[Chango]

Penguins and the 2005 Kawasaki Z750S

I don't think I'll ever be able to look at a penguin the same again.

"Remember: It's always easier to do things the hard way. -- Chango

 

[mscuddy]

Hey, just the thing to replace my '81 KZ750 with.



Wow, thanks Kawasaki! Progress takes a giant lurch sideways again.

 

[Chango]

Re: Penguins and the 2005 Kawasaki Z750S

Oh, is this the part where I'm supposed to jump up and down and run in little circles and giggle like a prepubescent schoolgirl just because my day is so astoundingly slow? Is this where I squeal like a little piggie full of glee because I read faster than someone else? Should I go ahead and pee all over myself with pure, unmitigated happiness because I got the first post? Or am I just being a smarty-pants?

"Remember: It's always easier to do things the hard way" -- Chango

 

[49605]

By amazing coincidence I tossed a leg over one of these things over lunchtime today. Much like the SV-650 I really couldn't find much wrong with the bike, except that like the SV-650 it just seems kinda cheaply made, a real entry level/economy bike.



I know that the manufacturer has to keep costs down to hit their price point & everything and maybe I'm spoiled from looking at Moto Guzzis and Buell XBs all the time but I guess I want my bike to be a piece of art. I've already got a Honda Civic, I don't want a two wheel version of the same.

 

[pplassm]

OK. Who gave this guy his nickname? Not that there's anything wrong with that.

 

[django9270]

Nice bit of writing. Sorry about the nickname.



I agree with the person who said," I already own a Civic." Sensible does not have to be boring, hell even the "old" CB750 had more sex appeal. 7k? WTF? 'Course they will sell none of these things and conclude that the US consumer doesn't want a standard-type bike..too bad.

 

[rapier]

All I want is the last ZX9 with similar ergos. At least the seat/peg relationship.



I was in heaven when I got my first Jap bike, the 1980 750, which they somehow made the last few years with the Z7. Being a wuss I had to hang a Slipsreamer on it. I doubt it had 60rwhp.



I think I am going to make my own sport touring ZX9. Anyone have any ideas about moving the pegs forward and down?



When gas hits $3, then $4 then $5 there is going to be a new market for standards is my guess. Enough I bet for Kawi to perhaps make a few bucks on this thing.

 

[schizuki]

The Euro version looks like a switchblade on wheels.



This version looks like a bike you'd ride to the store for an egg-salad sandwich and a grape Nehi.

 

[mscuddy]

That egg-salad sandwich and grape Nehi sounds like a gas. Burrrp.

 

[1747]

NICE WORK GABE. SEEMS LIKE MY KIND O BIKE BUT HOW'S IT LOOK WHEN YOU RIP OFF THE HIDEOUS FAIRING? WHO CAME UP WITH THAT? WHAT WAS WRONG WITH THE EURO VERSION? EVERY TIME SOMEBODY WANTS TO SLAM FRANCE I WILL POINT THEM AT THAT UGLY ASS FAIRING. HOW MANY SHORT PEOPLE CAN CONGREGATE AT THE FRONT OF THE SEAT AT ONCE?

 

[Steven_Verschoor]

I get it: 'cause Gabe is MR ALLCAPS. Huh-huh-huh... Huh-huh-huh.

 

[SmokeU]

Mmmm......egg salad....

 

[sportbikebandit]

Nice write up. Have to agree with those who said they already have Honda Civic. I own a motorcycle for the weekend fun I have with it. Perhaps if I needed a commuter bike. IMHO, The standard does provide the best seating position for traffic and is nimble enough. Even so this bike doesn't really have personality like Buell Lightning or the Z1000. Seems like a bike a guy would strap a milk crate on the back with a bungee cord....Sorry.

 

[4940]

What I don't get is why they didn't leave the engine at the 900cc displacement. It wouldn't have cost anymore to build and the bike would have looked like more of a bargin. VWW

 

[sliphorn]

Yeah, I can see the milk crate on there too. It's particularly easy to visualize in photo #36. What a shame..........

 

[mile_eater]

Nice to see your cherry popped...



Say... given Sean's knowledge of that hind-end... Is that one metaphor to many?

 

[44510]

Just another budget bike that falls short of the DL650 standard. If I needed/wanted a 100 HP bike, I would consider the Kaw. Could use a bigger tank though and a bigger screen.



The Spinal Tap inspired 170 mph speedo is a nice touch.

 

[3655]

The article is not bad for an amateur. Is Gabe on MO’s payroll as an employee? Regardless if he is or isn’t, MO needs to proofread a little more and check for words being spelled incorrectly (‘contended’ should be ‘contented’ for instance).



I know it isn’t easy to put a full article together without help, but I expect better since this is not a free website put together by Dirck Edge.



If MO can afford my services (i.e. let me ride a Buell Blast! up Palomar for the next full-tilt hooligan bike test), I would be glad to raise the level of professionalism at this electronic magazine.

 

[GS1100GK]

I agree. Nice replacement for the ZR7-S, but the bike would have been better with the 5.8 gallon tank from that bike. This would be one serious middle tourer.

 

[Pgbexr]

Gabezilla, job well done.