Very few of the bikes that have previously graced CMG's garages have turned as many heads as Kawasaki's new ZRX1100. Whenever it was parked, slowly but inevitably, a crowd would gather. The assembled mass stared quietly - perhaps further undressing its already naked form. The look in their eyes was remarkably similar to the sick lust seen in the eyes of men in "pervert's row" at the strip joint ... I think ... cause I'm just imagining ... it's not like I've ever been to one...

And while on the subject of secret fetishes, if yours is picking up 35-45 year old men, then this is the bike for you. The crowds that gathered and the heads that turned all belonged to that same demographic group.

In the early eighties, there were almost five times as many new bikes sold annually in Canada as there have been in recent years. That's a lot of riders, many of whom were lusting after Kawasaki's Eddie Lawson Replica at the time. Back then, though it was unbeatable on paper, and often victorious on the track, in reality (on the street) it was burly, surly and unforgiving, not to mention uncomfortable and rare.

Of course, that was then.

Those riders have grown up now, and many of them have the money and the time to finally afford what they really wanted then. Conveniently, the bikes available today have grown up as well.

The KZ1000 ELR has grown into the ZRX1100 and Suzuki's old favourite, the GS1000 can be seen as the grandfather to the Bandit 1200. Both bikes offer great dollops of what's always been so appealing about big-bore engines - arm-wrenching, wheelie-pulling power.

But now that these bikes are all 'growed up', they also offer so much more. Most importantly, usability. Both are quite comfortable to ride for long periods, with the superior comfort award going to the Kawasaki. I preferred it's slightly sportier riding position and nicely sculpted seat to the Bandit's.

Photo Credit: Wilfred Gaube

This seating position is mostly a result of a lower handlebar - nice and wide for good leverage, and the comfortably rearset pegs. Of course, with that sportier intent comes the sportier (read: much firmer) suspension. Great for fast riding and handling, but perhaps a little harsh on less than perfect roads. The Bandit's suspension, though a little squishy and mostly nonadjustable, was quite competent and compliant for normal or sport-touring use.

When you do begin to push the 550-ish pounds of ZRX a little harder, you can appreciate the additional feedback that the firmer suspension offers. I was pleasantly surprised at how easy it was to muscle through both tight and higher speed turns. The steering was much lighter and more accurate than I expected.

Bandit 1200 Photo Credit: Wilfred Gaube

This also translated into remarkable low-speed handling. At parking speeds, the steering still felt light and though a bit pudgy by today's sportbike standards, the bike was actually quite nimble. Full lock U-turns were simple, as was creeping along at a snail's pace in traffic, thanks to smooth clutch action. The only thing to disappoint in these tight maneuvers was the minimally excessive steering lock, allowing thumbs to be crushed between the bars and the tank at full lock.

And it would be a shame to dent or scuff that tank with your thumbs or anything else. It's simple and muscular shape is coated with a luscious paint job.

Now it may seem like I'm avoiding the Bandit a little bit here, and maybe I am, but not for bad reasons. There isn't really anything that the Bandit doesn't do well. It's smooth, simple and comfortable. It's proven to be a bulletproof design. It has gobs of power. It has cheap and easy tuning potential for even more power.

About the worst thing I could say about it is that the wind over the windshield was a bit noisy for my liking. But heck, that's what earplugs are for.

However, the big question is - what do you get for the extra $1000+ when you buy the ZRX?

A little bit of sport and a little bit of style. And those brakes. And that swingarm. And the suspension. And liquid cooling. And the seat. And the paint. And most of all, prettier mirrors.

Nick Smirniw