by Rossi » Tue Dec 07, 2004 11:45 pm
Simon's just got back from the launch of the new Kawasaki ZX-6R. As with Big Al's experience on the CBR600RR, Simon got wet as the rain hampered serious testing of the bike, but here's what he's got to say.
"Well, I've just about dried out now and it was such as shame not to get a shot on the new bike in the dry. Almeria is supposed to be a shoe-in for good weather at any time of the year - not while we were there. "Nevertheless, I got a decent taste for the 2005 machine. Kawasaki has made big advances in the motor, and it shows. The top end has been completely revised, not to mention elsewhere in the motor, and there's a definite kick to the new bike - not that the old one was lacking there.
Styling changes revolve around a new aerodynamic fairing and the underseat muffler, giving the ZX-6R a truly up to the minute look. Kawasaki claim that this is the most aerodynamic bike ever made. They've been helped by other elements of Kawasaki Heavy Industries (a company so big it's annual turnover is equivalent to Jamaica's GDP) so the sleek design is seriously slippy.
"The chassis is new too with a great looking swingarm and lightweight six-spoke wheels. But the new Showa forks are the biggest difference between the new and the old bike, offering great communication and grip on the wet Spanish roads."
I don't suffer from insanity; I enjoy every minute of it.