1978-1981 Kawasaki KZ650SR
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September/October 2007
By Landon Hall
Riding the SR
For its age, the SR is a surprise. While not the screamer its GPZ brothers became, the KZ from which it was born was a competent road-burner for its day. It’s not light, but it feels solid and planted through all but the tightest bends. A soft front suspension shows its age (and “cruiser” tuning), while the back shocks are adjustable for preload only. The fatter tires (in comparison with the stock KZ) help with grip during both acceleration and panic stops, and last a bit longer than their skinnier counterparts. Though our test bike was missing a bit of power on top (probably due to a needed bit of tinkering with the carbs) it was surprisingly competent at anything under 90mph. That said, it was happier cruising boulevards or running in city and freeway traffic than it was strafing the twisties. But don’t believe us. Find one and try it out (carefully) for yourself, then enjoy the bike for what it is — a usable, attractive version of the Universal Japanese Motorcycle, all dressed up for Saturday night.
Cruiser alternatives to the KZ650SR
1980 Yamaha XJ650G Maxim
- 64hp @ 9,000rpm/120mph
- Air-cooled, four-stroke, inline four-cylinder, double overhead cams
- Five-speed
- Single-disc front, drum rear
- 478lb (wet)
- 47mpg
- $1,000-$2,000
Here, friends, is the reverse of the Kawi. Instead of taking a bike that was already being produced and turning it into a custom, Yamaha decided they’d just build a custom from the ground up. The result? The XJ650 Maxim.
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The Maxim was the child of surveys, design studies — and a lot of other things motorcycle purists despise. But the bike had style (for its day), along with an engine that turned out a bit more power than its competitors. The Maxim was smooth, reliable and low-strung, and for a bike with a soft ride and no sporting intentions, its limited ground clearance wasn't an issue: When pushed hard, the list of things dragging on the ground grows exponentially as speed and lean angle increase.
Many period testers disliked the Maxim’s riding position, finding its stepped seat and buckhorn bars painful after about an hour; although for quick trips, the bike shined. Its small, 3.4gal tank would hit reserve after 115-125 miles, underscoring the point that looking good has its downsides.
If you’re looking for a beginner bike, an in-town bike or just generally like riding in a relaxed manner, the Maxim is a fine choice. That said, if the above descriptions don’t fit your personality profile, it won’t take you long to discover the Maxim's limitations. There are a whole lot of Maxims out there to choose from (which helps keep prices low), so take your time and find the nicest, most well kept one available.