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Re: 197hp Kawasaki vs 200 plus HP Ducati
[Re: Blusmbl]
#3170767
08/27/23 10:25 AM
08/27/23 10:25 AM
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Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 4,831 Holland MI Ottawa
2boltmain
OP
master
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OP
master
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 4,831
Holland MI Ottawa
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So I have now scene the following twice in my town. I had to google what its purpose is. Why? Why have I seen it only on one certain mfgr of bike?
Keep old mopars alive.
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Re: 197hp Kawasaki vs 200 plus HP Ducati
[Re: A12]
#3171630
08/30/23 01:05 PM
08/30/23 01:05 PM
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Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 345 Red Deer, Alberta
Greenwood
enthusiast
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enthusiast
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 345
Red Deer, Alberta
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They all look like crotch rockets! No "crotch rockets" back in the day. I think a lot of the "crotch rocket" look started in the early to mid '80's. Before that there were a lot of "standards" and "super bikes"; I still have this '79 GS850 G that I made to be more of a sport touring bike. Added Krauser removable cases and added the quarter fairing and lower handlebars and painted and striped the front fender to match the tank paint and stripe. This is basically a shaft drive GS750 and according to my wife the best seat of all of the bikes I've had or have, and I agree. That is an absolutely great looking bike. My last was a 1980 or 81 Kawasaki LTD 750. Got rid of it because I felt that I would probably end up dead from a dumb riding mistake if I didn't.
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Re: 197hp Kawasaki vs 200 plus HP Ducati
[Re: Greenwood]
#3171652
08/30/23 01:55 PM
08/30/23 01:55 PM
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Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 1,594 USA
VS29H0B
pro stock
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pro stock
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 1,594
USA
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In the 70s I had a 1972 Kawaski 500 triple two stroke. It was deemed the "widowmaker" for good reasons - wicked narrow power band with wild acceleration, good brakes but not so good chassis which made for scary handling at higher speeds. After a near head on collision with a dump truck one early morning, I sold it. It was a factory 12 second 1/4 mile bike. https://www.mecum.com/lots/348401/1972-kawasaki-h1-500-mach-iii/
Like the women I have dated --- Always looking for a better deal ....
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Re: 197hp Kawasaki vs 200 plus HP Ducati
[Re: BDW]
#3171675
08/30/23 02:46 PM
08/30/23 02:46 PM
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Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 1,594 USA
VS29H0B
pro stock
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pro stock
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 1,594
USA
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The 500 was also just as scary in corners as the 750 - the whole chassis setup was not confidence inspiring from a cornering perspective. Indeed the 750 was a bit faster but the 500 was the original scary 2 stroke triple that screamed through the 1/4 mile in the 12s - the intro of the 750 was more of the same ....crazy riding experience compared to slower but refined rides like Honda CB750s. The powerband on the 500 and the 750 was like flipping on a light switch from off to on - you had to respect the narrow band and learn to anticipate it. Plus the wobble in the chassis at high speeds was really dangerous.
But point taken --- the 750 was the official "Widowmaker" .... the 500 was a couple of small beats behind ....both had the power to throw you off the seat so you better know what you are doing when riding one....
Last edited by VS29H0B; 08/30/23 02:57 PM.
Like the women I have dated --- Always looking for a better deal ....
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Re: 197hp Kawasaki vs 200 plus HP Ducati
[Re: BDW]
#3171768
08/30/23 08:44 PM
08/30/23 08:44 PM
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 12,814 Benton, IL.
DaveRS23
Master of nothing...
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Master of nothing...
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 12,814
Benton, IL.
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Actually, the 'widow maker' designation was bestowed on several 2 stroke street bikes in the early 70's. Some Yamaha, some Kawasaki. But the 750 Kawa triple was certainly at the head of that list. It's hit was brutal! And then some guys put on triple expansion chambers, larger Mikunis, and made air box mods. Jeez, there was nothing like them at the time. They sounded like a jet when wound up!
The '69 750 Hondas were quick, but the 750 Kawas triples were the kings. For the guys that could control them.
Master, again and still
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Re: 197hp Kawasaki vs 200 plus HP Ducati
[Re: DaveRS23]
#3171789
08/30/23 10:23 PM
08/30/23 10:23 PM
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 20,335 Park Forest, IL
slantzilla
Too Many Posts
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Too Many Posts
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 20,335
Park Forest, IL
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I had 2 H-2 750s back in the 70s and 80s. I nevrr had one wobble on me. The biggest issue for me is they would lift the front wheel so smoothly you had to really watch how high it was getting.
I had a Z-1 that at times would be evil. Buddy of mine was going to show it who was boss, and it spit him off onto the blacktop.
I just bought my old ZX-14 back. Compared to the old bikes it's a 190 mph Cadillac.
"Everybody funny, now you funny too."
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