I mentioned handling, nothing about torque when I wrote on the kawa. All I stated was that many owners of the same bike have told me they got rid of it because of its handling at mid range. So are they wrong to inadvertently agree that it was not worth keeping. I do get the feeling we ride differently in my country as opposed to your region. We throttle bikes big time here, large open spaces at fast paces...most persons cruise at 100mph and more. That is generally a more relaxed pace. So here many folk have mentioned the kawa is sh!t, I like what they say so I agree with them. A big engine means nothing if the rest of the bike handles like a sloppy sh!t. what good is hp when its difficult to handle and enjoy the ride.@amoslws - your statement about mid range torque on the Kawi simply isn't accurate. The Kawi is a BEAST through the mid range...just like the SS. It pulls like a train. In fact, I used to make jokes about the bike being an automatic. I would set the gear in 3rd and go as low as 5 MPH, and it would pick itself backup with no issue or hesitation. It has a very strong mid range, IMO. In fact, I would say that a 10MPH roll on speed test in 3rd, the Kawi will be neck and neck to the SS...if not faster.
Lol but I do love that guys reviews I especially like his test ride on the H2R
I know I'm spoiled, and I understand the fascination with the Dragon. Its a 30 minute ride to get there for me. I've ridden it probably 400 times in my years, but as with all things, it gets old and stale. I still enjoy a run or two occasionally, but the traffic and LEO's have made it a crap shoot as to what the experience will be like. Living in the mountains of East TN, there are SO many roads around me that are similar and much less traveled...Lack of twisty roads around you is the perfect excuse to go on a trip to some of the most ideal roads. I know guys that religiously go out to the Dragon. But of course going to a destination that far out for some people just isn't an option. Buying this high caliber of bike... I like to think it is![]()
I'm feeling rather down after this 'discussion'. Ride regularly with 2 guys on Ninja 1000's, and while if I push it hard (not an SS owner) I can stay with them into and through the corners, but exiting the corner they can just out grunt me every time. Now being aware they are riding no mid-range power heaps of handling crap ...... I feel really dejected :crying:.The handling of the Kawi is good enough for me to drag knee any day, any where, all day long. It isnt as good as the SS, but that's because the SS is lighter with a lower center of gravity. The SS is closer to sport for sure, and the Kawi is closer to tourer. I'm just saying it shouldn't be overlooked quite so easily. And, personally, I and many others enjoy the "boring" characteristics of an inline, bulletproof, reliable, 4 cylinder. I can appreciate their ingenuity and engineering mastery to build a bike that is as reliable as the sun coming up. As an engineer, I'm surprised you are so quick to dismiss them. I am a fan of all bikes. I LOVE MY SS, but can equally love and appreciate a Japanese bike. In fact, when buying the SS, my dealer had a new 2017 Honda Fireblade sitting there. I said to my salesman, "if I were 10 years younger, I'd be buying that bike". I was and continue to be impressed by Japanese artistry in their bikes.
But getting back to the Kawi and your friends statement about the mid range handling. You have stated that there isn't many twisties around your area and you have to travel quite some distance to find it. If that's the case, who cares if it can handle? All bikes can go fast in a straight line!!
Whatever, I don't want to argue. The Kawi is a d4mn good bike and arguably better than the SS in practically every statistical category...except the Italian "it" factor.
IMHO trying to compare any Jap bike to any Ducati (forget all the technology and performance B/S), is like comparing the fat Emperor Tojo to the outrageously gorgeous Sophia Loren (for those of you not old enough to remember, she was a stunningly gorgeous Italian actress) - NO CONTEST!!!
define "character" when it comes to a motorcycle. I always hear Duc owners say that about Ducati, but I don't know what they mean. I've stopped saying it myself because I can't define it.Name me an inline four cylinder that has character. Come on guys they are as predictable as the milkmans delivery schedule. Yes they are boring and characterless. Wow all that engine at fcuking 10 000, well what use is that, really. I have had my fair few jap bikes and compared to my sweet little SS they are so [email protected] boring. In fact I took one of my in line fours for a spin to bring the oil up to temperature the other day and although I love the suzuki 1250 for touring, I must tell you I was so [email protected] bored on it. I got no feeling of exhilaration compared to everytime I crank up this SS. Yes the SS is definitely under powered but it's still a great fun bike that makes me feel good whenever I ride it.
next time I'm in your neck of the woods, I may ask you to map out these roads for me. I've thought about riding up to the Dragon again, but it's about an 11 hour ride for me., and I don't want to go through all that for a ticket.I know I'm spoiled, and I understand the fascination with the Dragon. Its a 30 minute ride to get there for me. I've ridden it probably 400 times in my years, but as with all things, it gets old and stale. I still enjoy a run or two occasionally, but the traffic and LEO's have made it a crap shoot as to what the experience will be like. Living in the mountains of East TN, there are SO many roads around me that are similar and much less traveled...
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My signature is a pic of a couple turns of the the Dragon, BTW.
she's a beauty, without a doubt. I'm into more comfortable, sport riding, however, and I've developed a Less is More state of mind over the last couple of years, so if I don't get the SS, I may bump it down a couple of notches and get this