My first street legal motorcycle was the
1979 Kawasaki KZ650
Outfitted with a Veter Fairing, Bates Box, and King and Queen Seat. I also added a "cruise control" to the throttle. It was a UJM (Universal Japanese Motorcycle) so very comfortable. I wish I still had it in the stable. Alas, it was sold when we bought our first house in Jacksonville, Fla.
My second bike was a
2004 Kawasaki Vulcan 750
I was "bikeless" for many years. Then when we moved to the country, I bought this cruiser style motorcycle. It wasn't too bad to ride but a bear in the corners. The advanced fork rake made it hard to handle. But it looked cool! Sold that and bought ...
2006 Kawasaki 950 Vulcan LT Classic
Now this was a nice bike! It was so comfortable, pretty, and easy to maintain, but again, being a cruiser style motorcycle, did not like severe turns. I was still in a cruiser mindset, as you can tell, and I am partial to Kawasaki's. It handled very well otherwise. Even parking lots where no problem. Never had any trouble with it except one little niggly thing. It had one recall notice for an off idle fuel injection issue. It stalled on me once in traffic (started right back up though) but since I traded it soon after, I hear the issue was fixed by the dealer.
2007 Suzuki V-Strom DL 650
This style motorcycle is a Dual Purpose or Adventure Bike. A wonderful motorcycle. Suzuki's really got something here. It was a bit tall in the saddle, so, Hubby lowered it about 3/4 of an inch with an off market set of "dog bones". Hands down the best motorcycle ever made. And their 2012 version is even better! What possessed me to sell the '07 and get the Bonney, I'll never know. Didn't keep it either.
This style motorcycle is a Dual Purpose or Adventure Bike. A wonderful motorcycle. Suzuki's really got something here. It was a bit tall in the saddle, so, Hubby lowered it about 3/4 of an inch with an off market set of "dog bones". Hands down the best motorcycle ever made. And their 2012 version is even better! What possessed me to sell the '07 and get the Bonney, I'll never know. Didn't keep it either.
I bought this little rascal just for fun. I thought it would come in handy for my other hobby of surveying cemeteries for genealogy research. NOT! The seat and suspension was so uncomfortable that no amount of money could have fixed the ride. It was easy on fuel, I'll give it that. It was a gas to ride down a bumpy country dirt road standing on the pegs. I wish I could have kept it too but, finances being what they are, I traded it and the golf cart for a Kawasaki Mule UTV. Told ya, I like Kawasaki's!
2012 Triumph Bonneville SE
Pretty to look at, a torture to ride.
I know, I know, I sold my beloved "Vee" for this English piece of crap. The suspension was a nightmare. I only kept it for a few weeks, then it was outta here ...
2012 Suzuki V-Strom DL650
Hands down THE BEST MOTORCYCLE ever made to-date!
This version of the "Vee" (or "Wee Strom") is several pounds lighter, the tank is narrower, and the seat is more comfortable. I did have Hubby lower this one too by 3/4 of an inch. It handles like a dream. LOVES curves and parking lots. It's so easy to ride. At first, I wasn't sure if I'd like all the fancey-schmancy digital components in the dashboard, but they've grown on me. It displays wind temperature, miles per gallon, mileage and all the bells and whistles, all for a reasonable price. I don't know how Suzuki does it. They had a real winner with this model.
This is also a great bike. Love the "frunk" (trunk). I light, easy to handle, and with the proper tires negotiates our (sometimes) scary shifting sand of a road like a champ. I'm very pleased with this motorbike.
💙🙏💙🙏💙
