Refined, relentlessly fast and stable and once moving it doesn't actually feel *that* intimidating (Though my knees were clamped hard to the tank quite a lot).

I did like seeing all the ice cream cones (not entirely sure what they are but that's what they looked like) appear on the boost gauge a bit like some sort of "power up" on Mario Kart on the playstation.

My one real criticism (apart from my not being able to afford one), is that the part-throttle fuelling isn't quite right, so a very slight throttle movement as happens when adjusting position on the seat or going over a bump in the road causes a disproportionate effect from the engine. I felt quite comfortable with the throttle pinned to the stop as I wanted get up and go, but I felt very nervous at low speed - pulling out of junctions etc - when I would have preferred a little more restraint. Frustrating that I was worried about crashing it at low speed but not at high speed.

Not a bad effort from Kawasaki though. 10/11.
 

Quick though? 250bhp arent they? Id imagine its ballistic?

I know what you mean with fuelling. More bikes than youd think suffer with bad fuelling at low speeds.

Vfr isnt exactly spot on, by a long shot

If it wasnt for the brilliant responsiveness you get from Fi, id say stick to the carbs! Aha

Quick though? 250bhp arent they? Id imagine its ballistic?

I know what you mean with fuelling. More bikes than youd think suffer with bad fuelling at low speeds.

Vfr isnt exactly spot on, by a long shot

If it wasnt for the brilliant responsiveness you get from Fi, id say stick to the carbs! Aha

 

Road one is a mere 200bhp, but that's sufficient.

 

It is indeed quite quick.

Road one is a mere 200bhp, but that's sufficient.

It is indeed quite quick.

Oh.

I thought the road one was 250 and race one 300? I dno where i got that one from then...

Its similar to an s1000rr then?

Oh.

I thought the road one was 250 and race one 300? I dno where i got that one from then...

Its similar to an s1000rr then?

 

Road 200 (claimed) and race 300 (claimed) though the Performance Bikes test suggests that the race once is definitely shy of that, and both are restricted (to 205 mph or so)

 

In terms of straight figures, it's similar to the s1000rr, but due to the supercharger it has a hell of a lot of low end grunt; a real shove in the kidneys from tick over upwards.

 

Having tried the R1200R this week (and loved it - loads of grunt but in an accessible package) I'm keen to try the S1000R. My aged and distressed body wouldn't fit an S1000RR for more than a few minutes unfortunately

What did it feel light weight and balance wise? I have it in my head that it must feel like a 600/750 in the weight department? 

What did it feel light weight and balance wise? I have it in my head that it must feel like a 600/750 in the weight department? 

 

More 1000cc+ as it's quite long and it's no lightweight.

 

Definitely longer and heavier than a 10R which is my closest point of reference (I've not ridden a 600/750 for years and my 26 year old BMW 800 doesn't count)

I'm still to understand the fuss, my mates been banging on about them for ages, I think the hype of the 300bhp track version was ott and now when everyone realises they're just another 200bhp sports bike they feel a bit let down. 

Was this a shop demo or one of TOG/Champ's bikes?

Totally threw me: When I saw rode a H2 thought you had been out on a 750 kettle!

Didn't realise they have reused an old model name, just googled and the new one looks nice.

Was this a shop demo or one of TOG/Champ's bikes?

 

Champ's. I doubt there are any demos about. He seemed quite keen for me to ride it after my comments about the performance of the R1200R earlier this week.

 

SWMBO did note though that I was giggling like a naughty schoolgirl after riding my Hayabusa and also after the new BMW, but after the H2 I was fairly calm and matter of fact.

 

I'm seriously tempted by an R1200, but not really that fussed by the H2. Good thing really as I've not got £22k in need of a good home. That said, I've not got £12k spare either :-(

Totally threw me: When I saw rode a H2 thought you had been out on a 750 kettle!

Didn't realise they have reused an old model name, just googled and the new one looks nice.

 

Indeed, very different beast. Supercharged 1000cc 4-cylinder 4-stroke as opposed to to a 750cc 3-cylinder 2-stroke.

Yeah, it doesn't really seem like twice the bike compared to the R, plus the associated running costs.

That said, for the amount of use I'd make of any bike I couldn't justify spending anywhere near £12k. Too many things to occupy my time.

Wouldn't mind a go on one though, just to see what it's like.

Totally threw me: When I saw rode a H2 thought you had been out on a 750 kettle!

Didn't realise they have reused an old model name, just googled and the new one looks nice.

I thought exactly the same thing!

 

I guess both are/were 'widow makers' (or 'lone partner makers' in these PC times)!