I had a sportbike from 2001 to 2018, a 2002 Kawasaki ZX-6R, 600cc engine, which made 98 HP at the rear wheel as measured on the dyno, 36 ft/lbs of torque with a 14.500 RPM redline (last year of carburation and rejetted to fix lean factory fuel ratio and why run on a dyno, and I enjoyed the fuel switch reserve). Back then that was the smaller road worthy machine with plenty of HP to get you our of trouble, great handling, and excellent brakes. And it was very comfortable as I’d spend all day out on rides like the three mountain passes ride through the Sierra (pics below) as well as trips to the coast. But eventually smartphones came along, I got married, and just saw too many things on the road with irresponsible drivers. One of the worst was being on one lane roads in the mountains with a truck flying around a blind corner towards you that would have taken you out if not hugging the right already. And even on two lane roads I’ve come around corners with people half way in my lane looking at scenery. Even though I always trusted God to keep me safe on my adventures, it seemed more prudent to switch my two wheel adventuring to a bicycle and safe bike trails with limited road exposure. If not for the threat of other dangerous drivers, I’d still be out there motorcycling as it was a wonderful way to tour, seeing beautiful country and nature with no view obstructions while soaking up twisty roads which are terrific fun on two wheels.
So looking around at the state of motorcycling today, I found this great YouTube show Daily Rider with reviews of how a motorcycle performs in normal riding. Zack Courts has a route with varied roads where he gives specifications of the machine along with how it is to ride while he takes you along, able to see it from his chin helmet camera like you’re on the motorcycle. Of interest today, they’re moved a lot of midsize motorcycles to parallel twin engines from 300-650cc that have good horsepower and torque without necessarily having to be revved up like with inline four cylinder sportbike engines. And on many motorcycles today you have traction control, ABS brakes, quick shifters (no clutch needed with electronic assist), changeable fuel maps, electronically controlled suspension modes combined with fuel maps, cruise control, and the Ducati Multistrada V4 even has adaptive cruise control with blind spot warning lights (one negative development is throttle by wire). So if like me you enjoy seeing real world engineering applied to usable artwork, settle in and enjoy some entertaining motorcycle reviews.
Pictures From the Sierra Three Passes Ride in NorCal
