read more than I ’ d had chance to ride . A few days after receiving my new voluptuous friend , a test ride was in order . First thought was the bike looks great . Kawasaki has really focused its attention into developing bikes which look the part – a trend started by the 400 . LED lights . Yes please . Once you ’ ve had them , you won ’ t want to go without . They don ’ t just look fantastic , they are simply safer . That ’ s a big tick in my book . Another big yes was the factory exhaust placement . Call me pedantic , but I cannot stand the stock exhausts that seem to stick out like sore thumbs on almost every other model - thonk 636 , 400 , ZX-10R etc ). The can is almost bigger than the bike . On taking a seat upon my new stead , I noticed the key placement . Something very Z650 like , right smack dab at the top edge of the tank . Nope . Not for me . It may be my inner OCD , but I feel the key placement should be central to your grips through the bars . The all new 4.3-inch TFT display drew my attention . Now , I like the display on my Ninja 400 and ZX-6R – surprisingly , one key reason I went for the 636 – but this new display , is good . And I mean really good . It modernises the bike to a level above its competitors and gives you more of the information you ’ d generally look for on smaller displays , without needing to tap away at a little round button until you finally hit what you want . It also comes equipped with Kawasaki ’ s Rideology App , connected via Bluetooth . I didn ’ t spend too much time playing , but what I did see I liked . It reminds me of Audi or BMW ’ s Connected systems and having this level of usable technology on a bike is impressive . Time to ride . On taking off , I quickly realised I had forgotten one essential component to riding any bike – adjusting the levers . My first ride did become rather amusing with the inability to brake or change gears comfortably , but once I came to a stop and had this sorted , it was all go again . I will note , even after adjustment , I did struggle a little with the reach ( XS Ladies Gloves ). I hope with use , they will bed in a little , but just something to note . I didn ’ t find this issue with my 400 , even from new . Time to get her going . I gather most of the

72 KIWI RIDER