were
fantastic but everything else particularly fit and finish and overall quality hands
down went to the Z1000. The Z1000 was just outstanding in every way, I'd plunk
my money there.
Got to try the new redesigned Concours. (Take NOTE SUZUKI, don't wait a decade
for an update...some things are easy) For those that don't know...IMHO the Concours
is ALREADY the best sport tourer in market. However, Kawi (hats off again)
wasn't content to sit on it's can, instead listened to Concours owners and fixed,
added, or improved several major characteristics of their product.
First they redesigned the engine cooling fins to channel hot air away from the
rider, raised the mirrors, added TRACTION CONTROL, and (my favorite) heated
grips :drooling3: As it was low 50s, I cranked the grips up to high, they were
Nnniiccce. Halfway thru the ride I turned 'em down to 50%...the best sport
tourer in the business just got better...
Demos included my usual customary ride of the ZX-14...the king of Smooth,
GREAT brakes as well.
Rounded the day off with another ride of the Voyager. Fit and finish is outstanding
but I have personal difficulty finding a V-twin with enough omph (I know we
ride Busas and are very spoiled) and that's my one gripe...not enough omph.
To put it in perspective I read a comparative article on the Harley version...
and the Harley actually beat the Vulcan in the 1/4 mile...Obviously it's sailboat
racing, but I hate to buy a bike that is Sloooowwer than a Harley (that says a lot).
The Star motor or a Victory would be better. (or the Goldwingabago)
In conclusion I must say I am very impressed with Kawasaki and their business
model, efficiency, and catering to the public. The fact that they brought so many
Z1000s says a lot and is a model Honda should follow with not only their VFR
but the DN-01 (but we know they wont).
Lets take a brief look at their products...The Concours, Suzuki has no answer for
The Z1000, Suzuki has no answer for...The Voyager, yet again no answer.
Couple that with the fact that we are not even allowed to beg, steal, or borrow
a 2010 model in the states and huge NO-SHOW at events like bikeweek...Suzuki
mngment has got their collective heads so far up their
(maybe in 2011
we'll be honored with BNG again
).
Kawasaki is serious about making the best motorcycles...Suzuki is serious about
making money. It seems to have escaped them that if you take if you take care
of the first part...the second part takes care of itself.
as well).
First the mfg's review...it was nice to see them return the intnl speedway in force (almost).
I was there this past october and it was really spooky (pardon the pun) and
not in a good way. The only mfgs there were Kawi (very small space, demos only
no displays) and Yami/Star. No Honda, Suzuki, Harley, Victory, Boss Hoss,
Triumph, and very limited vendors. The speedway looked like a ghost town
and I feared it was a sign of things to come. Granted biketober is a little
watered down bikeweek, but this was ridiculous.
I am pleased to say, most were back. As I went friday Kawi and Triumph were
the only ones set up for demos (at the time) the rest were preparing, unloading bikes, etc.
(except for Honda who just had a big display but wasn't open to the public yet)
As usual...Kawasaki kicked butt. The highlight of the rides was the new Z1000
and let me say, Kawi does it RIGHT. TAKE NOTE HONDA...Most demo ride
availability for the day for example...they might have 20 slots open for zx10 rides...
as the Z1000 is their new baby, they had a whole row of Z1000 for the public
and a total of 72 slots available...(again TAKE NOTE HONDA, THINK VFR1200)
so, if you wanted to experience the new bike you definitely would get a chance.
This whole row is Z1000 ready to go....
All mfgs were present except...SUZUKI. While Kawi came in force, Yami/Star
huge display demos, Honda had a large display...not even a postcard from Suzuki.
Not surprising since you can't even BUY a 2010 model in America.
On to the bikes...
The highlight was the Z1000. Not a naked ZX-10 but a completely redesigned
from the ground up motorcycle, motor and all. I must I was very impressed.
It's a beautiful bike (paint is outstanding, you have to see it close) fit and finish
was first rate. Power delivery was very good (and smooth, almost electric motor like)
with decent low end torque, great ergos (kinda B-king like without all the bulk).
The mirrors nice and high, actually work and LCD display was easy to
see even in direct sunlight (especially in direct sunlight). Nice handling with
very good breaks. I rode it twice
I can not think of one negative thingabout this bike. Would be great for a daily commuter and sporty enough to push
all but the dedicated track racers. Hats off to Kawasaki...quite a winner.
Comparatively I rode a SpeedTriple from Triumph. They are very similar bikes.
The SpeedTriple sat a bit taller and came with Brembos. The Triple might have
a bit more omph down low(and that's a big maybe) and the Brembos were
fantastic but everything else particularly fit and finish and overall quality hands
down went to the Z1000. The Z1000 was just outstanding in every way, I'd plunk
my money there.
Got to try the new redesigned Concours. (Take NOTE SUZUKI, don't wait a decade
for an update...some things are easy) For those that don't know...IMHO the Concours
is ALREADY the best sport tourer in market. However, Kawi (hats off again)
wasn't content to sit on it's can, instead listened to Concours owners and fixed,
added, or improved several major characteristics of their product.
First they redesigned the engine cooling fins to channel hot air away from the
rider, raised the mirrors, added TRACTION CONTROL, and (my favorite) heated
grips :drooling3: As it was low 50s, I cranked the grips up to high, they were
Nnniiccce. Halfway thru the ride I turned 'em down to 50%...the best sport
tourer in the business just got better...
Demos included my usual customary ride of the ZX-14...the king of Smooth,
GREAT brakes as well.
Rounded the day off with another ride of the Voyager. Fit and finish is outstanding
but I have personal difficulty finding a V-twin with enough omph (I know we
ride Busas and are very spoiled) and that's my one gripe...not enough omph.
To put it in perspective I read a comparative article on the Harley version...
and the Harley actually beat the Vulcan in the 1/4 mile...Obviously it's sailboat
racing, but I hate to buy a bike that is Sloooowwer than a Harley (that says a lot).
The Star motor or a Victory would be better. (or the Goldwingabago)
In conclusion I must say I am very impressed with Kawasaki and their business
model, efficiency, and catering to the public. The fact that they brought so many
Z1000s says a lot and is a model Honda should follow with not only their VFR
but the DN-01 (but we know they wont).
Lets take a brief look at their products...The Concours, Suzuki has no answer for
The Z1000, Suzuki has no answer for...The Voyager, yet again no answer.
Couple that with the fact that we are not even allowed to beg, steal, or borrow
a 2010 model in the states and huge NO-SHOW at events like bikeweek...Suzuki
mngment has got their collective heads so far up their
(maybe in 2011we'll be honored with BNG again
).Kawasaki is serious about making the best motorcycles...Suzuki is serious about
making money. It seems to have escaped them that if you take if you take care
of the first part...the second part takes care of itself.
Last edited:
Good answer, but I like the Kawasakis too. The Z1000 is pretty cool lookin, it's in the new SuperStreetbike. Wish I could've rode that and the 14.
What ever happened to good old fashioned service and looking after your customer to many do have their heads up 
