ANDY LONGTERMER KAWASAKI NINJA 1100SX SE

I'm sure I am not alone with having such a random playlist of music I listen to.

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I am totally unashamed of this and wouldn't be offended in the slightest if anyone who cast their eye over it laughed in my face or even ask a few questions. Nowadays, at the touch of a button we can switch music to match our current mood or even to something else to help generate a different feeling.

Similarly, getting to ride the SX has given me so many varied experiences already with the same minimal effort as simply selecting another track from my playlist. From commuting in the early cold spring mornings in relative comfort and clocking up miles on some necessary motorway trips, it could be easy to forget the SX has a sporty side as and when required.

When road conditions are okay and I find myself on a favoured section of tarmac, the SX can switch from an easy-going, mild-mannered machine to a high-revving bike carving through the corners and pulling out of them with the sense of urgency I favour from a sportsbike - just as easily as switching from listening to chilled Ibiza classics to the Top Gun soundtrack. I'm sure you get the analogy, so I'll park it there.

I did have a reassuring feeling that I had chosen wisely for this year's Termer as soon as I set out on my first ride. I'm not going to say the SX is without flaws (which I will address) or is perfect for everyone, but considering what I want to achieve this year - a balance of local rides, trips away and potentially some track time - this bike should fit the bill as a great option.