2001 Kawasaki ZX-6R

No wonder this bike is so popular. It really is a pocket rocket, with plenty of power to the pound. With a reasonably modern look, and an excellent front brake, what more do you need?

Well, many want a ride to work bike. This does the job is you potter around 4,000rpm. Some want a tourer. Well, this bike is fine as long as you don’t spend too long in those expanding speed restricted zones that tire your arms and shoulders, and as long as your backside can cope with a firm seat – nice on a lady but a pain in the butt on a bike.

Many bikers like others to hear them giving it some, throttle that is, as they trial various ear plugs to suit their replacement cans. I haven’t been tempted to go that route, but I do love the tunes you can play with intake trumpet.

My wife tells me the ZX is not a proper bike because, unlike the Norton Commando, she can’t hear when I’m on my way home to give her time to switch on the chip pan. This however can be positive advantage, for example, my wife doesn’t notice when I nip out to survey the local lanes to see if the corners are getting used to this bike, or when I glide past a policeman without him turning a hair.

That front brake is taking some getting used to though. It is so good, just how late do you leave your braking.

That braking point is so critical when pushing hard, and keeling the bike over with the front brake on might be ok for Rossi but not me. The rear brake on the other hand does seem to operate when the bike is on the stand but not when my right foot requests some action. At least it removes the worry of rear wheel lock ups, but it would be nice to feel some retardation when you want it.

Extras that would be really good are a rear hugger and a taller screen. Lots of bottom end power would be wonderful, but the extra weight and cost of a bike that delivers this seems too much of a handicap.