KAWASAKI NINJA 1100SX SE

Ever heard of the Baader-Meinhof phenomenon? Well, neither had I.

- ANDY LONGTERMER

And don't worry, you don't need to remember this for an exam at the end. Chances are, though, you have felt the effects of this psychological concept, otherwise known as the frequency illusion. This is where you buy anew car or motorbike, then you start to see it everywhere, and while not remembering what it is called, just knowing that this perception has a name is interesting, even just mildly.

I have managed to get out to a few bike meets this last month and have spotted many other SX models in the crowds, having not paid as much attention to them previously. Maybe this is in part due to the fact I have one at the moment, but also in no small part because the SX is a popular model within the sports tourer corner of the market.

A fair chunk of the miles covered have been with my wife, Denise, as pillion. I did opt for the SX for a termer this time as bikes are an important part of both our lives, and this model looked to provide a little more comfort for her over a fully dedicated sports machine. The first Saturday morning she mentioned the idea of a little ride out for a breakfast, I had the helmet and jackets out ready and the bike out on the road ready to go before she could change her mind. I have mentioned previously that I had some reservations as to whether the pillion would have anywhere near as much comfort covering distance due to the passenger's riding position still looking a little sportsbike-focused with a higher seat over the rider's, putting them into the familiar hunched forwards position. Well, I guessed we would soon find out...