I've been riding various bikes on and off for a long time. I'm a first time Connie owner. I bought a used 2012, absolutely cherry condition. As I found out from Kawasaki it is "Cherry Arabian Red", looks maroon to me. I had no idea how fast this thing is. Jet sled on wheels! It did take some "getting use to". Did I mention it is a very fast bike? I really love the bike. But it is kind of a love/hate relationship. I have never had to take so much of a bike apart to get to what you need to get to! Its like when your pulling off all that plastic I'm hating it. But as soon as I get on her and ride I'm loving it! I hope to put many, many more miles on her and have some long touring trips in the works as soon as get geared up! Glade to be a member! Ride on.