Shallow Thoughts

[gentlemanjim]

Why didn't I think about the Honda single and aircooled twins. 125, 250, 350, 360, 400, 450, 500. Another reliable simple source of platforms.

 

[gggGary]

But the Shadow engines look SO much better. Intruders go cheap and have a lot of possibilities. They are already a bit of a cartoonish exaggeration of a Harley motor.

 

[cooltouch]

- kz750 ?

Kawasaki's answer to the XS650, although it took a while. I've never ridden one, but I've always liked the looks of that bike, the earlier non-cruisers, that is. I wonder what parts availability is like.

Here's a good article on it. The XS650 is mentioned several times.

http://www.motorcycleclassics.com/motorcycle-reviews/kawasaki-kz750.aspx

As for other bikes to consider, Suzuki's built about a bazillion GSes over the years. And leave us not exclude the Savage, a cool-looking, cheap 650cc ass hammer.

 

[xstom]

Kawasaki's answer to the XS650, although it took a while. I've never ridden one, but I've always liked the looks of that bike, the earlier non-cruisers, that is. I wonder what parts availability is like.

Had two myself. First one just like this with the funky purple.

And the second like this LTD. I liked the look of this one. Got pressure from the wife to sell when we were first married.

 

[gentlemanjim]

I'd steer clear of Shadows and Intruders. Nice enough bikes have a Shadow myself that I am restoring, BUT compicated: Radiator, water pump, thermostat, cooling fan, electric fuel pump, switches, sensors and relays. Those KZ's work there is support for them as well.

So hurry up and put something together already!

 

[CDNTX650]

V-star 650, Savage 650. Two perfect platforms. to bad they are a tad pricey still.

(owned a vstar 650 myself and it was a great bike)