Navigator 1000 review

Like Cagiva’s Raptor family, the Navigator’s motive power comes courtesy of Suzuki. In this case, a TL1000 motor provides the go, and plenty of it. With gearing limiting top speed to around 130mph– you don’t need more on a bike like this – there’s massive low down and mid-range drive to catapult you forward at the merest twitch of a throttle hand.

It’s an addictive rush, and the only downside is a thirst for fuel and limited range if ridden enthusiastically. Use the Navigator hard and you’ll empty the 20-litre tank in well under 100 miles. More gentle use returns a useful 140-plus mile range.

The biggest smile factor comes from the Navigator’s handling. Once used to the seat height, it can be thrown around with abandon and, on the right sort of roads – the sort you find endless mile-upon-mile of in the south of France – a well-ridden Navigator will show a clean pair of heels to far more sport-focussed machinery.

Braking is just about up to the job, and pushed to its limits if two-up and fully laden. The plush, long-travel front suspension doesn’t help – too much braking force is taken up compressing it before the serious business of slowing down can begin. Adding braided brake lines and firming up the front end a touch improves things though.

That aside, the only other complaint is levelled at build quality. While it looks the part when shiny and new, fixtures and fasteners corrode easily, bodywork is easily scratched and cracked, and the finish is below par when compared with the best Japan or Germany has to offer.

That said, it’s fast and, most importantly, a lot of fun, making it a serious alternative to the stodgier, less sprightly big trailie opposition from Honda, Suzuki and Kawasaki.
Like Cagiva’s Raptor family, the Navigator’s motive power comes courtesy of Suzuki. In this case, a TL1000 motor provides the go, and plenty of it. With gearing limiting top speed to around 130mph– you don’t need more on a bike like this – there’s massive low down and mid-range drive to catapult you forward at the merest twitch of a throttle hand.

It’s an addictive rush, and the only downside is a thirst for fuel and limited range if ridden enthusiastically. Use the Navigator hard and you’ll empty the 20-litre tank in well under 100 miles. More gentle use returns a useful 140-plus mile range.

The biggest smile factor comes from the Navigator’s handling. Once used to the seat height, it can be thrown around with abandon and, on the right sort of roads – the sort you find endless mile-upon-mile of in the south of France – a well-ridden Navigator will show a clean pair of heels to far more sport-focussed machinery.

Braking is just about up to the job, and pushed to its limits if two-up and fully laden. The plush, long-travel front suspension doesn’t help – too much braking force is taken up compressing it before the serious business of slowing down can begin. Adding braided brake lines and firming up the front end a touch improves things though.

That aside, the only other complaint is levelled at build quality. While it looks the part when shiny and new, fixtures and fasteners corrode easily, bodywork is easily scratched and cracked, and the finish is below par when compared with the best Japan or Germany has to offer.

That said, it’s fast and, most importantly, a lot of fun, making it a serious alternative to the stodgier, less sprightly big trailie opposition from Honda, Suzuki and Kawasaki.

Like Cagiva’s Raptor family, the Navigator’s motive power comes courtesy of Suzuki. In this case, a TL1000 motor provides the go, and plenty of it. With gearing limiting top speed to around 130mph– you don’t need more on a bike like this – there’s massive low down and mid-range drive to catapult you forward at the merest twitch of a throttle hand.

It’s an addictive rush, and the only downside is a thirst for fuel and limited range if ridden enthusiastically. Use the Navigator hard and you’ll empty the 20-litre tank in well under 100 miles. More gentle use returns a useful 140-plus mile range.

The biggest smile factor comes from the Navigator’s handling. Once used to the seat height, it can be thrown around with abandon and, on the right sort of roads – the sort you find endless mile-upon-mile of in the south of France – a well-ridden Navigator will show a clean pair of heels to far more sport-focussed machinery.

Braking is just about up to the job, and pushed to its limits if two-up and fully laden. The plush, long-travel front suspension doesn’t help – too much braking force is taken up compressing it before the serious business of slowing down can begin. Adding braided brake lines and firming up the front end a touch improves things though.

That aside, the only other complaint is levelled at build quality. While it looks the part when shiny and new, fixtures and fasteners corrode easily, bodywork is easily scratched and cracked, and the finish is below par when compared with the best Japan or Germany has to offer.

That said, it’s fast and, most importantly, a lot of fun, making it a serious alternative to the stodgier, less sprightly big trailie opposition from Honda, Suzuki and Kawasaki.