[AustinPaul]

Hey y'all,

Long-time rider. Kawi, Yamaha, Suzuki MX, followed by a Yamaha, a Honda, and about 35 years of Harleys. Been bikeless for about three years. Wife and MOSTLY step-daughters, didn't want me on a bike out of love and concern. Very lovely ladies to whom it's hard to say no. But, I couldn't take it anymore. Did not discuss, nor ask permission, simply said "I'm getting another bike!"

Four days later, I stroked a check for a new Café! Now the pain - I start a new job tomorrow, my bike is getting delivered on Tuesday, and the weather is supposed to be crap for the rest of the week. But, it should set me up for a GREAT weekend!

No disrespect to Harley guys (hey, I paid my dues - and then some), but I can't wait to twist this 900 about 5500rpms past where a Harley would let loose a rod, or crush a valve! That said, my last softail that I built frame-up was pretty quick. S&S stroker motor with a lumpy cam, high compression, big carb, race trans, etc., but ZERO handling. Upgraded brakes were barely adequate. I don't miss any of them in the slightest.

Sorry to ramble. Adrenaline talking.

Cheers to all of you. Hope to trade war stories and how-to bits.

AustinPaul

 

[Tinsnips]

Welcome to the site. Some pics of the new ride would be appreciated.

 

[AustinPaul]

Welcome to the site. Some pics of the new ride would be appreciated.

Thanks! It's supposed to get here tomorrow, but we're getting some winter weather here in Central Texas. I snapped a few right when I walked in and snapped a few, but not great angles.

 

[woodsman]

Welcome. Good looking bike but, you could use a new photographer.
This is what it looks like y'all.
View attachment 107393

 

[AustinPaul]

8

Welcome. Good looking bike but, you could use a new photographer.
This is what it looks like y'all.
View attachment 107393

I assume that pretty much everyone knows what it looks like via a stock photo. Yea, I have one of them too, but I make it a point to not post pics of my bike, that aren't my bike. ;l

 

[Classic250]

Hi, welcome onboard. Nice looking scoot.

 

[woodsman]

8
I assume that pretty much everyone knows what it looks like via a stock photo. Yea, I have one of them too, but I make it a point to not post pics of my bike, that aren't my bike. ;l

There ya go. Continue assuming.

 

[Classic250]

There ya go. Continue assuming.

I think the OP just wanted to share pics of his scoot and not just post a stock image but, the stock pic actually added to my appreciation of the machine.

For some reason your original pic wont open, so here it (or something similar) is again for other members who might not be familiar with the bike:

 

[woodsman]

I think the OP just wanted to share pics of his scoot and not just post a stock image but, the stock pic actually added to my appreciation of the machine.

For some reason your original pic wont open, so here it (or something similar) is again for other members who might not be familiar with the bike:

View attachment 107394

I don't know what Kawasaki is building and I thought others might wonder what it looked like as well. I deleted the pic as it seemed to be a problem.

 

[TrialsRider]

Sweet ride!
Serious upgrade
holy expensive headlight don't tailgate anybody on a gravel road.

 

[AustinPaul]

I don't know what Kawasaki is building and I thought others might wonder what it looked like as well. I deleted the pic as it seemed to be a problem.

No worries. I just wanted to get something out there as was requested. It's supposed to come today. Big question mark there as we're in the middle of a winter ice storm. But, once it's sunny, I'll be snapping some good pics of it. I think this weekend will be nice.

 

[Classic250]

Sweet ride!

Agreed. I'd own one if I had the readies.

 

[AustinPaul]

Sweet ride!
Serious upgrade
holy expensive headlight don't tailgate anybody on a gravel road.

Thanks!

Yep, I've never been a fan of tailgating on any road in any vehicle! Lol

I mean to see a rock fly up and chip that beautiful and shiny, black/gold cowl - well, ya ever seen a grown man cry? I think that would do it (at least in the first 6 months).

Cheers - AustinPaul

 

[knappyfeet]

Beautiful bike.

I've wanted one of those for some time but my wife says I'm too old and fat…. so I just stick to my old baggers.

And I hear you on the Harley tip. My XR will red line at 7000 RPM… and every time I take it past 5500 RPM everything in my being tells me it's going to explode.

 

[AustinPaul]

Beautiful bike.

I've wanted one of those for some time but my wife says I'm too old and fat…. so I just stick to my old baggers.

And I hear you on the Harley tip. My XR will red line at 7000 RPM… and every time I take it past 5500 RPM everything in my being tells me it's going to explode.

Haha!

Happy riding my friend!

 

[TrialsRider]

Thanks!

Yep, I've never been a fan of tailgating on any road in any vehicle! Lol

I mean to see a rock fly up and chip that beautiful and shiny, black/gold cowl - well, ya ever seen a grown man cry? I think that would do it (at least in the first 6 months).

Cheers - AustinPaul

True that but sometimes they stone you from with oncoming traffic too and that lamp will cost as much as the fairing, I think I'd be investing in a plastic bubble to protect it if there is such a thing, it's more then a grand to replace it.

 

[AustinPaul]

True that but sometimes they stone you from with oncoming traffic too and that lamp will cost as much as the fairing, I think I'd be investing in a plastic bubble to protect it if there is such a thing, it's more then a grand to replace it.

I just might look into that - as well as asking my insurance agent. So far, so good, in my 40+ riding years, but there is indeed a first time for everything.

 

[Classic250]

I just might look into that - as well as asking my insurance agent. So far, so good, in my 40+ riding years, but there is indeed a first time for everything.

If the headlight is as expensive as Trials says, then I too would be looking at some way to protect it.

 

[AustinPaul]

If the headlight is as expensive as Trials says, then I too 1would be looking at some way to protect it.

Ya, it makes sense. I just don't want it detract from the look. My Wrangler (Jeep) is prone to windshield chips and cracks. The add-on to my insurance is less than $5/mo for full windshield replacement. I can't imagine this would be as expensive given the light weekend use of it.

 

[TrialsRider]

They sell clear plastic bubbles, I found some online. Cost is about 40$ for 2 and sold in pairs for automotive use. Popular in GB for cars like the Mini.
Original LED headlights on brand new motorcycles are going to be 1000$ US and up, it needs to last a lifetime.