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Not to mention Kawasaki KZ 750, Yamaha TX 650, Suzukis 650 Parallel twin (forgot the nomenclature) which was actually a pretty nice bike.

Ahh I remembered Suzuki GR 650.

And Yamaha’s was a 750 and not a 650 as I mistyped above

I saw a likeness with the engine case of a Jawa CZ.

My wife and I have matching CB1100’s. Their weight is low in the frame and combined with a low seat height, does not feel heavy even at a stop. One of the easiest, most pleasant bikes to ride I’ve owned in 50 years. I like these new RE’s and might to ad one to the garage.

They are attractive bikes. Honestly, though, I’d have a hard time paying $6000 for one based on what I’ve seen from REs in the past. Hopefully riding and seeing these new 650s in person will change my mind.

A green day for Kawi.

Ugly exhaust on a bike like this is probably part of their business model. What do you suppose is the percentage of Harley buyers who get sold on upgrading their pipes before even taking delivery? 80%? 90%?

Ditto for rear fender “eliminators” on supersport bikes.

A couple more interesting things I noticed. Rear suspension is attached to the swingarm without any linkage that I can see and red-line is 8,000 rpm.

1st. An awesome job translating the prototype to production.

Like many others, I don’t like the exhaust. So what. The aftermarket will address that.

The one complaint I have is the 60” wheelbase. I’d much prefer a 55” bike for this style.

This is a good looking, modern, cheap, nice bike and built for fun for people who have money for fun. Some very smart people in England and India added their many nice touches to a solid bike.

I do admit RE has a problem selling when the nearest dealer to me in “high net worth Boston” is in another state. Two in Connecticut and none in Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Maine, NH or Vermont. Will a youngster choose this over a Ninja 400? Dunno. But not anywhere near Boston. They need more dealers in USA which is a small market to start with.

It does not compete with Honda CB1100. Maybe RE will try that but that is a long way out.

Hmmm.. RE Black Shadow?

Looks like Sachs suspension? Nice! Very interesting bike overall. The silly-small gas tank will definitely dissuade some people from buying it though.

Well, it’s not what I expected. I’m sure the motor/trans are engineering marvels. I like the front brakes. It’s pretty damned ugly. Not for me. Over and out.

I kinda doubt that a bike based on a dirt tracker is intended for touring. Yes the tank is small, but probably good for up to 120 miles, enough for a good deal of fun riding. Not so sure why this Indian agitated you so much. Not all bikes are for all people.

There was a TX650 and TX750, so you’re right either way, but how could any discussion about parallel twins not bear mention of the ever popular Horex? lol!

Absolutely vicious-looking bike with a lot of power; damn, I wish I was a lot younger.

I often think that when I ride my Africa Twin – how awesome that engine would be in a roadster. I figured that they were waiting for sales to slow down on the AT first but it really feels inevitable.

Just a little more windshield or upper fairing would make it look more balanced I think.. It is an odd combo of retro and futuristic, but I think I like it.. The original Katana was a real funky monkey in its day.
big power and standard riding position get my vote, but it could use a more realistic rear section for passenger seating. And please let there be at least 5 gallons of dino juice in side all that bulk!! This thing is begging or a road trip, not a poker run of gas stations…