It eventually looked a bit brighter at going on for 2pm, so I thought I’d go for it even if I only got a short run. Not enough time to get out on both so I thought I’d have a first run on the ZX9R as needed to fill the tank up. Bit apprehensive as roads were still a bit damp and slippery with craters everywhere, (used to call them potholes, but way too big for that now!). First time on the bike and I’ve never had a proper ride on anything quite this quick before, (143bhp, 170mph plus), so took it really steady at first.
Things were made worse by the fact the gear lever is too low for me, was OK when I just sat on the bike in the garage, wearing trainers, but on the bike wearing nearly new SIDI boots that won't let me point my foot down as much, it’s very difficult to get it under the lever to change up, will sort later!
Shouldn’t have worried about the bike, instantly felt perfectly at home and very comfortable for a sports bike, it’s a big pussycat really. Well not exactly, but dead easy to ride, at the revs I was using, initially only up to about 7 or 8K. It pulls clean from not much above 2k and is a doddle to ride fairly slowly, (good old fashioned carbs perfectly set up!).
More comfortable than I expected, similar comfort to the Falco, with a bit more protection from the fairing, but has a lower screen so some buffeting around the helmet, (dark tint double bubble, shortly I think).
Bars are a fraction lower but a bit nearer. Also has a comfortable seat.
Low down kick of the Falco is not there at 4 or 5k, but this thing revs to 12,500 and probably doesn’t get on song until 8 or 9k, which was about as far as I got today.
First impressions are very favourable, nice easy ride at lowish revs, and anybody could ride it. Actually I reckon it’s easier to ride this way than the old CBR1000F which was pretty top heavy at slow manoeuvring speeds.
Will be very different when fully opened up, but that will have to wait for later, once roads are drier and gear selection is sorted.
Still can't get over the condition of it. Never really rated Kwack build anything more than average, but this thing is 7 1/2 years old with over 18K on the clock and there is hardly a mark on it.
So initial impressions are very good.
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