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It turns out Kaw does offer a 'root beer' scheme that is reminiscent of the '73 Z1 I owned.
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1982 GS1100E V&H "SS" exhaust, APE pods, 1150 oil cooler, 140 speedo, 99.3 rear wheel HP, black engine, '83 red
2016 XL883L sigpic Two-tone blue and white. Almost 42 hp! Status: destroyed, now owned by the insurance company. The hole in my memory starts an hour before the accident and ends 24 hours after. -
I have a very surface level knowledge of the Kaw 4cyls you may very well be correct. I just meant to say specify the "retro" model of the new kawasaki sport-standard, versus the one that looks like an insectoid transformerOriginally posted by Rob S. View PostPast GSes: '78 1000C, '79 750E, '81 1100E
Current: '79 XS1100F, '95 XLH1200, '98 GSF1200SComment
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In '73, the "KAWASAKI" badge on each side of the gas tank was considerably smaller than it had become by '75.Originally posted by rphillips View Post
Those were the days!
1982 GS1100E V&H "SS" exhaust, APE pods, 1150 oil cooler, 140 speedo, 99.3 rear wheel HP, black engine, '83 red
2016 XL883L sigpic Two-tone blue and white. Almost 42 hp! Status: destroyed, now owned by the insurance company. The hole in my memory starts an hour before the accident and ends 24 hours after.Comment
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I hate that insectoid transformer look! A motorcycle is of no use to me if I can't see the engine.Originally posted by gtem View Post1982 GS1100E V&H "SS" exhaust, APE pods, 1150 oil cooler, 140 speedo, 99.3 rear wheel HP, black engine, '83 red
2016 XL883L sigpic Two-tone blue and white. Almost 42 hp! Status: destroyed, now owned by the insurance company. The hole in my memory starts an hour before the accident and ends 24 hours after.Comment
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No doubt rob, you know way more about those old Z1's than me. For me all the old Z1's (except the LTD's) look about the same, you need to know what color was from what yr., to know the difference. Except for the "73" with that huge stripe it will never be confused with the later ones... Haven't ridden a Z900RS but worst looking thing is the huge empty space between the top of rear tire and bottom of seat and rear fender. Just part of monoshock, but looks terrible.1983 GS1100E, 1983 CB1100F, 1991 GSX1100G, 1996 Kaw. ZL600 Eliminator, 1999 Bandit 1200S, 2005 Bandit 1200S, 2000 Kaw. ZRX 1100Comment
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This is my qualm with many "retro" attempts. They get some cool details right but fundamentally the liquid cooled monoshock machine will never look "right." Their earlier attempt in the 90s with the ZR1100 Zephyr was much truer to form. I also really like the ZRX1100/1200. A more palatable and less "try-hard" mix of retro and more modern performance.Originally posted by rphillips View PostPast GSes: '78 1000C, '79 750E, '81 1100E
Current: '79 XS1100F, '95 XLH1200, '98 GSF1200SComment
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I agree: Especially my gS750, the tank is a big part of the bike and it's styling is clean, exhaust is chrome and simple, spoke wheels glint in the sun, engine is simple and finned. I like the riding position but that can be duplicated. Of course the newer bikes have improved shock dampening and much better tires and brakes but for me I like the simplicity. The ZRX I will find an example maybe because its sort of retro but at the same time it's it's own bike. The RS is cool but it will never be as cool as a Z1 for me. I think the RS and the Honda CB are modern enough that I wouldn't buy one and I'd just go for a sportier, faired bike. Great thing about motorcycling though is that there is something to appeal to someone and we're all unique.1986 1150EF
2008 GS1250SEAComment
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Just my opinion, to me " retro" leans way more toward appearance than eng. design, suspension, or fuel delivery... Look at the retro Ford Mustangs and Dodge Challengers, they have many similarities in looks to the old ones, but can't think of anything mechanically that are even in the same ball park with the old ones... Let's admit it, if you see a new Root Beer and Orange (with the wide stripe) Kawa. Z900RS, the first thing you think is Old "73" Z1... Except Rob, he thinks "75" Z1... Also asking Rob, am I right in thinking one of the later yrs. Z1 did use the Root Beer and Orange colors, but with the much smaller? stripes.1983 GS1100E, 1983 CB1100F, 1991 GSX1100G, 1996 Kaw. ZL600 Eliminator, 1999 Bandit 1200S, 2005 Bandit 1200S, 2000 Kaw. ZRX 1100Comment
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Every one of the new Kawasaki retro 900s I've seen on the streets had the 1975 Z1 color schemes. Only online have I seen one with the '73 'root beer' scheme.
Almost every dream I have of me on a big four is about my '73 widow maker Z (I bought it from my cousin's best friend's widow). A few nights ago I finally dreamt about my 11EZ. So...
FYI:
1973 - Z1
1974 - Z1a
1975 - Z1b
1976 - KZ900
1977 - KZ1000
Opinions are like armpits. Everyone's got one, and it usually stinks.
1982 GS1100E V&H "SS" exhaust, APE pods, 1150 oil cooler, 140 speedo, 99.3 rear wheel HP, black engine, '83 red
2016 XL883L sigpic Two-tone blue and white. Almost 42 hp! Status: destroyed, now owned by the insurance company. The hole in my memory starts an hour before the accident and ends 24 hours after.Comment
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I owned a ZRX also. Recently picked up a well sorted and restored 78GS1000. Ive owned many GS's,but havent been on a GS1000 for 10+ years. ZRX was fun, I believe the motor outran the chassis. Getting on this 1000 and it was like meeting an old friend. Did a 200 mile day in the Driftless last week. I cant wait to putz with it....Originally posted by rphillips View PostCurrent Rides: 82 GS1100E, 00 Triumph 955 Speed Triple:twistedevil:, 03 Kawasaki ZRX1200, 01 Honda GL1800, '15 Kawasaki 1000 Versys
Past Rides: 72 Honda SL-125, Kawasaki KE-175, 77 GS750 with total yosh stage 1 kit, 79 GS1000s, 80 GS1000S, 82 GS750e,82 GS1000S, 84 VF500f, 86 FZR600, 95 Triumph Sprint 900,96 Triumph Sprint, 97 Triumph Sprint, 01 Kawasaki ZRX1200, 07 Triumph Tiger 1050, 01 Yam YFZ250F
Work in progress: 78 GS1000, unknown year GS1100ES
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