Kawasaki Ticket to Ride Tour

[twotrackhero]

I received an email about the tour today. If your in the market for a new bike or just want to give a new Kawasaki a demo, they might be in a town near you this summer. they say the ZX10R is going to be a demo bike

here is the link:

http://tickettoride.kawasaki.com/Home/Default.aspx

[greench440]

Signed up for the marketing barrage.  Looking forward to a C-14 test ride.  

[malbojah]

Same here. Everyone else, avoid the Boston dates.

You've been warned  

[Squareman357]

I went last year in the Chicago area and they had two of just about every street bike Kawi makes.  I noticed most people went out on the sport bikes and sport tourers and the cruisers didn't get much love.  It wasn't well advertised last year and the group I went with pretty much had the run of the show.  I rode the Z1000, ZX-14, ZX-10, Ninja 650, Versys, KLR, 2 rides on the Connie 14 and one ride on a big cruiser, a Vulcan 1700 I think.  It was awesome.  I pretty much went on every run they made while I was there.  I imagine this year might be a bit different...they are getting the word out a LOT more than they did last year.

[Kraz]

Signed up - thanks for the link.  

Never done one... could be fun... hope I don't end up with a new bike soon afterwards.  

[rajflyboy]

Thanks for the Info!

Awesome baby!

Let the Good Times Roll

[Uncle Leo]

Did the Ticket to Ride in Tampa this past weekend, and  it's most definitely worth doing if you can get to an event. The good news is I rode everything I wanted to ride. The bad news is there was nothing that enticed me to buy. The Versys was very nice, a fun bike to ride, but the seat is an absolute deal breaker. The Ninja 1000 is everything they say it is, but there is no way I'd give up my ST1300 for one. (The ST just fits my riding style better) Cruisers are still cruisers so that ended that. But all in all, I had a terrific time and will do it again in Charlotte, NC at the end of next month.

[Uncle Leo]

[garry]

I'm really looking forward to the Pittsburgh demos. I want to demo the Ninja 1000 (at least once),  ZX-10R (miss my ZX-6R), and a C14 (curious about the bigger S-t bikes).

[Uncle Leo]

The route they had us follow was pretty decent. The ride was 25 miles on county highway, curvy country two lane and interstate. It gave the riders a pretty good impression of how the bikes would feel in average type use, and in certain spots we were allowed to let the bikes breathe a bit to get a feel for the power output. It was a very professional event and kudos go to Kawasaki for doing it.

[Rincewind]

Thanks for the link.  I'd like to try the Ninja 1000 and Versys for grins.  

[camaroz1985]

I might have to check out the Pittsburgh one.  I think I'll be there for a belated father's day weekend.

[Squareman357]

The route they had us follow was pretty decent. The ride was 25 miles on county highway, curvy country two lane and interstate. It gave the riders a pretty good impression of how the bikes would feel in average type use, and in certain spots we were allowed to let the bikes breathe a bit to get a feel for the power output. It was a very professional event and kudos go to Kawasaki for doing it.

The Chicago area one was pretty similar...about 25 or 26 miles of mixed riding to give you a good feel for the bike.  Very professionally done and very informative.

[knuckledonkey]

Set to go to San Mateo on 4/16.

Ninja 1000,, here I come!  

[Kraz]

I'm gonna to the the San Diego one tomorrow!

I just hope they have the free T-shirt in my size.  

I want to ride a Versys, Ninja 250, ZX-14, C14, Ninja1000, ZX-10 - in that order...  Really only care about the first two though, since they're really what I'd be likely to buy in the future.

[falconati]

I want to ride at least 4 bikes of the 11 that they're bringing  

[Kraz]

Ok, got back from the thing.  Except for almost dying on the on ramp when my rear end just started sliding out in the rain   , and having to deal with the fucking idiots who go on these rides (I never go on group rides, now I remember why), and only getting two rides in, I would call it an enjoyable success.

Got there at 7:45 am and left at around noon - got 2 rides in.  Rides were hourly, and though it didn't seem like there were many people there, the spots fill up quickly.  I got there 20 mins b/f the first sign up was even open, and was maybe 10th in line, and no Ninja 250 or Versys were available already - they only had one of each - but multiples of C14's, Z1000's, Ninja 1000's, and ZX-10's.

They basically had 3 groups - 1: cruisers.  2: Misc (C14, KLR, Versys, etc) 3: Sport bikes  At first they said I could only sign up for one at a time, but later the guy ahead of me was doing multiples, so I dunno - I guess I didn't ask very nicely, or maybe it depends who's running the schedule.  Rides were ~35 mins and covered some in-town riding, 2 lane highway, and interstates.  Curves were few and usually slow, but there were plenty of opportunities for acceleration.

I rode the ZX-14, then the Versys.

ZX-14:   Pretty much perfect.  Power is everywhere, so it doesn't matter what the rpm is sitting at that much.  Loved it...  I used to ride a ZZR1200, and this is leaps and bounds better.  Felt lighter, better suspension, front brakes were amazing, way more comfortable for me, and smoother all around.  Looks aren't for everyone, but the all black bike I rode was pretty sexy in my eyes.  Cons: Back brake felt worthless (maybe they put air in the line for the retards who demo these things?  I probably would) and the bike felt wide b/w the legs.  I think the tank is 5.8 gal - so that would explain it.  What I need explained is why the ZX holds a whole gallon more than the C14???  The computer never showed better than 40mpg unless it was a downhill - maybe that's why?  Anyway, overall LOVED this bike... I need another Kawi Powerhouse.

Versys:  Love/Hate.
This could/should have gone with the new KLR.  I would go out and buy a KLR with this engine RIGHT NOW, but noooo.... that's too much to ask for.  I saw some guys on ADV and KLR650.net have done a conversion - but it takes frame modification and money for a new engine, tranny, wiring harness, FI pump etc. etc.  Maybe if I find a spare KLR frame I will buy and build... ANYWAY - really cool engine.  Not insanely fast, but pretty quick up to 70mph; the midrange is really nice, and I even like the way the engine sounds.  Brakes were pretty solid with twin disks up front, but the love stops there.  Weather protection was OK for what it was, and comfort was... m'eh...  For the seat height, which is ok for me at 5'10", but tall compared to the street bikes, the seat position seemed a bit close to the tank, I just wanted to slide 2" back.  It was comfy enough (if you don't count the wedgie it constantly gave me), but not ideal.  Bars were well positioned, but too low to ride standing, and the suspension was pretty squishy in the front, but still street suspension.  Stability was quite a bit better than my KLR, but the bike is still very light and little twitchy.  I just can't figure this bike out...  I really think for how tall it is, off road suspension and bigger spoked wheels would be the way to go... this could be an AWESOME ADV bike... but damn... it's just in no man's land if you ask me.  Ok, really the only CON was the tranny - this clunky piece of shit definitely receives "worst tranny ever" award.  I hated the effort to shift it and could never find neutral...  I'm not even sure putting this awesome engine in a KLR is that good of an idea if all the Versys trannies are this craptastic.  I can only hope this one was somehow fucked by multiple demo riders abusing it 35 minutes at a time for a year.

EDIT: Lots of KLR frames to build on - not a lot of Versys engines... a few Ninja 250 engines, but it'd be $1,500-$2,000 for parts probably...  I'd probably then want better front forks, a new front wheel to go with dual front disk brakes...  FUCK... I really just need a KTM.

Anyway - that's my story, and I'm stickin' to it.

[keepergale]

I went to the event here in San Diego too. Their big factory poster with the bike info had a typo on the Concours. I told the manager there was no way the C14 had a 4.8 gallon tank. He checked one of the books with the full line up info and it showed 5.8 gallons. I got a twinkey for my effort. Right before I left I spotted a big ass screw sticking out of one of the naked 1000's rear tire. It cost some dude his ride because they pulled the bike out of rotation.
 I rode the C14 and the Ninja 1000. I liked both but the C14 is probably more bike than I want at this point in my life. Best seat ever,rheostat like power, totally comfortable but the "motorcycle experience" just seemed a little remote.
The Ninja 1000 was a blast. Old guy comfort with real fun at your wrist. Only down sides were the seat seemed to pull my pants tight and compress the boys.
Also both rides my hands got a little tingly from the vibes. My vfr just seems not to vibrate. How I wish the new VFR had taken a different direction. In any case the Ninja is still on my short list. Power wise my vfr does not come close. The Ninja seems far lighter as well.

[JSharp]

I went to the event here in San Diego too.

The Ninja 1000 was a blast. Old guy comfort with real fun at your wrist. Only down sides were the seat seemed to pull my pants tight and compress the boys.
Also both rides my hands got a little tingly from the vibes. My vfr just seems not to vibrate. How I wish the new VFR had taken a different direction. In any case the Ninja is still on my short list. Power wise my vfr does not come close. The Ninja seems far lighter as well.

Ain't that the truth. I think us old guys end up sitting on them after they get mashed into the tank.    

I did foam grips on mine but didn't really notice much for vibes in the bars before I did. I just wanted grips that were larger diameter.

The way the engine and chassis work really makes the bike. It needs a little help in the ergo department but nothing like a full on sport bike. It's perfectly usable as is, it could just be a little better.

[kevin_stevens]

Ok, got back from the thing.  Except for almost dying on the on ramp when my rear end just started sliding out in the rain   , and having to deal with the fucking idiots who go on these rides (I never go on group rides, now I remember why), and only getting two rides in, I would call it an enjoyable success.

Um, what rain?  I was there from 8am, riding at 9 and 10, there was no rain???

Got there at 7:45 am and left at around noon - got 2 rides in.  Rides were hourly, and though it didn't seem like there were many people there, the spots fill up quickly.  I got there 20 mins b/f the first sign up was even open, and was maybe 10th in line, and no Ninja 250 or Versys were available already - they only had one of each - but multiples of C14's, Z1000's, Ninja 1000's, and ZX-10's.

They basically had 3 groups - 1: cruisers.  2: Misc (C14, KLR, Versys, etc) 3: Sport bikes  At first they said I could only sign up for one at a time, but later the guy ahead of me was doing multiples, so I dunno - I guess I didn't ask very nicely, or maybe it depends who's running the schedule.  Rides were ~35 mins and covered some in-town riding, 2 lane highway, and interstates.  Curves were few and usually slow, but there were plenty of opportunities for acceleration.

I got two rides on Saturday (Z1000 and Ninja 1000, the two I wanted most).  They initially said I could only sign up for one, but then before my first ride at 9 I checked in again and they gave me a second ticket for 10.  Probably estimating the crowd.  On Sunday I got three rides, all in the afternoon.

They didn't have much scope to work an interesting route given the location, but I still offered a couple of suggestions for improvement - one they took on Sunday by returning on Texas/Qualcomm, the other was to go 8-15N-Friar's instead of plowing down Friar's past the stadium, but they didn't make that change.  Oddly, they could have done one of my favorite routes by taking 52W in Santee and doing the 52W-15S cloverleaf to get back, that would have been more fun too.

Both BMW and Triumph did better routes at their demo days IMHO.

I rode the ZX-14, then the Versys.

ZX-14:   Pretty much perfect.  Power is everywhere, so it doesn't matter what the rpm is sitting at that much.  Loved it...  I used to ride a ZZR1200, and this is leaps and bounds better.  Felt lighter, better suspension, front brakes were amazing, way more comfortable for me, and smoother all around.  Looks aren't for everyone, but the all black bike I rode was pretty sexy in my eyes.  Cons: Back brake felt worthless (maybe they put air in the line for the retards who demo these things?  I probably would) and the bike felt wide b/w the legs.  I think the tank is 5.8 gal - so that would explain it.  What I need explained is why the ZX holds a whole gallon more than the C14???  The computer never showed better than 40mpg unless it was a downhill - maybe that's why?  Anyway, overall LOVED this bike... I need another Kawi Powerhouse.

The ZX-14 is my favorite bike ever, but I only got 40mpg (actually 44mpg) out of a tank once - sitting at absolute even throttle at 70mph on an Interstate.

KeS

[TonyKZ1]

Sounds like fun, well except for the group rides. Ride by myself most of the time. Anyhow I've signed up for when it comes to St. Louis. I guess I'll see how it goes. I'm wanting to ride the Versys, Ninja 650, and the new Ninja 250.
Tony

[FALCONSEYE]

I will be attending to the one in Denver on Jun 4th and 5th. I am very much interested in ZX1000GBF (2011 ninja 1000)

What I don't get is that some of the other dealers will already let you demo a bike. I was at a triumph/bmw store a while ago. They will let you ride a BMW 1200 GS with 21k sticker. Go to any HD dealer, same thing.

Don't get why Kawasaki dealers won't.

[JSharp]

It must depend on the dealer. My local dealer had no problem letting me take mine for a test ride.

[Kraz]

Um, what rain?  I was there from 8am, riding at 9 and 10, there was no rain???


KeS

At around 7:30 heading up from the south there were most definitely some showers.  During one of my Sat morning rides we hit a couple sprinkles as well, though it was much less.

[ray916mn]

I will be attending to the one in Denver on Jun 4th and 5th. I am very much interested in ZX1000GBF (2011 ninja 1000)

What I don't get is that some of the other dealers will already let you demo a bike. I was at a triumph/bmw store a while ago. They will let you ride a BMW 1200 GS with 21k sticker. Go to any HD dealer, same thing.

Don't get why Kawasaki dealers won't.

A bit of this is the manufacturer's policy.

Last year BMW required dealers selling the S1000RR to have a demo bike and to have it attain a certain amount of mileage. My dealer was actively asking whether people wanted to go for a test ride.

[DkKnight]

Looking forward to the one here in Wash DC area this weekend, even though the weather calls for showers  
It is 5 mins from my house and the wife wants to come along (maybe because it's in the shopping center parking lot ??)
Looking to ride the C14 and the 1000 Ninja, hope that they allow multiple signups, may even try to get a 2up ride on the Voyager.

DK

[greench440]

Kawi demo day is this Sunday too at the Totem Lake Mall (Kirkland).  Unfortunately heavy rain is predicted.  I was going to ride the ZX-11 but if it rains as predicted, I'll skip the entire event.

I'm considering selling the ZX11 and FJR to get a ZX14.



Edit: Yep, it's a washout.

[FALCONSEYE]

Well, I was at the event. Got a chance to test ride Ninja 1000 and 1700 Nomad. 1700 Nomad is not my type of a ride. It's huge and heavy.

Ninja 1000 has great power. Even with the screen at the highest position, I still had wind hitting me at 75mph. Some stuff feels like very cheaply made. I pushed the mode button at the cluster and the thing moved as if it was coming out of its place.

They took us through some twisties (15mph speed limit). It was a 45min ride overall. I wish more manufacturers organize events like this.

I am getting one for sure. The power is incredible. $500 demo dollars also helps.