CLASS OF 2025 TRACK ATTACK

When it comes to getting a proper grasp of a sportsbike, there’s nothing like giving it a proper flogging on track. So, following on from Big Mac’s deep dive into these four reprobates last month, having been in the saddle tearing up His Majesty’s highways, it’s time to crank things up a notch and bounce a few limiters off the walls around our favourite rollercoaster Cadwell Park. Armed with little more than a genny, some tyre warmers, and late autumn sunshine, here’s what went down when we let them off the leash...

- WORDS: DANGEROUS PICS: CHAPPO/MATT SAYLE

KAWASAKI ZX-10R DE

It only seems like yesterday I was spinning laps of the 'new' Ninja around Bedford on the updated model's launch, but that was nearly five years ago... and not much has changed since. Around Cadwell, it still had no enthusiasm for corner entry, it still lacked finesse on throttle pickup, and it still had a dash and switchgear setup that left me wanting to punch myself in the face. I'm often accused of repeating myself, but when it comes to the big Kwacker, it's hard not to. We're talking about a bike that has refused to evolve, and unapologetically so, sporting the same stance, persona, and conviction it's had for more than a decade. But it's got away with it because it's still a decent bike - not the greatest, but still good enough to get the juices going of most hardcore sportsbike enthusiasts.