re: Godzilla! My monster from Japan. Kawasaki Z800- NOW SOLD !!! !!! Hi V12, You have a lovely bike there. I just stumbled upon this thread and have gone through only the last few pages. What jumped at me is that you are already thinking of selling your bike and have barely done any miles on it. I myself am a noob and don't mean to preach, but would still like to share my POV and experience with you on the matter
You have bought yourself a performance machine. Its capabilities far exceed the skill level of 99% riders in the country. So for you to actually enjoy the bike, you need to improve - period
There are some indicators of how well you are able to ride - One of which are your "Chicken strips". While many scoff at it and rubbish it with whatever they may have read on other forums; its a good indicator of how comfortable one is with their bike. Again, no offence meant but yours need to lose some weight. They are FAT. Ask yourself, on your trip to lonavala, how comfortable were you around those bends? Were little Katooms and Pulsars and other two fiddy's screaming past you? If ya, that's a good indicator that some work is required
Now, I don't mean that go out, do 150+ on a public road and scrape pegs the next time you are out for a ride. But take it gradually. When you hit high-ish speeds; actually feel the change in dynamics, the handlebar getting heavier, the bike's behavior while on or off throttle. Don't read about it in books or internet, actually experience it; every single time you ride. This is your bike trying to talk to you, so you better be listening
You must have spent a bundle on the HP Corse thingy. It looks great I must say. But what else? I wonder why you would spend money on a performance exhaust (when you yourself have mentioned that speed is not your thing) and not on something like a pair of handlebar risers that would help your aching back. Its your choice of course but do ask yourself, look / sound more important than being able to ride better? Not for me and I am sure; not for you either
And selling your under 2 year / 5k ish run motorcycle? Why? I remember GTO's post on the "lateral upgrade" thread. I think he said something like - "these guys buy the vehicle, carefully run it in, take a huge hit on depreciation and sell it cheap to guys like me". Its not verbatim but I think I am pretty close. So ..... wanna be that guy?
You probably want another ADV type bike because of the ergos, correct? Why not try and make this bike fit you? Bar risers, padded seats with a reduced pitch, adjustable footpegs etc. This is what I believe you must research and invest in next. Trust me, makes a HUGE difference
Overall, here's my suggestion:
- Try and make the bike fit you
- Take a track day if at all possible (with coaching). This will probably be the best money you ever spent
- Ride with some fast guys. Observe them. It rubs off on you, promise
- Body aches : Focus on getting healthy, always grip the motorcycle with your legs at all times. For me, pains begin when I stop paying attention to how I am gripping the bike and start to use my upper body to both hold on and steer. It tires you out real quick
- Up your pace very gradually. You don't have to prove anything to anyone. Speed doesn't matter, but your control at that speed .... does!
- Most importantly - Practice Practice Practice. Get as much seat time as you can
Again, I hope I have not offended you and you take the (Looooonngggg) post in the right spirit. I too am learning and trying to get better at this riding thing
Take care and ride safe! |