Posted by Nate Bargmann on September 4, 2006, 2:56 pm
On Thu, 31 Aug 2006 02:47:43 +0000, Jaxi wrote:
> They go by what sells here. Unfortunately it's big cruisers and fast
> sportbikes. I wouldn't mind if they offered more standard types. They are
> getting around to that. Used to be about the only standard availiable was
> the Honda Nighthawks. Now that more manufacturers are bring out bikes in
> standard configurations, we'll have more choices.
> Look for the "Naked" label for those bikes.
To me a "naked" is just a sportbike sans most or all fairing plastic. A
"standard" is a bike with a more or less neutral styling, upright sitting
position, and footrests under the seat (no forward or rearset controls).
A standard probably represents the most compromise in motorcycle design
and styling. With a little bit of effort it can become a tourer or a
cruiser, or just left as is and be a good all around ride. A standard
simply has no bias in its design toward a given purpose.
Some current examples of standards are the Triumph Bonneville and
Bonneville T100. The Honda Nighthawk I rode in the MSF course seemed very
close to a standard as well although not new. The older Kawasaki Zephyr
line is another example.
- Nate >>
--
"The optimist proclaims that we live in the best of all possible worlds,
the pessimist fears this is true."
Posted by Beav on September 7, 2006, 3:30 pm
> On Thu, 31 Aug 2006 02:47:43 +0000, Jaxi wrote:
>> They go by what sells here. Unfortunately it's big cruisers and fast
>> sportbikes. I wouldn't mind if they offered more standard types. They are
>> getting around to that. Used to be about the only standard availiable was
>> the Honda Nighthawks. Now that more manufacturers are bring out bikes in
>> standard configurations, we'll have more choices.
>> Look for the "Naked" label for those bikes.
> To me a "naked" is just a sportbike sans most or all fairing plastic.
Nothing like it. Nakeds have different seats, different handlebars in
different positions and different footpeg positions too. They also usually
have different gear ratio's than their sportsbike brothers to make riding a
somewhat less frantic affair.
A
> "standard" is a bike with a more or less neutral styling, upright sitting
> position, and footrests under the seat (no forward or rearset controls).
A lot like a naked bike then.
> A standard probably represents the most compromise in motorcycle design
> and styling. With a little bit of effort it can become a tourer or a
> cruiser, or just left as is and be a good all around ride. A standard
> simply has no bias in its design toward a given purpose.
> Some current examples of standards are the Triumph Bonneville and
> Bonneville T100.
They're only standards if you happen to live in the 60's. These days they're
all but "Retro's", designed with the old fart in mind. (Ooo, I used to have
one of those when I was a lad).
The Honda Nighthawk I rode in the MSF course seemed very
> close to a standard as well although not new. The older Kawasaki Zephyr
> line is another example.
So standard in your view simply means "old fashioned"
--
Beav
VN 750
Zed 1000
OMF# 19
Posted by Nate Bargmann on September 7, 2006, 11:14 pm
On Thu, 07 Sep 2006 19:30:26 +0000, Beav wrote:
> So standard in your view simply means "old fashioned"
I guess you could say that.
The modern nakeds are probably fine bikes, I'm just not a fan of all the
angular styling I see on those models. I do like classic flowing lines.
There are plenty of choices if one's taste leans toward classic HOG or
Indian styling, but if I want something new that captures the style of a
late '70s KZ, I'm out of luck. Kawasaki manufactures the Zephyr line in
several sizes for other markets. I'm disappointed that we here in the US
don't have access to them.
- Nate >>
--
"The optimist proclaims that we live in the best of all possible worlds,
the pessimist fears this is true."
Posted by Beav on September 11, 2006, 6:59 am
> On Thu, 07 Sep 2006 19:30:26 +0000, Beav wrote:
>> So standard in your view simply means "old fashioned"
> I guess you could say that.
That's fine then :-)
> The modern nakeds are probably fine bikes, I'm just not a fan of all the
> angular styling I see on those models. I do like classic flowing lines.
> There are plenty of choices if one's taste leans toward classic HOG or
> Indian styling, but if I want something new that captures the style of a
> late '70s KZ, I'm out of luck. Kawasaki manufactures the Zephyr line in
> several sizes for other markets.
Is the ZR1200 not available over there? Done in Eddie Lawson colours it's a
nice looking (read "70's style) bike with a lot going for it other than just
looks. Reliable and quick with decent brakes and more than a passing nod at
handling too. A great all rounder IF you're not into racing.
I considered one myself, but it was a tad on the heavy side for a weakling
like me, so I opted not to. Then I found the Z1000 and fell in ove (with
it's angular looks:-))
I'm disappointed that we here in the US
> don't have access to them.
The marketing of some bikes does seem a little strange doesn't it?
--
Beav
VN 750
Zed 1000
OMF# 19
Posted by Nate Bargmann on September 11, 2006, 6:16 pm
On Mon, 11 Sep 2006 10:59:10 +0000, Beav wrote:
>> On Thu, 07 Sep 2006 19:30:26 +0000, Beav wrote:
>>
>>> So standard in your view simply means "old fashioned"
>>
>> I guess you could say that.
>
> That's fine then :-)
>>
>> The modern nakeds are probably fine bikes, I'm just not a fan of all the
>> angular styling I see on those models. I do like classic flowing lines.
>> There are plenty of choices if one's taste leans toward classic HOG or
>> Indian styling, but if I want something new that captures the style of a
>> late '70s KZ, I'm out of luck. Kawasaki manufactures the Zephyr line in
>> several sizes for other markets.
>
> Is the ZR1200 not available over there? Done in Eddie Lawson colours it's a
> nice looking (read "70's style) bike with a lot going for it other than just
> looks. Reliable and quick with decent brakes and more than a passing nod at
> handling too. A great all rounder IF you're not into racing.
No longer and it was marketed here as the ZRX1200. I think 2004 was the
last year it was brought here.
> I considered one myself, but it was a tad on the heavy side for a
> weakling like me, so I opted not to. Then I found the Z1000 and fell in
> ove (with it's angular looks:-))
Have you seen the 2007 model yet? It looks really strange to me.
http://www.motorcycle.com/mo/mckaw/06_07_Z1000_Sneak_Preview/.full/8192_07_Kawasaki_Z1000_BLK_01.jpg
I'm sure the performance is great and I hope they sell all they bring over
here, but it does nothing for me.
> I'm disappointed that we here in the US
>> don't have access to them.
>
> The marketing of some bikes does seem a little strange doesn't it?
If I could place an order, it would be for something more like this:
http://www.kawasaki-motors.com/mc/kinfo/06new/zr750c/ZR750C6FA_BLK-b.jpg
which is a 2006 Zephyr 750, also available in 400 and 1100 cc
versions--just not here. :(
- Nate >>
--
"The optimist proclaims that we live in the best of all possible worlds,
the pessimist fears this is true."
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> sportbikes. I wouldn't mind if they offered more standard types. They are
> getting around to that. Used to be about the only standard availiable was
> the Honda Nighthawks. Now that more manufacturers are bring out bikes in
> standard configurations, we'll have more choices.
> Look for the "Naked" label for those bikes.