posted December 04, 2001 12:04 PM
An interesting conversation with Kawasaki today... I spoke with our contact at Kawasaki HQ today... I voiced our disappointment with their offerings at the Seattle MC show etc etc.... he did point out the money was infact tite for them this next (2002) year.....
he did mention that this "lull" was also the "calm before the storm" and that he has personally seen Kawasaki's future offerings... that they were going to make a huge comeback and everyone would be very impressed...
posted December 04, 2001 01:15 PM
You know what would impress everyone here the most? If they actually listened and quit using those cheap fastners!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Alan
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I keep all of my guns loaded, to many people die from unloaded guns.
posted December 04, 2001 07:21 PM
Edited By: silver01bullit on 4 Dec 2001 19:22
way to go Fish! I suspect they did a lot of listening when it came time to build the '02 12. Anyone notice that most of the changes listed are due in part to OUR complaints? not that we're unhappy with the 12, but there are obviously points to be improved upon...If this is the "calm" before the storm, it's pretty fuckin' calm, wondering when the storm is gonna roll in
I come up with 1032.12628 cubic centimeters from that (with a 4 cylinder engine). You got some info we NEED to know about on this? Hopefully so!! [And hopefully with a factory claimed dry weight under 400 pounds!]
posted December 04, 2001 09:37 PM
I'm keeping my fingers crossed for a ZX-10R under my christmas tree next year. But I'm not holding my breath!
I'd like to second that "cheap fasteners" comment too!
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posted December 05, 2001 04:31 AM
Edited By: Y2KZX12R on 5 Dec 2001 14:02
RR, I havent heard anything official at all. Just rumors.
Has anyone noticed that the USA is the only country getting the 01 engine in the 600 this year? The rest of the world is getting a different engine with larger displacement.
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posted December 05, 2001 06:04 PM
I was going to go to the show in Dallas After hearing about what KMC was going to offer at the show, I've canceled my plans. Why bother? If I want to get all depressed by looking at what all the other manufacturers have done, I might as well call my ex-wife. It'd be cheaper to call her and the results would be about the same.
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posted December 06, 2001 08:05 AM
Edited By: Y2KZX12R on 6 Dec 2001 08:07
Well now its out... kawi signs another rider to complete the riders for 2002.
Sorry about editing my posts in this thread but I was asked to edit them or remove them. I guess this board is actually read by more people than we think.
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posted December 06, 2001 01:30 PM
Edited By: redelk on 6 Dec 2001 13:35
What about Doug Chandler? Let's see... what is it? A three time World Champion? Finished 4th in point last year? Has stuck with KHI with nary a bitch. Okay, so a while back, he said he didn't want to ride in both the 750 and 600 classes. Who could blame him? Well, according to Cycle World, he'll be riding 600s next season. 600s... ONLY!
Would you want your premiere rider in the premiere class be in... premiere condition to compete? Yeah, Bostrom & Duhamel do it, but if it was YOUR team, wouldn't you prefer to have a great rider or two on your 750s and have your hot shot upstarts on your 600s? The 600 class has always been a "Rambo" class. Not just "rough and tumble", but a tad reckless. Who'd want to subject their #1 rider to that? Yes, I understand that the 600s are the best selling sportbikes and a win (or championship) in that class is VERY important. In some ways, more important then the 750 title.
Like Duhamel, Chandler is nearing retirement. Is this how KHI/KMC treats their champions? Bostrom brought them a second place (and a 600 championship) and can possible bring them a championship. That is of course, if they give him a "real" 750. The thing is, will he stick around long enough for a better bike or will he move on to "greener pastures"? Now that he sees how they treat their champions, I wouldn't if I was him.
Who knows? Chandler might have wanted it this way. I just don't believe that this was his choice.
Oh yeah... I too, am surprised on those that post or "lurk" around here. Fortunatly (mostly on their part), I personsally have no "connections" for the serious inside "KMC poop". With that fact, I still have the luxuryof my mindless ramblings against KHI/KMC.
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posted December 06, 2001 08:03 PM
Chandler was reportedly at Muzzy's this week, talking with Rob and a certain motorcyle company, one with an 'a' in their name. ____________
82 Gpz750, 84 Ninja 900, 2000 ZX12R (Muzzy Big Bore Kit), *another* 2000 ZX12R (Muzzy custom stroke crank 1341cc motor), 2004 ZZR1200, 2005 ZX10R, 2007 ZX14, 2008 Concours 14, 2014 Versys 650, 2014 Yamaha WR450F, 2015 Ninja H2
posted December 07, 2001 09:10 AM
After reading Fish's post I talked to my rep today. He smiled and agreed this IS the lul before the storm. He said there are "numerous new and cutting edge" bikes on the way. They won't tell the reps what they are because excited reps would spill the beans. Also , about Chandler talking to the Muzz...Didn't I read somewhere that Kawi was looking for a Formula Extreme rider ???
posted December 07, 2001 11:25 AM
Zammy, Yes you did read that. I posted it a few months back. Before they got T Hayden and now this other youngster.
It seems Kawasaki is VERY interested in the AMA FE class all of the sudden.
AMA 750ss is struggling to survive. In an AMA meeting it was discussed what to do with 750ss. I can hear the axe being sharpened and the sparks flying now.
Formula extreme is growing in popularity faster than 600ss or superbike, and sales of the liter bikes is second to the 600's.
On another note:
I saw a photo(from Japan)of a mechanical device that changes cam timing. The guy that sent it to me works for a "supplier" and makes prototype stuff for OEM's. He said the unit specs were finalized and they wernt going to be the ones producing this item, but he believed it was going to be in a "production" bike the near future.
posted December 07, 2001 11:30 AM
Oh, I did ask him if he was to paint one of these parts what color would it look best in. He laughed and said you like green dont you? I said yea but I bet it looks better red. He said red wouldnt look good. (this part goes inside the engine )
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