TOPIC:

Yesterday I was travelling home from a business trip to Windsor, Connecticut and while laid over for three hours in Charlotte, I picked up the April issue of Cycle World. I don't normally read this mag, but this was a pretty good issue. They had coverage of a revival race at Imola featuring vintage race bikes. Also a re-hash of a old article where they travelled to Japan to test 250cc-400cc bikes that were not available in the US. That one icluded a sweet KR250. I read it cover to cover on the two hour flight back to Houston.

In typical fasion CW doesn't give you everything on their website, but does have some snippits from the issue: www.cycleworld.com/

While you are at the website, check out the review of the new ZX-14R. Damn, if I hadn't just bought a new house I think it would be time to trade in the ZX-10R. 192 hp and 113 ft/lbs at the rear wheel. That thing is impressive.

I subscribe...good issue...showed the ZX14 review to my wife...she was not positively influenced.

Mcdroid wrote: I subscribe...good issue...showed the ZX14 review to my wife...she was not positively influenced.

Just promise her that you will only ride with the power mode set to wet.

Since you subscribe, you might be able to answer this. Have they been including more information about vintage bikes or was this a one time only thing?

testarossa wrote:

Mcdroid wrote: I subscribe...good issue...showed the ZX14 review to my wife...she was not positively influenced.

Just promise her that you will only ride with the power mode set to wet.

Since you subscribe, you might be able to answer this. Have they been including more information about vintage bikes or was this a one time only thing?

They have realized that vintage bikes and altered bikes (e.g. bobbers, etc.) form a substantial consumer group and they (IMO) have greatly expanded who they are attempting to appeal to (readers). As such, they have noted how 'Motorcycle Classics' magazine has really taken off and in an attempt to retain and broaden their readership, vintage bikes are now regularly covered.

That's what I was surmising. I just wonder if all this interest in vintage/bobber/cafe/rat bikes isn't due in large part to the economy. If folks were borrowing money on bikes then would they go back to big dollar Harleys and custom choppers again?

That's the main thing that keeps me from buying that ZX-14R. I just don't want to carry a note on a motorcycle. I like 'em to be paid for.

In any case, Cycle World might be worth subscribing to now that it covers a wider range of topics. I like sport bikes and racing, but variety is the spice.

testarossa wrote:
That's the main thing that keeps me from buying that ZX-14R. I just don't want to carry a note on a motorcycle. I like 'em to be paid for.

Several months ago, I came dangerously close to buying a new 650 Ninja...the dealership couldn't guarantee when it'd be delivered...the moment passed, my head cleared, I realized I still had a garage full of bikes, even without the 650R, and I decided to be happy with what I have.

I did a demo ride on a ZX-14R a month ago. Now I knew to not use much throttle in 1st or 2nd gear, otherwise the thing would easily wheelie. So in 3rd, I thought I would twist the throttle for just a moment, starting at about 4,000. The bike did a little wheelie before I could chop the throttle. It feels like there is no limit. I'll bet you could comfortably run from Houston to Dallas in 2 hours, including a gas stop. Just amazing.