TOPIC:

Stan,hi
I enjoyed owning the VMax, only sold her due to money and space issues at the time: she was a real nice bike. It was a full power version and when it got to 6k RPM it took off like a rocket: think the engine output specs state the power increased from 90 to 145 BHP in 1000 revs - it always put a smile on my face. I know they get a bad rep re handling, but I never had any issues or scares with the handling. Like McZee said I also regret selling her.

Re comparison with the Z13: riding experience is very different, sheer size and presence of the Z13 cant be ignored (I mean that in a positive way), and power delivery is very different, whilst I loved the VMax "power band", as a daily ride I much prefer the way the Z13 pumps out lots of linear power & torque. Biggest difference for me though is the sound the Z13 emits, sounds fantastic thru the rev range, but when ridden hard - on my !! its addictive

Thanks guys! Nope, I am NOT going to sell my Vmax, haha Pretty much everyone who sold his regrets doing it pretty soon. I put too much heart into mine and it's a 'part of the family', as they say, and I enjoy riding it too much. Mine is a full power Canadian 2007. It also has a unique sound, unlike any other bike. I have two bikes: tha Vmax and a 1983 GL1100A. The Goldwing rides like a boat, like a vacuum cleaner, haha Silky and smooth, feels almost like it rides itself, especially with the very low gravity center. I am beginning to imagine the 1300 to be somewhat similarly smooth, except with much more power (I think the GL has about 80 Hp comparing to 120 Hp of the KZ). Both weigh the same. I feel that I am going to seriously like the KZ1300!
As to the Vmax, I installed a custom rim and have a radial 180 Avon Cobra tire. Very good traction, but it feels very different comparing to bias-ply which I had (lately Metzeler ME 880). Somehow the ride on the ply tires was stiffer and cornering was sturdier, if that would describe it. On radials it feels like the bike is floating, much softer. Honestly, as much as I wanted the radials, I kind of like the feel of the bias-ply tires better. I felt more confident on them. I guess I am just still not used to radials. I am mentioning it in connection to my other question about tires for the KZ1300 and my dilemma - radials or bias-ply. I am leaning towards installing bias-ply.