Kawasaki

The Kawasaki ZX-10R (2004) has an identity and rabid character all of its own. It’s raw, aggressive, has an awesome slipper clutch and faultless handling.

In standard form it’s a slower and more expensive version of the R, with the race kit it gets more interesting and with a load of investment in the engine could become an utter tool. A 600 for serious racers with deep pockets only

The Z750 is another solid Kawasaki. A screen will improve its motorway ability but it looks good, goes well and is a lot of fun to ride

Overlooked by fashion, out-classed on the racetrack, is there any point in a modern day 750? Wozza and co thrash the cream of the crop to find out

Uncertainty soon turns to attraction as the big Zed wins over Bert

Slick styling, a strong motor and chassis tweaks put the ZX-6R right back up there. Big bore motor may be cheating, but who cares when it's this much fun?

A big, manly bike for big, manly men

A lovely 'little' cruiser, so long as you don't mind working the engine a little more than you might expect from this type of bike

The Kawasaki ZX-9R didn't survive this long term test in the hands of Shippey

Make it bigger and better is the order of pedigree. In 2001 Kawasaki, despite the fact that their bike was probably the oldest on the grid, won the World Supersport Championship - as vindications go, it doesn't get much better than that really!

It’s a bit of a one-trick pony – go a very long way, very fast and it’ll be ideal. Deal with day-to-day practicalities and the competition will run rings around it

better brakes, heavier crank and even more power for 2002

Updated with a facelift, engine internals and a new swing arm.

The deposed King of Speed. Once the fastest sports tourer around

The best of both worlds: power and handling combined with long distance comfort, but somehow it’s less than the sum of its parts

Updated with a facelift, engine internals and a new swing arm.

A good retro if the name doesn’t bother you

Anyone remember Kawasaki's ill-fated ZR-7, which got panned from day one and never really recovered? The half faired ZR-7S, which appeared a year later in 2001 also came in for some stick.

Redesigned ZX-6R with rounded bodywork and classic induction noise.

A good, no frills honest learner machine