Kawi2strokes.com Forum

Looking for something that is similar to a triple in a 4-stroke based on:
75-100 HP
425 - 450 lbs
Upright seating
Cool
Not stupid expensive for a used bike

My list so far:
ZRX - These things are going fro $4,500 + in my area with low miles and am pretty sure I want to stay away high mileage versions
Z1000 - Maybe not so upright but modern, powerful, and around $4k on CL with 5,000 - 7,500 miles; probably hard to work on
KZ 1000 - Possible contender but sometimes pricey with low miles
KZ 750 and KZ 650 - Pretty sure that Cody thought these were decent handling bargain bikes that were fun; have seen these go for pretty low $$ on CL and eBay
W650 - Buddy really likes his but they are hard to find and looks like the good ones are $4,500 and up; maybe not enough power
Versy - Cool but $5K as they aren't old yet

Non Kawa
Suzuki - SV650 - they go for stupid money used in my hood; never road one and don't like the looks with a fairing
Triumph Speed Triple - too expensive but awesome
Triumph Bonneviles - Love the looks but can't drop $5K on a very old or reissue if it's too slow

Any thoughts or suggestions?

_________________
There are only two types of motor sport racing:
Nitro and everything else
(Sometimes referred to as fast and slow)

CB 750-900's are decent preformers for the money. I have an 82 GS1100 they make awsome power motors are bullit proof and they sell very cheap for the performance level, good all around performer. $1800-2500 all day.

I have a 2K ZRX1100, great bike, Ivan's kit and full Muzzy, 112 HP, 42 mpg, pulls from 1500-10500 with no hit. Mine is black, would buy another, they have no resale value, great for the buyer. #2 son just got a ZRX1200, it had a Yosh slip-on and I put in an Ivan's, same powerband but another 15-20 HP, if I were you I would look for a ZRX of some sort with low miles. You will really enjoy it. Good contrast to a Triple.

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Using a poorly conceived idea along with bad mechanical practice is not an upgrade but rather a recipe for disaster.

I have a 81 900F, great bike and cheap but 100lbs more than your target weight. Paid just over
$800 for this one last year and building it into a cafe bike. Trying to take 50lbs of it. Had
CB750 custom emblems on it for some reason

Looks like this now, should finish in 2-3 months

Hope to have it something like this

thats looking much better.

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she will never be pretty but she is a fun ride.

73 KAWASAKI H1 (Sold).
82 YAMAHA RD350LC
2000 KAWI KDX200H
2001 Triumph TT600

A bit lower on the HP scale, but any of the Honda 650 or 750 Nighthawks are good bikes, and they regularly sell around here for around $1200. I learned how to ride a "big" street bike on an '86 Honda 750 Shadow, great bike for every day riding, and still interstate capable.

I'd keep checking w/ ZRXOA and craigslist for a nice clean ZRX 1100 or1200, seems like you can pick up a nice clean stock one for around 3K just rode mine today to do some flyfishing ,then errands around town, great bikes

Jim, there was a nice w650 on the N.C. craiglist for 3500.. Low miles and a great deal. I was tempted but who needs 2 of them.Someone finally wised up and bought it.I love mine,they aren't fast but very torquey.Good investment/resale value also.

I feel your pain, I think I'm going to buy a Harley for that "just cruising/commuting" business. The wife won't go for a sportbike but would consider a "rv style" Harley. " Thanks, Sons of Anarchy, Not my first choice but what the heck? When I'm not cheating death and major inconvenience on my vintage 2 strokes I'll lumber along on a used road king. Who knows?, the wife might actually enjoy riding on the back.

Didn't mean to go off topic, there are so many cool upright bikes to choose from, a great problem to have!