I need serious help!

I'm thinking about moving to the dark side......selling my KZ and buying a Harley.  I know I will be sick if I do it, but I'm wondering if now is finally the time.  Who here has done it?  This was prompted by getting an invite to ride to Sturgis next year....I've never been.  These guys all ride full dressed Harleys.  I don't think they'd be too happy stopping every 90 miles so I can fill up my baby tank.  What's my KZ worth?  I have about $5k in cash to spend.  I could buy an older HD for $5k or sell my KZ and up what I can spend.  Dumb idea?  I still love riding the KZ and I've been saying all year that my KZ has never looked or run this good ever in the 30 years I've owned it.  Long rides are very tiring.  I am not even sure I could make the 1600+ mile ride to Strugis on the KZ.  Options? For $5k I can probably get a sportster 1200 or vrod, maybe an older road king.  I am only 5'7" so a smaller bike doesn't bother me, but a slow one sure would!

Stop !!!!
 Hand in your Kaw man card  , and get drunk ...
All kidding aside  a KZ is rough for a trip like that.
A used  Elecrtaglide would be way better for touring / long distance  riding 
 Sportsters can be rough too , but if you can try one  it would be wise  to try first. 
I was spoiled having both  a HD Glide and my Kaw LTD so didnt have to choose.
A 2003 or so HD would be in your price range without selling the Kaw
Things to check are the  cam chain  guides are plastic and wear out 
 Make sure that has been done as that is the biggest failure point in a twin cam HD model
Good Luck
Dave
This was my HD

For long distance riding I have a 94' Kawasaki ZG 1000 Concours. The best ones are 94' to 05', they were built to run. It will run circles around the Harley's and with the 7.5 gallon gas tank you'll be waiting on them to fuel up. I bought mine for $1800 with 24k miles on it. You can get a nice one for less than $5000. In 2019 I rode mine to Deadwood SD in two days from western Washington. The best part is that you can keep your KZ!

I should have put in my original post that I have also looked at concours.  Those look quick and comfortable.

BMW  is a good choice as well   and can be had  cheap

I've had my Concours since 2017. Sounds like you are a little guy like me. The stock seat is comfortable and with a 30" inseam and my boots on I can flatfoot it. They are a little top heavy with the tank full but once rolling the weight disappears and the bike thinks it's a Ninja.
The bikes can be had for between $2000 and $3000 for a nice one. Try to buy one from a COG(Concours Owners Group) member, they know all the good mods. I've replaced fork springs, added a fork brace, installed a ZZR 1200 rear shock, a Clearview windscreen with a Goldwing vent and the best mod was a set of Shouldabeen Eng. torque cams.
It will run circles around Harleys and Goldwings.
Another great sport touring bike is an FJR, my buddy got his 04' FJR for $4000.

Mr The Trout,
Nothing wrong with having a couple bikes in your garage!  Keep the KZ they are not making anymore of them.
There are deals to be had out there for Harleys, Councourses or whatever else suits your fancy.  
Come to Michigan on the 28th and we will convince you!
Wheelhop

I took my ZRX1200 cross country with just a 52 liter top box. 10,700 miles in one trip. Piece of cake.
As long as you keep it under 85 mph indicated, wind is not a factor. Over that, it’s up to you. I rode 140 mph indicated across the Oklahoma Panhandle. Ok, I had a stiff neck the next day.

Another option is a ZZR1200. That one’s a real mile muncher still fast even by today’s standards.

blipco wrote:

I took my ZRX1200 cross country with just a 52 liter top box. 10,700 miles in one trip. Piece of cake.
As long as you keep it under 85 mph indicated, wind is not a factor. Over that, it’s up to you. I rode 140 mph indicated across the Oklahoma Panhandle. Ok, I had a stiff neck the next day.

Another option is a ZZR1200. That one’s a real mile muncher still fast even by today’s standards.

Good choices, I myself have been looking for a ZRX1100/1200 and you can get a nice one between 3 and 5K.

The ZRX1200 is preferable over the 1100 for several reasons but both are fine bikes. I just missed a low mile 1100 near me for something like $1000 bucks. A divorced woman was selling off her husbands stuff. It was gone almost immediately.

The ZRX 1100 handles better. 

However, if the HD folks are going to give you grief over riding a KZ, then all of the fine Japanese and European options mentioned above are not going to change that.

I vote for the FJR1300. See if the Harley guys can keep up with you. Im 5ft 6in at 148 lbs.I bought this baby(2013) for $7500 and have put on 45,000 miles since. You dont need the early for Sturgis

 

Keep the KZ you will regret it if you sell.I have kept most of my Z1 bikes