Ride Now and the Saturday Ride (January 28, 2012)

 I am not 100% sure, think this is the 2012 version of the Kawasaki Ninja 650. Since the earlier one was the 650R (and no R on this one) pretty sure this is it. Nice bike though and getting great reviews. A lot of changes to the bike-it is almost a whole new version. Still uses the 649cc 8 valve DOHC vertical twin mated to a six speed transmission. That engine puts out 71 hp and 47 lb-ft of torque. In these high fuel price times, the bike gets around 50 mph...not bad at all. Plus it lists for $7499. The bike weight is around 461 pounds and the bike has a 4.2 gallon fuel tank. The same engine is also used in the 
Kawasaki Versys.  
                                                                                    Vulcan below is a Conversion kit trike-Kawasaki does not make a trike model, though Harley-Davidson does. It is made from a kit and many of them are first rate. I loved the rear spoked wheels on this conversion. I saw the Vulcan, and the Ninja 650 at Ride Now in Concord, NC.

Here is my Kawasaki Vulcan which is in front of the NC Music Factory in Charlotte, NC. My next post will have some photos of that music, food and entertainment complex. Made my first visit to it and was very impressed with all it has to offer. A lot of work and dreams have gone into it, and it is one massive undertaking in Uptown Charlotte. As for the ride itself, could not have asked for a better day to ride. A whole lot of motorcycles were out on a January 28, 2012 ride with temperatures in the mid-60s and under Carolina blue skies. In fact, to this point so far, there has been almost no "winter" in this winter 2012.
Speaking of upcoming events....read that the Kawasaki Street Demo will be held in Richmond, VA April 14-15 (that is confirmed at the Kawasaki web site) though it does not list the location in Richmond, VA. I also have been told that Star Motorcycles will bring a demo trailer to Ride Now Motorsports in Concord, NC April 21 (but that is not confirmed). Went to the Victory Motorcycles demo rides last fall in Concord (was the subject of a previous post) and they are a great chance to actually ride the bikes that the companies make. A motorcycle license is required, plus a certain level of protective equipment (helmets and other gear...check with the local venue where the event is held before showing up).