Kawasaki Z900RS review - best retro motorcycle? Part 1
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- Опубликовано: 15 фев 2023
- Taking the Kawasaki Z900RS for a review ride to Fitzroy Falls via Cambewarra and Barrengarry Mountains to showcase the perfect roads for this classic Z1 inspired motorcycle. I explain why I think this is the best retro bike on the market today. Part 2of this review will be posted within 48 hours.
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Would’ve been nice to hear the engine above 3000rpm!
Now it is run in there will be some more higher revving videos
Loving the sound of that beautiful four cylinder engine
Yes perfect powered harmony :>)
Had a killer deal on another colour at my local dealer... but what can I say? the green and gold is indeed the most beautiful choice.
Couldn't agree more
I do like my 2022 Candytone blue , it’s all good
I got my Learners Permit (in Sydney- 1975) on a Honda 750 Four. I was watched outside the Registry Office and needed to show that i could do a u-turn with feet up. Also had to go round the block using indicators, mirrors etc while tester watched.. so easy back then!
... lol ... sounds like you had the same experience as I. The Police seargant I dad didn't pass me the first time because I put my foot down at the intersection while stopping to wait for a big line of traffic. Would have had to had the balance or a tight rope walker to pass. The second time I want back there was no traffic so no issue.
Ah! Memories. For me 1968. A country town of Leeton NSW. The old sergeant stood on the kerb and said " Son, ride up to the corner and come back. I had my Bridgestone GTR 350 and away i went. I am 73 now and still ride a CBR Fireblade and KTM 1290 SAR
cheers.
Riding responsibly on a 900RS be like…thanks for the vid, the green n gold looks bloody amazing!
To think that this thing moves from 0-100 in 3 seconds flat.
It's a great bike to ride slow or fast :>)
What a superlative review!
Mighty fine job you did there sir. 👏 👏 👏
Absolutely concur with your every observation, thought & descriptive(s) of the bike, the sensations & feelings. In fact it's like you were reading my mind - I have the same model in the same colour scheme, so to all you said I say ditto that....
Cheers & thanks for the best review I've seen on the Z900rs.
Thanks Dave ... great bike isn't it ... and thank you so much for the encouragement
G'day from Nth Queensland brother. I have just discovered your channel and honestly, its exactly the type of bike videos that I thoroughly enjoy. Just being along for the ride while you chat away about your early years, bikes you have been drawn to, and most importantly, the feeling of utter peace and relaxation that the bike affords you. I started riding legally in '75 and my second new road bike was a cb750kz? Same as what the cops had ridden earlier before changing to another model. I've owned a whole range of different bikes for the last 47 years, and no matter what style of bike it was, I always loved riding it. Currently have a 2017 fjr1300 as my ride, but as I have had to retire permanently due to medical reasons (veteran), my riding days are very limited in both distance and time in the saddle. Love the fjr1300, wonderful machine to ride, but the weight has become an important factor and I'm seriously looking at down sizing. The Trumpy T120 and the Kwaka Z900rs are the main contenders at this stage. Love the colour of your bike, and if I choose the Z9, I would get the same colour. Look forward to viewing your other videos mate, and consider me subscibed. Stay safe, and have fun.
Thanks Andy, Really appreciate the positive feedback. Am planning to ride as much as I can now I have more time to do that and take anyone interested along with me. It's good to know I have viewers at a similar stage of life as me out there. Good luck with whatever you decide re an RS or a Bonny. You can't got wrong with either choice. I'm considering adding a Bonny to the stable too or a Yamaha XSR 900.
Sweet!!@@motorcyclingdownunder
Thanks for the review, pretty accurate from my four years experience of the bike. It is a good bike. The throttle is easily fixed with an engine flash, while the fast idle is not necessary and can be fixed by rolling back the stop under the tank on the LH side (shop won't touch it though as they worry about warranty). You are right about it being best suited to mountain twisties, with lots of torque and the wind exposure not being an issue at those sort of speeds. Cheers.
Thanks ... great insight
Can’t agree with you more…the root beer is attractive, the new blue is eye-catching, but that green is the best color the bike has had.
It's great Kawasaki has been willing to recreate the same colour ways the early models came in
I agree. The one I had in the late 70s was Green and can’t remember the other Color. It seems like all the Kawasakis were Green back then.
@@joeybobbie1 yeh Kawasaki still love their green colour schemes ... looking at acquiring a light dual sport at the moment and the KLX's only seem to come in green :>)
I think if you really really want extra retro vibes..go with the root beer
Just wish they'd do one in the ZRX1100 green.
I have the red one. Love it. Can't wait for it to warm up so i can ride it. Its below freezing where i live.
I love how the first model in the jaffa and brown colour in 2018 had the pinstriping come around and form a Z just above the petrol cap on the fuel tank. Nice touch from Kawasaki. Hope the weather gets warmer for you soon so you can ride that wonderful machine. I'm fortunate I live in an area where I can ride all year round so can't imagine not being able to ride at all.
Such a beautiful bike. I love the Z900RS. I have a W800. Kawasaki fit and finish is fantastic. And love that positive neutral. Cheers from NYC USA.
I love the look of the W800
Beautiful day on Cambewarra Mountain into Kangaroo Valley with almost no traffic in front of you... tempting, very tempting. 🙂
Yes a very tempting road :>)
I love mine. Great review! We always look for others to appreciate what we have. That bridge at 30:03 is to die for. Mine does not overheat as I live in Texas and do not trundle around at 3000 rpm in 6th. I am usually riding around much harder and still no overheat problems. Folks have not learned how to use the digital gauge in combination with the red warning light to detect overheat. Rock On Dude!
Thanks Rock On Dude. No I have never had a heating issue either. But I could imagine if you did a lot of stop and start city riding the temperature would climb. I think Kawasaki are aware of that and have addressed it and the throttle.
I live in Texas as well and ride my stock z900rs year round, including in 110+ weather.
Never had any overheating issues. Stock.
I see no reason to reflash the ECU unless you are racing the bike (and likely kill the lifespan of the bike).
@@beepbop6697 thanks I have had no overheating issues either
Love the review and adore your bike. Best wishes from Dublin, Ireland...
Thoroughly enjoyed both this video and part 2. Had I known that I was going to spend an hour and a half watching these 2, I would have fired me up some popcorn. I really like your riding style as that's exactly how I drive both a bike and a stick shift car - change early 'n often! I really never go anywhere near the red end of the RPM range. That's why l love the torque. I was on 2 deposit paid waiting lists for a Rebel 1100 manual, and they both kept being pushed back by Honda and eventually just cancelled, so I finally gave up on getting a Rebel, and just this week bought a 2023 z900rs cafe instead. it's actually used - bought by original owner on Feb 11, 2023. He brought it in for his 600 mile service, saw a VersysLT1000, and decided that he wanted that instead. So I got this (freshly serviced) z900rs cafe with 560 miles for US$9,999. So I was very amused that your other bike happens to be a Rebel 1100. Seeing as I can only have 1 bike, I think I'd go with the z900rs due to the higher seat if I had to choose. Thanks again for the videos - great scenery.
... lol ... yes they are very long ... thanks for making it all the way through :>)
and re the Rebel and the Z900RS they are both great bikes ... they both suit my riding style and I would say they are both similar but at the same time very different. I enjoy them equally but in different ways if that makes any sense. :>)
New subscriber here, love your story, still a learner but ended up looking to this 900RS😂
Thanks Lito ... you won't be disappointed if you do decide to go this way ... A QUALITY BIKE in every respect.
Hi from Texas. This brought back Memories from 1979 when I had a Z1 900. I loved that Bike but Sold it when I went into the Military. I had a Kerker Four into One Header, with the Baffle out. When I would see the Police I would Shift way up and stick my Boot into the end of the Header. That way I could go by with low RPM,s and it sounded kinda Quiet. I would love to have one of these New Ones. Kawasaki did a Great Job bringing these back out. My dream Bike back in the early 80,s was the Kawasaki 900 Eliminator with the huge back Tire. Thanks for the Video, New Subscriber.👍👍
Thank you ... so glad it brought back some great memories ... and hope you get to relive those dreams soon
Wonderful country, wonderful view and wonderful commentary! I have a 2018 retro Z and she is a real pisser as well. Thank you for sharing and best of luck!
Thanks Ben
The sweet sound of that i4!
Will be sad if they ever stop making inline fours ... concerning that all new mid size bikes seem to be going for twins now .. although Kawasaki is bringing out an inline four 400 which is good
I owned a 1976 KZ900 LTD back in 1978. Loved that bike. I wore a white Shoe full face helmet and road that bike everywhere.
Great memories I bet. One of the all time classic bikes.
Absolutely beautiful roads you have there.
Yes they are awesome :>)
I agree with you on the colour. That green is the best. Just wish they had used this green for the original z900rs cafe rather than that lime green they used. When looking at retro's I went with the speed twin. I just preferred the character of the Triumph twin. But I still want the z900rs at some point. Cheers from the east coast of Canada.
Thanks Jack great to get your feedback and option. We can't get the Cafe any more in Australia and when it was available it was only in the lime green colour.
I bought one of these on 1st launch purely on the fantastic looks, big downside back then was the borderline dangerous fast idle from cold, did they ever iron it out?
They've improved the snatchy throttle of 2018/19 with better mapping but I think the newer models still idle above 1500rpm when cold. I know mine does and then drops down to just under 1000rpms after a couple of minutes.
Wonderful video, Thanks so much!
Thank you, So pleased my videos are getting a few likes. Just experimenting with my content at this stage.
Hi there! What an excellent review on this beautiful bike. The best I have seen on the net! You are so lucky to live in Oz. I have been to your country 3 times, so beautiful! Enjoy the bike and good luck to you. Greetings from the Netherlands.
Thank you for the lovely words. Looking forward to visiting the Netherlands one day. Would love to ride something classic in that part of the world.
You are welcome. Hope you someday can ride and enjoy the scenery overhere. Greetings
@@reneroozendaal5493 thanks
Great video - thank you. You may have already answered this question but what are your thoughts on the Z900RS SE? Value for money? Colour scheme? Gold wheels? Ohlins shock & Brembo brakes? Does it all stack up against a standard model? Are the gold elements “over the top”?
Hi @MrSynchronise . The SE wasn't available in Australia in 2023 but will be in 2024 along the non-SE model in a blue colourway. I haven't seen one in real life but I like the colour and the gold wheels and I think you would definitely get what your pay for with the Brembo brakes and Ohlins rear shock. I don't ride very fast these days but if I did ride like I used to and wanted more suspension and brake performance I would definitely pay more for the SE. But for my laid back riding the it would probably be a waste of money. So it really comes down to how you ride.
PS - TMF has just taken delivery of a new SE and is planning a review of how it compares to the other Z900RS bikes he has ridden previously.
There are four perhaps four or five great looking classically styled bikes recently out there to me. Ducati had a silver GT a few years back, another I've owned for 7 years 2016 Thruxton R, another one I've had a 2020 BMW R9T/5 anniversaryedition, Kawasaki W800 and another one I'll probably buy tomorrow a Kawasaki Z900RS SE yellow ball.
Yes they all look great and the shaft driven V7 Special is another I've been looking at recently.
@@motorcyclingdownunderyes it is. I've got 2024 Z900RS SE Yellow Ball. I'm liking it better each ride I'm still breaking it in.
IT'S SO DREAMY 😏, Seriously I'm kinda in love.
I completely understand that feeling with this bike :>)
Back in the day everyone got rid of the2 in 1 and put a Kerker 4 in 1 for the Formula 1 sound.
epic sound
I remember as a kid seeing guys riding cb750's. Then along came the z900 and a lot of guys got wiped out on them. I think they got intoxicated with the power and it caught up with them. The same thing happens today. People ride on public roads like they are doing a track day
Yes I'm old enough to remember both bikes when they first came out but not being old enough to ride them. Which was probably a good thing considering the way I rode when I first got my licence.
Hello there great video.. when you say it doesn’t have riding mode, what you mean? I thought it comes with a wet option where traction control is switched for a more tamed ride.. is it the case?
It definitely has riding modes. OFF, 1, and 2. The mode labeled "2" is for the rain. For sure.
Great video and review!
I was initially looking to get a Moto Guzzi V7 but proving near impossible to get or test ride one in Melbourne.
I had initially ruled this out due to slightly higher seating position but resat on one day and think I was too quick to dismiss as seems very comfortable even not completely flat foot.
How do you think this would go in Sydney/Melbourne peak hour traffic? I predominately commute but also want something with a soul.
Cheers
They can get a little hot (radiator) when standing in traffic for long periods on hot days and the gearing isn't really ideal for freeways but on normal roads and traffic conditions they are fantastic. Some people change a sprocket to give them a longer top gear. :>)
Good luck with whatever you decide ... a V7 and Z900RS are both great bikes with lots of character and soul.
Great video ,the original z1 weighed 249 kg wet so this new one is much lighter. The south coast towns, and road are really something.
Thanks Paul
Great video, thank you
Thanks Graham
It is a great machine, will be my next bike!
Fantastic choice
😂 when you were overtaken by a hatchback I lol!
Thank you for the review, love the bike, agreed on being the best retro out there!
A few Triumph riders might disagree with me but from my perspective as someone who grew up on Japanese bikes the Z900RS is definitely the best
@@motorcyclingdownunder Them Brits and their bikes got their arses kicked by the Jap bikes back in the sixties/seventies, of course they are still bitter about it 😁
@@kwakithailand .. yeh, true ... but it is good seeing Triumph, BSA and Royal Enfield making a resurgence and it is good to see Kawasaki showing them what can be done :>)
@@motorcyclingdownunder
Yep, no doubt these new Triumphs are good bikes, mate 👍.
I would have one next to my Z900 RS in my garage, if an official dealer was as close as my Kwaki dealer 😊
@@kwakithailand I love their sound too ... very different to the Z900RS sound but equally satisfying
Such a great story
Thanks Stanley
What a fantastic video. I have to ask....... I owned a Z1B as a 23yo; I survived somehow; now I want another one but these RS models. Do they suit smaller riders? I'm 66yo, 5'7"/167cms, 65kgs. I forgot....... haven't ridden a bike in nearly 40yrs. Loved your video and the idle chat and the sound of the bike.
Hi Gary, I'm in my 60s as well and hadn't ridden much since my mid 20s until a few years ago. I'm between 5'10 and 5'11 (180cm) and can flat foot but at 5'7 you will probably be more on the balls of your feet. The weight is a little higher than many bikes because you do sit on the bike rather than in it but I'm sure you will be fine. The newer models in the last two years do have a smoother throttle than mine so that will help if you haven't ridden in a long time. I am sure you won't regret pulling the trigger. It brought back so many wonderful memories for me and took me back to my youth. Although I do ride far more sedately now .. which is probably a very good thing. :>)
@@motorcyclingdownunder thankyou very much. I only just saw the response now. Sedately is good. 😂
Thanks@@garyoneill8868
Always loved the sound of 4s got a gsx1400 but I do love the sound of the kawasaki I'd be so tempted if I could has t be that colour.
Hi Robert, yes they sound great. The 2023 colours are red and black. Last years bike was blue and yellow and the green and gold was the 2020/21 colour. During the first year of the RS in 2018/19 it was the original Jaffa and brown colour of the original 1972 model of the Z1.
What brand and model are the gloves; very impressive looking; same question about the jacket; writing from the States. Are they brands limited to Australia? Thank you in advance.
Gloves are Dririder which should be available in the USA and the ventilated jacket is an Ixon which I am sure is available in your country. I like the Dririders because they are easier than other gloves to put back on after you stop.
@@motorcyclingdownunder Thank you very much for your immediate reply; much appreciated.
@@mahasidha9 you're welcome
Great review, lovely looking bike. Just curious to know how tall you are and how you find the riding position? Cheers
Thanks Michael. I'm 181cms 5'11'' and find the riding position perfect. My feet are slightly back and I sit upright with a slight lean forward. It's a bike you sit on top of - not in .. and I can reach the ground with my feet flat.
@motorcyclingdownunder thank you! It should be alright for me at 6'2 then. I plan to try and get a test ride soon and hopefully will have one of my own soon. Cheers
@@m1cky6 fantastic - hope the test ride goes well and you get to enjoy many years of smooth four cyclinder road action :>)
It runs hot because it runs lean or no extra fuel in the cylinder for lubrication and cooling.
It's done for emitions control
Yeh definitely a challenge for manufacturers
The best motorbike in his class/type, sorry Triumph, Moto Guzzi, Royal Enfield, Norton but Im choosing Z900RS
Yes definitely the best modern retro :>)
41 minutes long. Part 1. Just getting started watching this but I already admire the ambition. Does YT need feature length bike reviews?? Dunno, maybe. 😉
Yes must admit I got carried away and lost track of time ... I think 12 to 20 minutes is definitely way better for RUclips
@@motorcyclingdownunder aww I watched (well mostly listened to) both parts to the end. I think there is a place for long form love letters to our bikes. I enjoyed it.
@@kleinbottled79 ... lol ... LOVE is definitely the right word :>)
Has its own look! All 600/1000 at 40yards look basically the same.
Bike should have cruise control. There's cope everywhere and it's so easy to go over the speed limit without even trying.
Yes it's very easy to go faster than you realise and then look down to see your actual speed
Yes yes, it is a dream bike, my dream bike too👊🏽😎🔥🔥🔥
Can't go wrong with a Z900RS :>)
@@motorcyclingdownunder i been rode several 600cc crotch rockets, too much plastic, at 55yrs old now, a z900rs could really restore my mojo👊🏽😎
@@dleebox2268 it definitely restored mine
@@dleebox2268it definetely restored mine :>)
h mae i had a 1977 kwaka 1000 maroon in colour. it was only 3yar old whe i got it . i paid $1800 for it. they had the twin shocks on the rear. they were incredibly fast back then.
Great memories I bet. I would love to get my hands on one of those.
Best looking bike since the gsx 1400
Does everyone in Australia have a pleasant disposition like you? If so I think Id like to visit.
... lol ... we are pretty chilled out and laid back down here :>)
@@motorcyclingdownunder How much torque does that have low down????? Tach is 2-3grand and you are in 4th and 5th gear and it's not snatchy or lugging along? My gawd! I may just have to go ride one of these. My 06 ZX10-R would need 2nd gear the entire way!
@@theaustralianconundrum the Z900RS has been tuned down compared to the Z900 and has more torque low down but less horse power. It is not as high revving as many inline fours and not as much at the top end as others. That is why I ride it more like a cruiser than any other four I've ridden.
U can put in a brighter brake light ,ecu flash ,Oxford or kaw heater grips , ice for raditor ,slider guards , and a big windshield for freeway if u can find one that u can clamp on make Shure u put tape before u put on the clamps so as to not mark it from the clamps for windshield🧝⚡🌴
Thanks Vincent, They are great suggestions. The one thing it doesn't need is an after market exhaust. I think that is the best sounding stock exhaust I've heard. :>)
@@motorcyclingdownunder I will remember that saving to get me a kaw 900 rs have a Harley but I love kaw alot more because they handle better faster ,lighter hold up super in the heat, and the features with lock gas cap ,bat under seat , and
Meny other things
@@vincentdavidson755 a Harley or a Yamaha XSR 900 will be the next addition to my garage ... still undecided which way to go. The XSR is not as retro as the RS but quite sporty and I don't yet have a triple cylinder bike but would really like one to complete my collection.
@@motorcyclingdownunder sounds great as for me give me the KAWASKI RS 900. 🧝⚡🌴🌴🏴☠️
@@vincentdavidson755 you won't be disappointed ... I'm never getting ride of mine
I’m a fan of debadging Kawasaki tank lettering
Never tried doing that. Would be interested to see what it looks like without.
Peak torque is at 7000 rpm.... Peak hp at 8600 rpm... you loved the power even though you were short-shifting it.
Why?
Because real wheel torque is 60 ft/lbs from 3000-8500 rpm (64 @ 7000) ... that is a broad powerband.
I want one...
Just need an ECU flash, evidently, if you want to smooth out the throttle response... several owners commented on other video reviews of this bike.
Nice bike.... Peace
Fair comment ... I'll post a ride showing better use of the powerband soon
@@motorcyclingdownunder
Not a criticisms. Just an observation. Love the torque band...
I have a growing infatuation with this bike...
Thanks for everything...
Thanks @@toddmichaels42 was definitely a fair comment. When I watched the video back I release I was concentrating on what I was trying to say too much and not riding very well or showing what the bike can do once you get into the torque and power band.
you made me laugh about when you see a bike in the bike shop. mate im about to do it again this why i try to keep out of the bike shops. i have a 1250 bandit now, a dr650 a drtz400e, and harley softail custom. i think im going to but a 2 stroke ktm 300 very soon,
.... lol ... yes Gary it is so hard not to act on impulse when you like something so much
Needs bar end mirrors to be perfect looking.
Good idea
Honda CB1100RS or EX is a nice retro motorbike.
I also really like the neo-retro look of the CB650R
@@motorcyclingdownunder So do I and cannot decide if I should buy the Honda CB650R or the Kawasaki Z900RS
@@johntheaccountant5594 I'm thinking about grabbing one as well before there are no more new four cyclinder mid-sized bikes made. The new Hornet is getting rave reviews but there are so many 270 degree crank twins on the market and very few inline fours in the 500 to 750cc range. Could be a good investment.
@@motorcyclingdownunder I am now looking at the Kawasaki Z900RS. That is getting great reviews.
@@johntheaccountant5594 you won't be disappointed ... its a fantastic bike :>)
I notice that you drive yours in much higher gears than I do mine. For example, you're going around twisted roads in 5th or even 6th gear. Your tach is often reading mostly 2,000 to 3,000 rpm. Of course you are free to drive the bike that way. Perhaps it is even better for the life of the engine. But of course the engine does not deliver anywhere near it real power capability at such low rpm. If you suddenly decided you wanted to accelerate you'd have to gear down, maybe even two gears. I drive mine with tach reading between 4,000 and 6,000 rpm. I find the bike to be much more responsive when driven in that manner. This is not a criticism of the way you drive. I just wondered why you do it. If you give me some good reasons, I may decide to do it also.
I don't always ride that way but if I'm in the mood to cruise I don't rev as highly ... just sit back and enjoy the scenery. I know the bike is far more capable than this and is equally enjoyable when I do ride more aggressively and work the engine a bit harder. Thanks for the feedback.
I would imagine trying to Record while your Riding, would automatically slow you down.
@@joeybobbie1 yeh I definitely don't ride as well when I'm talking while I record :>)
@@motorcyclingdownunder Thank you for your reply. Actually I'm not an aggressive rider. Indeed, I'm more motivated to achieve smooth operation at an rpm where the engine is most comfortable. The thing about this bike is that the engine is so powerful that it responds well even when it is almost lugging, as you demonstrated in this video. But that leaves me wondering, what rpm in general is the engine happiest? I will try driving it for a while in the range of 3,000 to 5,000 rpm instead of my usual 4,000 to 6,000.
@@pcastonguay I find it best in the 3000 to 6000 range - 4 to 6 it really pulls well when I do ride more aggressively but these days I generally prefer to cruise and this bike does that really well.
80!
C'mon man, the bike begs for higher RPM!
Beautiful machine, but I wish Kawasaki also did a 1200cc with round clocks but a little more modern with a very torque motor and very sporty and nimble chassis, a bit more sporty position, although not too much, it still has to be comfortable for a day riding, sometimes a too upright position gets tiresome at higher speeds. Honda has a 1300 cc retro (a bit) 😆but I don’t think they sell it abroad anymore, a problem with a lot of these naked bikes is it is all big eyes and transformers!!!! Why ? Are the designers kids, or are they on drugs?
A Kwaka inline 4 retro inspired 1200 ... that would be an interesting bike :>)
Speed twin 1200 might be as good looking.
Yes definitely a great looking bike too
タイガーカラー🩷
When you ride the original from 1973 you won't come back :-)
... lol ... I want both
@@motorcyclingdownunder Don't stress. I own an original 1973 Z 900 and It's absolutely awful to actually ride now after 4 decades of evolution. Mine just sits in our collection shed and occasionally we start it up for a party trick. They are worth a fortune but truly ghastly in 2023. LOL. Subscribed from SA!
Thanks @@theaustralianconundrum. Yes I've been looking at the prices of some of the older Z1s and CB750 Fours on Bikesales and other sites and anyone who has hung on to one of these bikes for a long time is sitting on a fantastic investment. The other interesting thing now is decade old Harleys are selling for more than new ones. Wonder what will happen in the next decade.
The RS 900 has nothing to do with the Z1, yes it's the same color & it's a Kawasaki, that's about it. The RS900 is a much better bike.
Yes I know it is a modern Z900 made to look retro by paying homage to a classic. And yes bikes have certainly come a long way in 50 years ... particularly engines, brakes and suspension. But I still would love to get my hands on one of the originals.