Haga completes Kawasaki shakedown at Snetterton

Nori Haga has completed his first test ride of the Rapid Solicitors Kawasaki at Snetterton ahead of stepping in to replace the injured Keith Farmer at Assen this weekend.

The former World Superbike runner up completed dozens of laps at the Norfolk circuit alongside new teammate Shakey Byrne as he got the bike dialled in for the MCE BSB Showdown.

After working initially on setting up the bike to suit his riding position, Haga told MCN that he was surprised at how quickly he adopted to the ZX-10R, claiming that the base settings developed by the team earlier in the season allowed him to speedily work towards a fast setting.

“Yesterday was my first time riding a Kawasaki, and i immediately got a good feeling, because of the good package the team already have with the bike. First I fixed the position to what I liked, but then worked on the settings, making some minor suspension adjustments.”

“We will have to change some more things for here at Assen, but first impressions of the bike were very nice. The team have a good base, and it will only take small adjustments. I have no bad feelings so far, which is nice, and when the bike is good, I go well at Assen!”

Haga was keen to stress his role to support Shane Byrne’s efforts to take a record fourth title, saying that although Byrne was a strong rider, there was still places where he could help.

“Shakey is a very strong rider with good experience, so I don’t think he needs any support from me, but if there’s just a little bit where I can help him out it will be good.”