Well... you pretty much described me, I have always ridden Jap bikes and I do still have a beauty for touring, two up riding, (see picture below) but something has always been missing.
I needed that something with a unique look, great sound and most importantly, the power that would give me that kick in the pants I have long desired.
I will be 60 years old in two months and after lots of research and many visits to different dealers, I decided to give myself one hell of a birthday present, got myself a 1199 Panigale S Tricolore.
Just got it a week a go, picking it up I was as nervous as I was when picking up my very first street bike at the age of 16, a brand new 1974 Z1 900.
Pictures below show me at the dealer and riding it home, got only 30 miles on it but I am totally in love with it.
So my advice to you, follow you heart, your gut feeling, we are only here for a short period of time, make the most of it.
I would like to see a picture of that Z1 also!!!!!
Don't have any pictures of the Z1 unfortunately, I do however have a few pictures of the bike I bought next, two years later, a new 77 KZ 1000.
Pictures were taken around 1979 after many mods to the bike, including my own Candy Apple paint job (Matador Red) with matching helmets and gold leaf work through out.
My wife, two years after we met had her own helmet, she was 17 in this picture.
