and I think the 43mm inverted forks used a
lot of their alleged travel, doing so without
deviation. At the rear the 190/50-17in tyre
looks big, but again, is totally confidence-
inspiring in the corners. Under hard braking
the grip and hold of the bike was excellent.
On several occasions I set off for a short trip,
but ended up heading off for a few more k’s
just to ‘put a bit more time on the clock’. It’s a
friendly, powerful motorcycle, but – and it’s a
little but – maybe for the rebirth of an ‘icon’,
it’s just a trifle too polite.
Of course it may be that given a dry day and
a lot more ‘attitude’ from the rider I could
have scared up some thrills. But generally
it felt like it was getting good pass marks,
rather than upping the game itself. Is that
enough? Maybe.
I mean, hell, bikes are generally very good
these days, so I may be nitpicking, but in
riding, it was a solid 10, yes, but it wasn’t a
Spinal Tap 11.
The original Katana, I believe, was.
THE DETAILS
To the front, the TFT screen dashboard
is black and white, and offers the usual
readouts for speedo, tacho, odometer, trip
meters, gear position indicator, fuel range,
average fuel consumption, immediate fuel
use, clock, and traction control in three
setting levels, plus off. In light of recent litre
bikes delivery, the lack of a colour TFT was
noticeable – plus the layout is a little cluttered
and unclear to the eye when riding, so that
could do with a second look, in my opinion.
A slipper clutch makes downshifting smooth
and easy, and in the wet conditions that I
experienced every day while aboard, made
cornering and changes deft and sweet. Top
speed is said to be around 235km/h and
stopping is aided by twin 310mm discs with
four piston radial monobloc calipers up
front. The wheels are cast aluminium with six
spokes. Cornering is a delightful experience,
even considering the wetness and the usual
debris of stormy weather on Auckland’s late
winter roads. The stylish tank holds twelve
litres of fuel and that’s enough to enjoy a
good couple of hundred kilometres before
fuelling stops.
44 KIWI RIDER
Cornering is a delightful
experience, even considering
the wetness and the usual
debris of stormy weather on
Auckland’s late winter roads