BIG VALUE MIDDLEWEIGHTS
• ‘Enough poke and spec for all levels of rider’ • Take advantage of great deals on Kawasaki’s parallel twin range in 2021
Offering outstanding performance in terms of friendly power delivery and responsive chassis compliance, Kawasaki’s venerable water-cooled, cassette gearbox equipped 650 parallel twin engine once again powers new iterations for 2021. But these bikes aren’t just aimed at new riders, with more than enough poise, poke, spec and composure to keep even the most seasoned rider grinning like Cheshire’s happiest cat.
Grab a new Versys 650
Equipped with distinctive long travel suspension, the new Versys 650 – available from February 2021 at £7549 – is ready to tackle the city, its suburbs and any distance demanded thanks to a confidence inspiring upright riding position and the ability to add clean-mount 56-litre panniers that utilise a single key operating the ignition, fuel cap and seat lock. The Versys 650 comes available as a standard model or in Tourer and Grand Tourer editions, with each level being fitted with a gradually increasing number of touring accessories.
The sharp, sporty image blends style with wind protection, aerodynamics and airflow management, while reduced vibration at the handlebar, seat and fuel tank significantly increases comfort for long journeys and wide handlebars offer effortless control.
Be a Ninja
The updated Ninja 650, available in showrooms from January 2021 at £7099, is comfortable attacking not simply corners but carving a niche for itself in the hearts of many sporting riders. The Ninja 650 comes with LED headlamps, a colour TFT dash and an assist-and-slip clutch. The Ninja’s narrow, lithe profile is an ideal confidence boost for newer riders while the angular cowling is great to tuck behind for more experienced types enjoying the full sporting potential of this midcapacity sportsbike.
A Bluetooth chip built into the TFT instrument panel enables riders to connect to their bike via the smartphone RIDEOLOGY app, while the redesigned windshield is now lower and flush-fit with the upper cowl, but is now set at a more upright angle to offer the rider decent wind protection.
Take the naked option
If you prefer your Ninja without its cloak, you need the naked Z650, available from January 2021 with prices starting at £6849. The Sugomi presence of the hard edged yet supremely rider friendly Z650 will be accentuated in 2021 with dual throttle valves, LED lighting and a trellis type tubular chassis echoing that of the mighty Z H2. Engine refinements contribute to cleaner emissions and increased mid-range torque, new tyres offer lighter handling, and a redesigned tandem seat offers increased passenger comfort.
A number of changes to the intake and exhaust system components were made to ensure that Euro5 emissions regulations are cleared, and offer an increase in mid-range torque while maintaining the power of the previous model. It’s available with the same smartphone connectivity as the Ninja 650, too.
The Kawasaki 650cc parallel twin range is available on a 6.3% APR Representative PCP K.Options finance agreement, it’s simple to apply and you can get a decision within minutes. Contact your local Kawasaki dealer for more information and to tailor your finance quote or visit www.kawasaki.co.uk
Or just relax a little…
If you want a slightly more laid-back ride, join the swelling ranks of riders who’ve already grabbed Kawasaki’s Vulcan S. The highly rated mid-weight cruiser combines modern technological convenience with custom styling. Flowing style with long-andlow stance and modern elements like the original headlamp and cast wheels with five-spoke pair design give the Vulcan S very non-traditional cruiser looks. Light handling combines with the comfortable, plush low seat and relaxed foot-forward riding position a slim and compact engine and frame design. And with prices starting at £6699 (available from April 2021), it’s superb value, too.
With several sections of Northern Ireland’s famous road race circuits along the way you’ll be spoilt for choice of where to ride. Our route heads out from Armoy, taking the B147 towards Ballintoy. Turn left when you reach the B67 and follow it all the way to the Coleraine bypass, where a short blast north to Portstewart and back will take in some of the NW200 circuit. Skirt Coleraine on the bypass then hang left onto the A29 for a run down to Cookstown. Continue along the A29 to Dungannon, before taking the left at the church and onto Killyman Road. Then it’s left towards Bush, after which you’ll want the right turn onto Tartlaghan Road follow it down to the A45 and onto the M1 heading towards Belfast. A quick hop to exit at J9 and join the A26 to Glenavy where the B38
leads to the Dundrod circuit. Take the left onto the B154 and B101 to join the A26 again towards Moira. A short detour on the B64 to visit Clough, then hop back on the A26 to finish up at the memorial gardens to the Dunlop Brothers in Ballymoney. It’s well worth a quick pit stop at Joey’s Bar, too – with lots of memorabilia on show.