Mom wants a bike so I was thinking of handing her my CX500 and picking up this KZ1100 up he road from me.  I love my CX except for the fact that it's shaft drive...when it was made going 55mph was the legal limit so it's not geared for modern trafficking.  Riding the CX at 70mph is like riding my TL at 70 in 1st gear.  It'd be good for what I mother needs at the moment, though.

i know the KZ will be a bit more tuned to the highway but it was made in the same era.  I just want something that's going to be a bit smoother at cruising speeds and can dash into the triples when conditions permit.  I figure if the bike will top 150-160mph (or at least geared to that) then cruising along 70 in high gear will be perfect.

perhaps but spare parts might be an issue. i know they are with my soon to be ex kz400