Kawasaki Z750R first impressions - 'no Street Triple'

MCN Senior Road Tester Michael Neeves is in southern Spain for the launch of Kawasaki’s new Z750R. 

• Find a Kawasaki Z750 for sale

The R model will run alongside the existing Z750 in its 2011 line-up and features higher spec chassis parts, comprising an alloy swing arm, uprated rear shock and forks, radially-mounted brake callipers and, for the first time on a Japanese mainstream production machine, braided steel brake hoses.

• Read the Kawasaki Z750 review

Here’s what he has to say:

“The engine is unchanged but the Z750R is 2kg lighter than the Z750 and costs £500 more, being tagged at £6995 (if you order before the January VAT increase) or £7100 after.

“Kawasaki admit it’s aimed at Triumph’s Street Triple R, which is quite an ambition. My first impressions are that the new Kawasaki is easy to ride and handles nicely – but it’s no Street Triple as it lacks the Triumph’s grunt out of corners and is a little heavier. But overall, for an entry level sports naked, the 750R is still very good.”

More in next week’s Motorcycle News, on sale Wednesday 15 December 2010.