animalrobot
New Member
I recently purchased a 1987 Kawasaki GPz305 (Belt Drive) from a woman named Goldie.
http://www.motorcycledb.com/Kawasaki_GPZ_305_Belt_Drive_1987/31585
She got the bike for a couple hundred bucks from a friend, with the intention of taking lessons and getting her license. At 5'2, she felt too short for the bike, and decided to let it go. It was parked in an alley and had been sitting, uncovered, for 2 weeks during a period of heavy snow (for Vancouver), and some rain. The front fender, gas tank, side covers, and cowl were all rattle-canned bright yellow. Combined with the square front light and possibly the ugliest instrument panel ever made, the bike was not making a strong impression.
It took about 30 seconds to start. We chatted while we let it warm up for a few minutes, and then I took "Yellow" for a spin.
I had previously been riding a 1982 Kawasaki 250 LTD. However, I have to give it back to the owner when he returns from Columbia in September. I have very little experience with motorcycles, to date. So please understand that my opinions are subjective.
I immediately liked the riding posture of the GPz more than the LTD. I felt like I was in a more active posture, but still relatively neutral. I felt like this would be more comfortable for longer rides. The 305 is substantially faster. It redlines at 11k, which allows for a lot more play in the power band where the bike is most fun (6500+). The exhaust was nice quiet, which I really like.
Earlier in the week, my friend let me borrow his 2006 Ninja 636 for a few days. Well, that changed everything I knew about riding a motorcycle. I couldn't believe that bike could feel so responsive. I hated the look of the bike, but I loved the feeling of riding it. Getting back on the 250 was an eye-opener, for sure. I knew that I wanted a bike that was simple enough mechanically that I could work on it myself. But, I also wanted something light and agile for congested city riding.
I rode "Yellow" out of the alley and on to the street. I gave it some gas and felt the engine surge to life. Everything felt so right. I decided that I was going to take it before I got to the end of the block.
http://www.motorcycledb.com/Kawasaki_GPZ_305_Belt_Drive_1987/31585
She got the bike for a couple hundred bucks from a friend, with the intention of taking lessons and getting her license. At 5'2, she felt too short for the bike, and decided to let it go. It was parked in an alley and had been sitting, uncovered, for 2 weeks during a period of heavy snow (for Vancouver), and some rain. The front fender, gas tank, side covers, and cowl were all rattle-canned bright yellow. Combined with the square front light and possibly the ugliest instrument panel ever made, the bike was not making a strong impression.
It took about 30 seconds to start. We chatted while we let it warm up for a few minutes, and then I took "Yellow" for a spin.
I had previously been riding a 1982 Kawasaki 250 LTD. However, I have to give it back to the owner when he returns from Columbia in September. I have very little experience with motorcycles, to date. So please understand that my opinions are subjective.
I immediately liked the riding posture of the GPz more than the LTD. I felt like I was in a more active posture, but still relatively neutral. I felt like this would be more comfortable for longer rides. The 305 is substantially faster. It redlines at 11k, which allows for a lot more play in the power band where the bike is most fun (6500+). The exhaust was nice quiet, which I really like.
Earlier in the week, my friend let me borrow his 2006 Ninja 636 for a few days. Well, that changed everything I knew about riding a motorcycle. I couldn't believe that bike could feel so responsive. I hated the look of the bike, but I loved the feeling of riding it. Getting back on the 250 was an eye-opener, for sure. I knew that I wanted a bike that was simple enough mechanically that I could work on it myself. But, I also wanted something light and agile for congested city riding.
I rode "Yellow" out of the alley and on to the street. I gave it some gas and felt the engine surge to life. Everything felt so right. I decided that I was going to take it before I got to the end of the block.