See that wasn't so bad was it? Now what did you see? Did you see a motorcyle that looks comfortable? One that would make a nice bike to ride to work? How about a bike that with a bigger screen and some bags would make a decent light duty sport touring rig? No? Well you should have. Look again and see if you don't see those things. 

Sure it isn't the hottest, newest, baddest bike to come from a manufacturer this year and no it won't embarrass your friends at the track.What's the point then, I hear many of you thinking. The point very simply is this; when it all is said and done, sometimes the best motorcycle for the job is the one that can do everything moderately well and not the one that excels at one thing. What you see here is what is known as a UJM (Universal Japanese Motorcycle). A bike that can be ridden to work, have bags slapped on it and go to the mountains, and run and gun with your friends on Sunday morning. The best part is, it does all that without making you want to look for the number to your chiropractor's office.

Here are some of the specs on the bike:

Engine: Four-stroke, liquid cooled, DOHC, four-valve per cylinder, parallel twin
Displacement: 649cc
Bore x stroke: 83.0 x 60.0mm
Compression ratio: 10.6:1
Maximum torque: 44.9 lb/ft @6,800 rpm
Cooling: Liquid
Fuel injection: Digital fuel injection with two 38mm Keihin throttle bodies
Ignition: Digital CDI
Transmission: Six-speed
Final drive: O-Ring chain
Frame: Semi-double cradle, high-tensile steel
Rake / trail: 25 degrees / 4.3 in.
Wheelbase: 55.7 in.
Front suspension / wheel travel: 41mm hydraulic telescopic fork with adjustable rebound and preload / 5.9 in.
Rear suspension / wheel travel: Single offset laydown shock with adjustable rebound and spring preload / 5.7 in.
Front tire: 120/70x17
Rear tire: 160/60x17
Front brake: Dual 300mm petal discs with two-piston caliper
Rear brake: Single 220mm petal disc with single-piston caliper
Overall length: 83.7 in.
Overall width: 33.1 in.
Overall height: 51.8 in.
Seat height: 33.1 in.
Dry weight: 399 lbs.
Fuel capacity: 5.0 gal.
Color: Passion Red
MSRP: $6,899
Warranty: 12 months

I'll tell you this; there isn't anything (well almost anything) more fun than watching the reaction of a sportbike rider when his mirror fills up with the image of a bike that should never be on their tail on any road. That my friends is good, clean, wholesome fun.

So here is a bike that looks odd (yet strangely attractive), is at a good price point, and should be pretty versatile. Sometimes, those are the best reasons to buy a bike.

If I convince Kawasaki to let me get my hands on one I'll do a more in depth write up for you.

Now if they could just do something about that headlight assembly:



















Kenn Stamp