ANDY LONGTERMER KAWASAKI NINJA 1100SX SE

I had a handful of rides in mind and tasks to complete over the last month before this write-up, but as happens from time to time, the combination of a higher workload and spending what time is available with family must take priority.

- 

Having said that, I squeezed in a few rides aboard the SX here and there which has done wonders to keep me half sane amid a full-on few weeks.

A fair amount of my time has been spent riding other bikes to review, with each one offering different riding positions, power levels, suspension setups and son on. By no means am I looking for sympathy for the extra work - I can and always will appreciate the chances to try different machinery - but one big thing I found reassuring after my first ride back on the SX after a week or so away was its familiarity. Just like slipping on the comfy trainers after a day in new shoes, I was instantly greeted by a sense that I had chosen wisely for this year.

Like last month, most of the miles covered have been with the Mrs as pillion. This time we were stretching the distance a bit further for our ride-outs, hopefully in anticipation of a weekend away on the bike. This extra time has given us the opportunity to spot any issues so we can try to address them before going away to make the time comfier and more enjoyable. Naturally, after this extra time in the saddle together, a few points were raised. With the panniers on, the pillions feet have to sit a little further forward on their pegs, which in turn prevents me from riding on the balls of my feet when I would like to. I have also found that when we are travelling at a slower pace while passing through villages and built-up areas, the reduced movement I have, combined with riding more upright to take the brunt of the wind and to allow her to push against me when breaking, has had the negative effect of giving me numb hands.