Take these babies for a spin around the block

DL1000 Suzuki

What a welcome update to the model that’s popular with commuters and tourers alike and does not shy away from the dusty stuff. Visually appealing and practical, the new instrument cluster is chock-a-block full of information all at a glance and includes a gear indicator, and an auxiliary power socket, very handy.

The wider-than-before screen is adjustable and does a fair job at low speeds, but I experienced wind buffeting at all the settings and an aftermarket deflector should be able to address this. The two-cylinder mill has a deep tone and delivers power at a steady, but lazier rate than expected.

The gearbox sounds clunky, but all changes were positive and precise with no false neutrals, slight vibration through the handlebars and foot pegs remind you that you are straddling a V-Twin with loads of torque; I found the seat very comfortable and could imagine myself aiming for the distant horizon for the long haul.

Suzuki has a very nice luggage system for the DL that consists of two side panniers and a top box, the crash bars and spotlights fitted to the model I tested look the business and add to the overall appeal of the bike.
It feels well planted in the twisty bits and stable at speed on the straights, while the position of the wide bars kept me upright with no tension in my back and shoulders.
This bike is well situated in the market and pricing is very competitive, a genuine alternative to the other brands that offer much of the same. Go and check it out at your Suzuki dealer.

Kawazaki 1000z

Picture this: a 13-year-old girl having her birthday party, all her friends are there. Her eight-year-old brother was told to keep out of sight, but he has other plans – a loaded water pistol. Point, squirt and giggle!

This bike is a loaded water pistol at your sister’s party, each corner is a opportunity to point, squirt and giggle. Predator meets Robocop with this styling – radical and eye-catching. You cannot just swing a leg over, you need to look at it from all angles until your mind can adjust to the sensory overload. Turn the key and the instrument panel lights up, well appointed with all the information clearly visible, a trick rev counter and bold digital speedometer.

I found the office end comfortable and the unobstructed view of the road made it easy to enjoy the agility of the machine, brakes, suspension, gearbox and a smooth eager engine. They all come together in perfect harmony to thrill and entertain. The absence of a screen to deflect the wind takes nothing away from the experience and keeps the speed in line with the size of your neck muscles.

There must be a good reason why the bike of the year is a naked one and the list of finalists is riddled with naked bikes, they must be doing something right. A gear indicator would be nice, but that’s my personal preference, other than that the bike offers all it promises and would bring joy to weekend warriors, track-day riders and commuters alike. But don’t take my word for it, contact your friendly dealer and book a test ride, you will be entertained!

Kawazaki ZX14R

My background is Blackbird and Hayabusa, slogging around Kayalami and Midvaal on track days, being blitzed by one-litre superbikes in the corners and hauling them back in on the straights, especially Midvaal’s long back straight, only to have to stand the bike on its nose to get the speed down at the end of the straight and be passed again in the corner, good times.

The ZX14R is a phenomenal hyper sport bike, but you all know that by now. What sets the latest model apart from its predecessors, is the Ohlins suspension. It is this bike’s party trick and elevates the handling and comfort to a higher level.

The 1441cc displacement mill delivers heart-stopping power that propels you forward with a relentless rush of power that just keeps on coming; the bike never feels out of sorts and handles the twisty bits with amazing agility. The Ohlins suspension has more settings than a new microwave oven and can produce the goods no matter what your preference, always feeling sure-footed and instillng confidence.

The electronics package is amazingly well suited to this bike and yes, you need traction control! Don’t be brave – this machine is not for the novice rider. The riding position is comfortable and does not put undue strain on your arms and shoulders at commuting speeds. The open road is the natural habitat of the ZX14R and it eats up the kilometres with ease and surprising agility for such a big bike. In my humble opinion, although I only spent a view days with the ZX14R and 200 odd kilometres, this is a bike that I could get into a serious long-term relationship with, racking up the kilometreat pace.

Kawazaki ZX14R – a life-changing experience, but don’t take my word for it, go and see your nearest dealer to book a test ride.