Posted on 3rd Feb 2011 @ 2:40 PM

The year has certainly started with a BANG! In recent weeks we’ve seen the revolutionary Kawasaki ZX-10R, the evolutionary Triumph Speed Triple, and the big brother Aprilia Dorsoduro 1200 released - and we have all three models available to test ride today. These areamongst a plethora of other new models such as the Aprilia Mana GT, Triumph Thunderbird Storm, Yamaha R15, Aprilia RSV4 Factory Alitalia, Kawasaki W800, Triumph Tiger 800 and more! If you’re in the market for a new bike, your decision just got a whole lot harder – in a good way. Here's a brief review of these new demo bikes:

Aprilia Dorsoduro 1200

Here’s why I’m excited about this model. It’s a beast, plain and simple. And yet it’s not a scary beast. Sit on it and you’ll notice the wide bars and forward seating position. The bike moves easily under you. And when it comes time to stop, the bike feels like it only weighs 100kg – there’s no front end dive when you hit the anchors hard and it stops on a dime. But this bike is all about the GO!

Surprisingly, the bike is very easy to ride slowly if traffic dictates. Even in “sport” mode, the most aggressive of the three engine modes, the fuel injection is smooth with no surging or flat spots. Here’s the best thing though. If you need to take off in a hurry, you needn’t worry about your clutch or throttle action. You can just dump the clutch and grab a wad of throttle, and you’ll be swiftly on your way. Did I say swiftly? Sorry, I meant insanely. I haven't had this much fun since riding the V-max!! It’s extremely quick, but more importantly it feels fast. I mention this because some bikes these days can be a little too smooth for their own good, and don’t always give you the grin factor when you twist the throttle.

The sound is superb from this v-twin. It’s deeper than its 750cc brother, and I can only imagine the possibilities an aftermarket set of pipes would bring. For me, this engine is hard to beat, and this chassis is too much fun. As with all Aprilias, they look fantastic but ride even better, which is why I encourage you to book a test ride and experience it for yourself.

Triumph Speed Triple

The production bike that started the streetfighter generation, the Speed Triple is all new for 2011 and is here to once again stomp on the competition. Aesthetically the changes are obvious, the controversial headlight change being the most significant. Whether you like it or not is purely subjective, but you can’t deny the handling improvements.

As soon as you hit some corners, you’ll immediately notice how solid the bike feels mid-corner. Sure it’s lighter than last year, but it’s also more planted if the corner gets bumpy. The changes aren’t as noticeable in the engine department, but given the 1050cc engine was so good since its inception, you can see why little needed to be.

Another thing you’ll appreciate with Triumph is the attention to detail and the standard inclusions. You won’t feel like you need to budget for accessories right away with standard features like braided brake lines, oversized bars, fully adjustable suspension and super sticky standard tyres. But if you want to customise it, Triumph have you covered too. If you own a current Speed Triple, I urge you to pop in and take our demo for a run. If you don’t own a Speed Triple, you’ve got even more reason to come in and experience riding nirvana.

Kawasaki ZX-10R

This bike needs no introduction. It’s a 200hp (209hp with ram air!) dynamo. Kawasaki knew they faced some stiff competition with the ever popular CBR1000, the cross-plane R1 and the perennial GSXR1000. Not only that, but the BMW s1000rr, Aprilia RSV4 and Ducati 1198 all represent better value than in the past, closing the price gap between Japanese and European models.

Kawasaki have certainly met the challenge with this edition. The list of features include an all new engine, redesigned bodywork, horizontal linkage rear suspension, aluminium swingarm, traction control, selectable power mode (the middle mode is actually variable!), ABS, Ohlins steering damper, a feature-rich dashboard and so much more.

Two things really appeal to me on the road. Firstly the fact that the engine hits nice and early at 3,500rpm. You ride the torque wave through to 7,000rpm and are rewarded with a second wind as it hits hypermode. Then you shift and do it all again. The power really does start more strongly, and a lot earlier than I expected, and the bike handles it so well. You never feel like you’ve over-stepped the mark. They’ve also set the steering damper up perfectly so if you’re on it out of a corner, it will allow a bit of freeplay before it comes in and pulls you back in line, i.e. it’s not overly restrictive.

The second thing I really appreciate with this bike is the ergonomics. It’s sporting adjustable footpegs (albeit 2-position), and in the lower position I found it far more open and comfortable than the 2010, and now in the same league as the R1 for riding position (seeing as I’m 185cm). The bike can run hot as all sports bikes do in the warmer weather, but you notice that there's no 'hot spot' with the ZX-10 - it's well distributed so you don't end up with a particular scorched body part! I feared the worst with the digital tachometer, but it's well lit in this incarnation, and I had no issues recognising the revs quickly. The entire dash looks very neat and modern, and the mode controls are easy to navigate. 

Our demonstrator model is eagerly awaiting your booking to test ride it, so don't leave her hanging. Book now! - Cameron Pope.