KAWASAKI NINJA 400
THIS MONTH I HAVE MOSTLY BEEN… “Lapping up the last few miles.”
It’s a sad state of affairs when the clocks are rolled back and the summer sun becomes a distant memory – especially after the awesome weather we’ve had. Even so there’s no need to stick the bike away, and I’ve been out in the dark, dirty and downright disgusting to get my last few miles in before the little 400 goes back in just under a month’s time.
And much to my surprise, I’ve actually learnt a thing or two in the grim cold conditions – the main being I’ve found that those Dunlop Sportsmart TT tyres actually work some real wonders. Okay, they’re by no means anything other than a summer tyre in essence and aren’t the most accomplished through standing water, yet even so I’ve been surprised with how quickly they manage to muster up some temperature and how they actually give feedback – even when I can’t feel my fingers.
And then there’s the actual bike – ever since I’ve had the horn sorted, the Ninja has been absolute dream. I’ve left it for longer than I care to admit sitting in the garage, and regardless of this it instantly starts as if I’d never left, and with just a quick clean the finish still looks as good as new, which on a bike of this price is pretty damn good. Oh, and in this weather there’s a lot less worry about tapping the throttle on, as even when the climate isn’t ideal I’ve still found myself ringing its neck for longer… whereas given a ZX-10R, I don’t think I’d be so brave. Having an A2 bike isn’t so bad after all.
But then again, it’s not all gravy – I’ve been away on holiday lapping up some sunshine and spending the rest of the time working to get a few more miles in, so I haven’t actually had another go at getting the Rapid Bike on. Maybe I’m just being a ginormous tit, but I will sure as hell be giving the Easy version a go on whatever I end up on next year. Oh, and speaking off… who’s seen that new ZX-6R released in the green corner? Now that would make sense, wouldn’t it? Hint hint Kawasaki, you know it makes sense.