Neil Hodgson Rides the 2011 Kawasaki Motorcycles

Though some may say the new Ninja ZX-10R machine need no further awareness raised among two-wheeled enthusiasts, the 2011 superbike from Kawasaki has recently received an image boost from the fact that it was ridden by Neil Hodgson, the 2000 BSB and 2003 WSB Champion, in Spain.

Participating at the new Kawasaki product range launch at the Cartagena circuit, Hodgson acted as a guide and track tutor for a 35 strong contingent of key UK dealers. Needless to say, the former champ was left highly impressed by the bike.

“The main thing that jumped out at me was how light the new bike was to ride. You often hear riders say a new litre bike feels like a 600 well this one feels like a 250! The change of direction was amazing,” Hodgson said.

“The power feels much smoother especially off the bottom, there is no big hit to unsettle the bike, just a smooth increase of power which is the feel all riders look for - this was a big surprise as normally when a manufacturer increases power you can easily lose that smooth feel,” he added.

On the roads local to the circuit, the Burnley born Isle of Man resident also led familiarisation rides on both the new Z1000SX and the incoming Z750R.

“The majority of my road time was onboard the Z1000SX. I was surprised how nimble and planted it was yet it still managed that comfy long-distance feel. I’ve no idea how Kawasaki have managed this; it’s almost like two bikes in one,” Hodgson continued.

“The Z750 was fun to ride and plenty fast enough for me on the roads. I was impressed with the overall feel of the bike and I was taken by its aggressive, cool looks,” he concluded.