Another Bike in the Garage

 Last year, I tried to sell my Zx-14 and had no luck. I wasn't too upset that it didn't sell, and it didn't keep me from dreaming. 

Back in 2018 Kawasaki released a new 900cc bike in two different trims... the Z900rs and the Z900rs Cafe. The standard Z900rs looks a lot like the classic Kawasaki Z1 from 1972. I'm old enough to remember those days and the bikes of that era.

1972 Kawasaki Z1...

1974 Kawasaki Z1...

2018 Kawasaki Z900rs...

2019... in Candy-tone green...

The new bikes, while they may look like the ones from the 70's, are fully modern with liquid cooling, fuel injection, ABS, much improved modern day suspensions, traction control, LED lighting... All the things one would expect on a new motorcycle. I really like the looks of that Candy-tone green...

As much as I like the standard version, Z900rs, in Candy-tone green, it's not quite green enough for me. Luckily, Kawasaki's second version, the Z900rs Cafe, is even more green. It also has a lower height handle bar, a lower seat, and a small fairing 

I present to you, my latest acquisition... A nearly new, 2019 Z900rs Cafe with only 154 miles on it... In the only color available in the USA for 2018 and 2019, Vintage Lime Green.

I had been watching Craigslist and Cycletrader for a very long time. I watched as dealers marked down their existing unsold, last year's stock and moved them out to make room for the new model year inventory. I looked at "used" bikes in dealer's inventories and saw "demo" bikes with 1500 to 3000 miles on them listed for only a little off of MSRP.... So, I just kept watching the listings. There's a dealer near Milwaukee that lists several new 2020's at $8,799. I emailed them and asked about total fees and was quoted almost $10,500 "out the door". A few other dealers in Wisconsin list their last new 2019's in the mid to upper $9000 range.... plus fees.. etc.

So, when a used, very low mileage, 2019 popped up on both Cycletrader and Craigslist for a very reasonable price, I jumped. At the time of purchase, the original owner had the dealership install the OEM center stand, grab handles, and radiator screen on the new bike ($530.00 parts only). 

I made arrangements to rent a U-Haul motorcycle trailer, drive the 315 miles one way to Hubertus, WI, pick up the bike and return the same day.

Here's U-Haul's very heavy, but very nice, 4'x9' motorcycle trailer... $14.95 a day! The trailer is built like a tank, but it tows smoothly and even better with a load in it. The only negative thing I can say about the whole rental experience is that the closest U-Haul dealer with that style trailer was 72 miles from home in Superior, WI. and that style trailer is local use only, and NOT ONE WAY. It had to be picked up and returned to the same U-Haul store. So, no driving down to the outskirts of Milwaukee, getting that trailer, and dropping it off way up here in the woods.

Early last week's Sunday morning, with the truck and trailer still covered in frost, I headed out. I picked up the new bike and was home in 12 and a half hours. Steve, the original owner was a nice guy and easy to deal with. He made a few calls to verify who I was and to verify my funding. He was satisfied with a cashier's check, and he had all the documentation ready when I got to his place... Easy... I was home before dark.

Loaded and ready for the return trip...

I must have tied it down correctly as the bike never moved and the straps never loosened. I did stop after 10 miles on the freeway to check the straps, but everything was fine. 

When I was still 15 minutes from home, the traffic, all 3 cars, came to stop on County Road M. The local elk herd was grazing on the green grass along side the road. It's amazing how big they are... They make deer look like dwarfs!

I think Nancy and I will be taking some early evening car rides to get better pictures of them. There were several in the ditches and a couple on the roadway. They're huge!

A few more pictures because who doesn't like pictures...

I have no immediate plans to modify the new bike, nor am I in a rush to sell my trusty Zx-14. But, they do make hard side cases and mounts for the new one.

John, I'm waiting for my new plate and proof of insurance to show up before I drive it over to your place to show you...