Happy New Year!

A Happy New Year to everyone. Here is hoping that this year will improve on last year and allow me to get out more for trips on the bike! As a new year surprise for those wanting the new Kawasaki ZX10R, Kawasaki UK have released a news item on their site which explains why the bike was 'recalled' before it was even released in many countries. It turns out the intake valve spring was surging under certain conditions. In this instance if you were running under high RPM on a race track.

Full story

Top speed run - ZX10R

Well, although not available in Europe yet, one lucky American has taken his new ZX10R and gone to see how fast he can go. Firstly not the most legal thing to do and secondly may not be the best way to run your brand new engine in! That said there are rumours that the recall of the bike by Kawasaki is due to "accelerated engine wear", so doing this probably is best left until you know the engine won't die quickly on you. Still, amazing to watch!

Source: MCN

Kawaksaki Z1000SX Review

Just how good or bad is the Z1000SX? Apparently quite good according to MCN. They also have a full review in this weeks paper too. So if, like me, you like the idea of a supersports but want a more upright riding position then this could be the bike for you.

Kawasaki Riders Club

So it seems that Kawasaki have launched a new club for Kwaker riders and fans. The cost is £20 a year and with that you get a number of offers for going to BSB and WSB. Also you can undisclosed discounts on official Kawasaki merchandise. Oh, and if you join before the end of the Motorcycle Live! you will be entered to win a track day in Spain. Lastly you get a magazine (called GO) twice a year.

Is it worth the £20 a year. Given the list of benefits maybe, especially if you like to go to the BSB rounds and want to go to the WSB at Silverstone. Still undecided if I want to join up though, have to ask some questions when I go to Motorcycle Live later this week.

Kawasaki Seminars

Well it seems the weather consipred against me. I wasn't going to risk having to come back in the rain. Not that I mind riding in the rain, but only when I have too. Not to mention I didn't know what the setup for the evening was. No schedule had been given out. Sorry Kawasaki!

Published with Blogger-droid v1.4.8

Kawasaki Seminars

Kawasaki are holding a seminar tomorrow evening and I have an invite. Hoping that I will be able to attend, although if the weather turns as bad as they say it will I may not be going! Not actually sure what it is all about so my curiosity is piqued. Fingers crossed I will find out.

On to ADT Kawasaki

So after calling George White to find out what was happening and not getting the promised return phone call, I am now going to be going to ADT Kawasaki in Southampton on Saturday for a test ride. Hopefully a report and pictures tomorrow.

ER-6F Movie

Kawasaki have updated their website pages to account for the new 2009 bikes. The ER-6F has had an overhaul on its pages an I found this video to advertise it. Anyone know where this is, I'd love to ride round there!!

There is also a PDF download for a factheet available too.

ER-6F Fan and colour options

OK I'll admit it, I do like the ER-6F and even more the new 2009 model. The only thing that I do wish is that it would be made in more colours. It seems that most motorbike manufactures are scared of colour. I don't mind the green and blue that the ER-6F seems to be coming in, but what about a sexy black or post box red?

Playing around on the computer I have manipulated the image of the bike to give a feel for the other colours I feel should be made available on the bike.













That said it is easy enough to have it resprayed but why should we have to pay the extra money when it wouldn't cost much (anything?) more to supply them out of the box like it.

New Kawasaki Models for 2009

Since getting into biking and going to the MCN show in ExCeL back at the beginning of the year, I have always loved the ER-6F. It has been at the forefront of the selection of bikes that I am deciding between for when my restricted period on the license runs out next year. My only reservation of it has been the styling. Compared to many of the other bikes out there, it always had a somewhat "passive" styling, not any more! The new 2009 model looks fantastically aggressive. Kawasaki Press Release:

20/09/2008
2009 KAWASAKI ER-6f

SPORTIER PERFORMANCE PLUS NEW NINJA LOOKS.

Building on the key values of its highly acclaimed predecessor, the new ER-6f continues to offer a package that is both fun and easy to ride, and matches its sporty street performance with aggressive new Ninja supersport styling.

KEY FEATURES

COMPACT, QUICK-REVVING ENGINE

The balance of compact size and good power offered by the ER-6f's predecessor was the key to its success. To fit into its trim package, an in-line four would have been too wide and a V-Twin too long. The only engine design that offered both good power characteristics and the requisite compactness was a Parallel Twin. While maintaining this balance, the new engine gets a number of tweaks that offer smoother low-mid response and a quicker-revving character.

LIGHT-HANDLING CHASSIS

The key to the ER-6f's compact size is its amazingly compact Parallel Twin engine, which permits the use of a narrow, lightweight frame. The result is a bike with the dimensions of a 400 and the power of a 650 that welcomes beginners with a "Come on, let's go for a ride!" attitude, while also offering plenty of performance for more experienced riders. Changes to the frame, swinging arm and suspension result in reduced vibration and lighter handling, making the new ER-6f more accessible than ever.

SLEEK, SUPERSPORT STYLING

Styling inspired by our Ninja supersport models gives the front fairing of the ER-6f the look of a modern supersport machine. Sharp edged lines move forward, giving the bike a more aggressive, crouching appearance. Simple in design, the ER-6f avoids all superfluous design flourishes; lines were made to flow as long as possible. The new, taller fuel tank, minimalist-design bodywork and sharp tail cowl give the bike a compact, purposeful appearance. Attention to the smallest detail contributes to the new bike's high-quality finish and undoubted appeal.

So what is different, well from the pictures the styling is much more in line with the Ninja brand providing a more aggressive and angular style. Gone are the soft rounded corners, in are the sharp lines. Still retained is the under slung exhaust, but now the rear end sports a very tidy set of LEDs for the side/brake light, as very much in vogue at the moment. The dash seems to have had a major uplift, gone are the two analogue dials and in is a LCD pod.

Here is a little montage for use as a desktop wallpaper.