Roadster – Kawasaki Z750R Test: Good or Good Deal? – A decidedly more sporty look

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Kawasaki Z750R test: good or good deal ?

Roadster - Kawasaki Z750R Test: Good or Good Deal? - A decidedly more sporty look

Since 2004, Kawasaki has reigned supreme in the mid-capacity roadster market with its Z750. In 2011, Les Verts declined their best seller in a sportier version, therefore more expensive. First test during its press launch in Spain .

A decidedly sportier look

Released at the very end of 2003, the Z750 literally turned the mid-capacity roadster segment upside down and, with it, the French motorcycle market (read our). Indeed, thanks to its "Zed seven and a half", Kawasaki has trusted us six years in a row (2010 is very well entered for the Greens) the first place in sales of motorcycles over 125 cc.

Reviewed in 2007, Akashi’s roadster has achieved record scores in France but also in Italy and throughout Europe (125,000 units since its launch on our continent), crushing competition that is incredibly slow to react, even totally passive….

Kawasaki for its part, has remained attentive. Also, the recent arrival of high-performance models in the juicy category of midsize roadsters – motorcycles "made in England" and "Italia" in particular – has pushed the Japanese brand to react..

A year after the complete redesign of the Z1000, many bikers were expecting a brand new Z750 from Kawa. But the Greens preferred – crisis requires? – decline their 2007 model in a sportier version, thus completing the range of Z. As is customary in this industry, the suffix "R" distinguishes this novelty for 2011 from the standard model.

Presented in Paris from mid-September, the all new Z750R already needs no presentation (read). All Site readers know perfectly well that the Kawa ‘is notably adorned with new brakes, a new swingarm, new rubbers, new suspensions and a new fork crown. !

Our readers also know that the R version will cost 900 € more than the "standard". But aesthetically it must be recognized, the budget extension does not go unnoticed: the new parts offer the Zed a decidedly sportier look. In addition, we appreciate the effort undertaken by Akashi engineers to improve the quality of the finish..

Certainly, some screws (on the radiator scoops for example) remain too visible, ugly gray cables and electrical boxes partially spoil the new matte black finish of the engine and the welds of the new arm could be cleaner..

But overall, the Z750R is successful. Its new speedometer block in particular is carefully crafted, the majority of wires and hoses going unnoticed..

Sharper and more polished than the previous version, the R’s front optics and trim give it a more aggressive look. The same goes for the three-part front fender, inspired by those of the brand’s sports cars..

On the other hand, the realization of the color biton black and green – what else? – the tank is excellent. On the other hand, we regret that the rim trims are reserved for the only matt black "stealth" version. The touch of red on the rims give the black motorcycle a sporty touch that we would have liked to see on the green.

Otherwise, the "R" remains a Z750: its imposing size sets it apart from sharper mid-size cars – who said "half-portion"? -, and will therefore continue to seduce men who, as everyone knows, prefer fat…

When stationary, the Z750R is therefore not easy to move. Moreover, facing its designated competitor – by Kawasaki Himself! – the Street Triple R (read our), the roadster of the Greens "does not make the weight": 189 kg all full made for the English against 224 kg (227 with ABS) for the Japanese…

Fans of the Zed will note in passing that the R loses 3 kilograms compared to the Z750 "short". However, it’s not easy to feel the difference on its handlebars: the Z750, whether R or not, remains a big bike..

The driving position, the steering angle, the instrumentation – meter with a black background on the R -, the brake lever set to spacing 2 – to correspond to the non-adjustable clutch spacing -, the slight vibrations in the handlebars at idle, the serious sound of the pot: the new Kawa ‘is modeled on the old one. Suddenly, the handling is quick !

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