[skiffman]

Rode the ZX-14 to a Used bike dealer about 30 miles away with the goal of riding a low mile Raven He has. Nice sunny day had Me wondering why I was making such a big deal of getting rid of it to get a cruiser. (Have had the bike 6 yrs now and it is like a extension of Me.) Was just cruising with my Lady on back enjoying the waterfront backroad I was on.
Have been skeptical that I could go from such big horsepower (180 hp dynoed) with trick suspensionto a bone stock 1300 V-twin chopper.
I had ridden my Buds Raider and liked it, so figured the Stryker might work after reading every review of it.
After checking out my bike even the salesman said I wouldnt be satisfied with the Stryker.
Despite all the opinions I still took the ride.

Everyone was WRONG!!
I just loved the ride, body position and just overall feel of the bike. Even the acceleration was satisfying. With my Gal on back. I nailed it and glanced at her in the mirror and she was laughing at the big grin on my face.

Wish I could step up and buy that bike RIGHT NOW!!!!
Alas, it will have to wait until the end of summer. I will be leaving for Bristol Bay, Alaska the 10th of April to set up a cannery dock for the company that buys my salmon. I will leave that gig in May to run my own gillnetter for the summer salmon season. Most likely I will also get a call to run another boat until the beginning of September so it would foolish to make the switch when I will be only getting in a few rides in then have to wait 4-5 months to ride again!
I can see eventually I would modify the suspension. I would be headed in a different direction than the norm. I will look to add rear travel and have the local race suspension guru revalve & respring the forks. Otherwise I see no need for exhaust etc. If I feel I want more power I'll just buy a bigger V-Star!
Seat seemed fine but I have rode a V-Star with the Mustang Classic and loved it so would go with one if the stocker doesnt hold up to longer miles.
But now I have a carrot to chase while I am up North.

 

[gtbigup01]

Rode the ZX-14 to a Used bike dealer about 30 miles away with the goal of riding a low mile Raven He has. Nice sunny day had Me wondering why I was making such a big deal of getting rid of it to get a cruiser. (Have had the bike 6 yrs now and it is like a extension of Me.) Was just cruising with my Lady on back enjoying the waterfront backroad I was on.
Have been skeptical that I could go from such big horsepower (180 hp dynoed) with trick suspensionto a bone stock 1300 V-twin chopper.
I had ridden my Buds Raider and liked it, so figured the Stryker might work after reading every review of it.
After checking out my bike even the salesman said I wouldnt be satisfied with the Stryker.
Despite all the opinions I still took the ride.

Everyone was WRONG!!
I just loved the ride, body position and just overall feel of the bike. Even the acceleration was satisfying. With my Gal on back. I nailed it and glanced at her in the mirror and she was laughing at the big grin on my face.

Wish I could step up and buy that bike RIGHT NOW!!!!
Alas, it will have to wait until the end of summer. I will be leaving for Bristol Bay, Alaska the 10th of April to set up a cannery dock for the company that buys my salmon. I will leave that gig in May to run my own gillnetter for the summer salmon season. Most likely I will also get a call to run another boat until the beginning of September so it would foolish to make the switch when I will be only getting in a few rides in then have to wait 4-5 months to ride again!
I can see eventually I would modify the suspension. I would be headed in a different direction than the norm. I will look to add rear travel and have the local race suspension guru revalve & respring the forks. Otherwise I see no need for exhaust etc. If I feel I want more power I'll just buy a bigger V-Star!
Seat seemed fine but I have rode a V-Star with the Mustang Classic and loved it so would go with one if the stocker doesnt hold up to longer miles.
But now I have a carrot to chase while I am up North.

Well as a guy that had a cruiser first, then bought a sportbike, I can tell you I will never just have a cruiser (and I love them). Had my Honda 1100 spirit for 4 yrs then I bought a Yamaha FZ1, well needless the say the Honda sat for a while without being riden, then I eventually sold it but had to get another cruiser again; hence Stryker. Neither of the 2 are going anywhere anytime soon unless its financial difficulties related lol.

Hope you're not planning on Trading the ZX14, or you'll regret it really fast. Even if you use the "I've gotten all my speed days behind me" excuse lol.

 

[skiffman]

Well, Nothing is going to happen right away.
And if I did trade in/sell the 14 I wouldnt regret it. Why? Because if I did want a monster motor bike again I would just get a fresher one.
Probably a C14 Concours as that is what I have built the 14 into for the past 3 years. Mine has thousands of miles of track days on it. Thousands of miles smoking back mountain roads and 10s of thousands touring. Built the motor and suspension. Then dialed it into a Super Sporttourer. And got the use out of it all.
Done 200+mph on a track awhile ago...,Been there done that on it.
At 57 I'm done with the track and high speed needs. Past couple of years its been just cruising and touring between gigs wandering the North on fishing boats.
**** I dont even have a V8 car anymore. A jap 4 cylinder car and truck that please Me to no end!
Sold the Vette and built Chevy trucks, again to others surprise but not Me. Was done with them.
I was truly as surprised as those who know Me that I am mellowing, but HEY! I AM closer to 60 than anything else so it doesnt bother Me to be just another Old Cat on a cruiser. It will just be a fine handling smokin fast cruiser.
I wont do bling. I will make it handle better and able to do long miles.
Besides my traffic lawyer is grateful for the break lol.