I?ve got some really, really good news. I?ve been put in charge of a new Kawasaki ZX-10R. It?s a long-term test bike that we?ll have for the next 12 months or so, and we?ve got some big plans for it.

You can learn a lot about a motorcycle when you?re giving it the berries over the mountain section of the Isle of Man TT course. It certainly helps to jump from one model to the next; it means you can make direct comparisons.

But you don?t learn everything. There are certain characteristics and idiosyncrasies that you only notice when you live with a bike for a decent period of time. Like how often the standard chain needs adjusting, whether the pillion seat is comfy and how far you can get on a tank of fuel when you?re riding it ?normally?.
Oh and how easy it is to work on, too. And I do plan on finding that out. Because although the Kawasaki ZX-10R might, in its standard trim, be perfect for some, it?s not quite perfect for me. Don?t get me wrong, it?s very, very good, but not perfect. What it is, is a very good starting point, and one that I think we can make perfect.

I absolutely love the engine and the chassis. That said, there are a few bits and pieces I know we can improve on. I wasn?t impressed with the ABS when I went on the launch of the ZX-10R earlier on in the year; that?ll be one of the first things I want to tackle. And the riding position (legs-wise) is a tiny bit cramped, so I think I?ll try and find some adjustable rear-sets to remedy that.

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