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The other day, I had the pleasure of throwing a leg over the new generation Z1000 from Kawasaki. You see, I really enjoyed the first round of Z1000 lunacy from Big Green. In fact, I was disappointed that it didn't get more press or sales floor success. So, I expected more of the same from the New Mr. Z.

At the first flick of the start button, I could tell that the new engine was indeed smoother. As I pulled out of the lot, I also noticed what seemed like a boost in power. The seat is slightly different, and very cozy. It would make a fine long-ranger. The other big difference from the already superb Z1000 of old was the radial-mounted calipers grabbing the front rotors. This machine will indeed make stoppies happen with a single index finger. Wow.

When it gets down to twisting the right hand, this machine is downright smiles-on-wheels. There are faster motorcycles. There are lighter motorcycles. However, there are nearly none more fun! I couldn't stop laughing. This thing is like laughing gas for your daily commute. It handles well, it rips huge wheelies with zero effort, it rolls titanic stoppies, and it's... glass smooth? Comfortable? Sensible? Affordable? What did you say? Yes. It is all of the above. It is dangerously close to claiming the summit of Mount Motorcycle all by its onesies. It's good. Real good. And I can't believe I've not been hearing about it...

My two cents? This motorbike is indeed Mr. Underrated. What would I do? Buy a Z-1000, add a taller Puig windscreen, bar-end mirrors, throw some Tourmaster Bags over the tail, and call in sick for 2 weeks. Check that: Better just call in dead, because you're not going to want to get off of this thing!

-Editor