K11 Owners Group

[Allen Nelson]

Interesting John.....you kind of sound like me back in '91 when I bought a new Honda ST1100. It didn't take long to realize it had no personality and was boring to ride....it became my tupperware bike....not only was I bored, but it didn't turn me on.....you know the "it makes me proud and takes my breath away every time I remove the cover" type of pride. I had that with my K11RS every time I took the cover off. Have it with the Triumph Sprint too.

The Connie is a GO FAST kind of bike, but that's not all there is to enjoying riding....top power has never been an attractive issue to me....having a enough power though , definitely is! Having a bike you're proud of is something that feeds your overall satisfaction and is a subtle factor. It sounds like the weight and heft of the bike might have played a roll in souring it for you too.

Although I hate to see or hear how much you lost (I lost more then I care to share on the Honda ST).....I DO VERY MUCH AGREE THAT YOUR NEW K100 IS ONE VERY, VERY SWEET.... I always liked those and was also under the impression they didn't have as bad a heat issue as the K1100 did.

I'm going to be interested in Micks thoughts, if he shares them, to see how his experiences have been so far. Although I suspect he has very much enjoyed it.

Thank you for sharing your experiences. As a result, you've kind of confirmed the fear that had been lurking in the back of my mind since I'd first started considering the Connie. My main reason for reconsidering it now, is that Kawasaki is currently offering some very good incentives.

The other bike that's still at the top of my list is the new Triumph Sprint GT. I've always enjoyed riding the ST and it's always had gobs of personality. It looks so good to me, I've refrained from adding much needed aux. lighting for night time riding. Which has been my chief complaint....projector head lights suck....very little to no peripheral light when doing a 90 degree turn. For me, adding lights would deter from it's lines. The only other issue is it didn't really lend itself to having a passenger. The GT on the other hand has addressed those issues for me and more. Took a '11 for a test ride and couldn't keep the smile off my face the whole ride. But I learned my lesson years ago...."never buy anything the first year out". So I'm waiting for the '12's to hit the dealerships and see if I can score a deal.

Thanks again for sharing and I feel for your loss....there is many a time I wonder why I got rid of my special K....I'd probably have a little more money in my bank account....but hey, whos to say I may not have needed another drive shaft (or some other high priced German goodie) by now. Just remember, you do have a bike that you are proud of and others lust for.....what was it Duckie said....K-porn...
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REDBRICK, '96RS (formerly owned), K11OG#5
2011 Triumph Sprint GT
Not a turncoat...and do miss my special K

[SugarHillCTD]

Allen,

Well put! Thanks for your response- it definitely hit the spot.

While others downplay drive chains they are easy to change out, as opposed to driveshafts. My driveshaft is the first item on my R&R list for this winter (and it is WINTER here in N.H.) plus new suspension front and rear.

However, this K100RS is a keeper, no doubt.

But ya' know- Triumphs (NOT the "naked bikes") have my attention. Maybe the GT but more likely the 675. Keep the K-RS for overnight 2-up trips but add a Daytona for FUN!! Although our 24yo daughter (Kaw 600R) keeps me thinking about an S100RR........

BTW, headlights are not a big concern for me- I do not ride in the dark here. Too many big animals- moose.

Thanks,
John
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John & Cathy

'92 K100RS4V Pearl White SOLD
'04 K1200GT
IBA Several-SS1k, BBG, 50CC NYC to S.F.

[bmwmick]