Protruding fins. Simple design. Simple construction.
Isn’t it because at first glance everything about it seems simple and beautiful?
Perhaps this fundamental simplicity is rooted in human nature and draws us in.
When things get cluttered, it’s a real turnoff. ( ﾟДﾟ)
No matter how simple you make a water-cooled bike, there are limits.
Electrical systems, auxiliary components, hoses and all the rest—just looking at them is exhausting.
Maybe some people find all that beautiful, but…
Isn’t it fundamentally simplicity that continues to be loved?
I think this applies to both people and things.
A sense of familiarity you can touch yourself. (‘;’)
A bike where you hesitate to remove even one fairing or the fuel tank itself isn’t friendly to anyone… or shouldn’t be.
Kawasaki’s Z-series bikes? “Pull the hose” and “rubber bands only”—the tank comes right off.
Even taking your time, it’s just one minute.
This is partly a matter of the era, but I really think it’s wonderful.
*In modern times, various safety considerations make it difficult, I suppose.
When you can remove the fairings and swap them for a different color, or even polish what’s underneath, your affection deepens and you take better care of it.
Not all good news
Air-cooled engines with carburetors—simple, easy to maintain, beautiful in form—aren’t all good.
Thirty to fifty years have passed since manufacture, and they’ve had five owners, ten owners, sometimes more.
You don’t want to hear “five times divorced, ten times divorced.” And their history spans the whole world.
Honestly, I don’t think anyone imagined they’d be used for this long.
They couldn’t have imagined it, right?
Frankly, it’s a surprise box—you never know what you’ll find!
Crankcase cracks repaired with aluminum putty, engine aluminum already dead so helicoils can’t even be inserted—anything is possible.
You have to commit to seeing it through to the end. (Suddenly heavy.) Otherwise your heart breaks at any moment… ( ﾟДﾟ)
Good and bad are always two sides of the same coin.
The truth is, you can only ride and buy now—there’s no other time. The absolute number will never increase, only decrease.
If you’re torn… the Z900RS (water-cooled) might be the safe bet… maybe.
Personally, I wouldn’t buy one now… just thinking about it is a lot of work.
