Partially Nude Revue
PARTIALLY NUDE REVUE
THE SEMI-NAKED sportbike is alive and kicking in '07, highlighted by new bikes from Kawasaki, Suzuki and Yamaha.
Leading the way is Suzuki’s new $8299 Bandit 1250S, which replaces the 1200S that was discontinued after ’05.
The full-size bandito packs a new counterbalanced, 1254cc (79.0 x 64.0mm), liquidcooled, 16-valve inline-Four with Dual Throttle Valve fuelinjection. It features a compact, stacked-shaft six-speed transmission. All the requisite emissions bits help the engine meet Euro3 standards.
Larger-diameter frame downtubes beef up the chassis.
Both the 43mm fork and the single shock have provisions for preload adjustment, while seat height is adjustable by 0.8 of an inch.
Four-piston calipers squeeze 310mm discs up front, while a single-piston caliper and a 240mm disc handle the rear (ABS is an option). This torquey bad boy should prove to be all-around good fun.
On the subject of naughty bikes, Kawasaki has updated the Z1000 streetfighter, claiming more midrange power and torque to yank the rider out of corners. A new exhaust system ends with stylized megaphone-look canisters. Specs were not available at presstime, but the Z was already one of the most powerful bikes in its class.
The frame is new and features a horizontal cross support for added rigidity. Fourpiston radialmount calipers with wavestyle rotors front and rear are also new. Improvements to mass centralization and rider ergonomics were another focus. The seat is slimmer and the handlebar has been moved closer to the rider for a more compact and commanding riding position. Styling is chiseled, more aggressive and features front turnsignals integrated into the radiator shrouds.
Yamaha’s FZ6 is perfect for those seeking an affordable, midsize do-it-all sporty machine. Updated sharper styling, including new headlights and bodywork, keep it fresh and modern, while other changes enhance performance.
Getting most of the attention was the chassis; a new aluminum swingarm complements a redesigned fork that features improved damping and less stiction for better handling. Additionally, the little F-Zed sports improved four-piston monoblock calipers similar to those found on the current R1.
Many of the bike’s parts now exude better quality, like the painted (instead of color-injected) plastic, while the dash has been replaced by the same unit found on the FZ1. The makeover promises to keep the versatile FZ6 a middleweight favorite.
Blake Conner
