T1Ie Yamaha FZ·
T1Ie IK.ww
'I
has twin 310mm
discs with
opposed six·
piston calipers
The Bandit has a steel double-cradle frame with
slightly new geometry from the previous generation to help improve handling. The bike has a
5mm-shorter wheelbase than the previous
model, and new rake and trail figures. The
unbraced swingarm is mated to a single rear
shock that is adjustable for preload and
rebound but not compression. The fork is a cartridge type and is adjustable for preload and
rebound.
Braking is handled by six-piston Tokico
calipers that squeeze twin 310mm rotors at the
front end, and a two-piston caliper with a
240mm rotor out back. lire sizes are 180/55ZR17
in the rear and a 120j70ZR 17 on the front.
on the front.
They don't offer
as much bite as
the Yamaha's
stoppers, but
part of that
could be due
to the extra
weight the
KawI carries.
There isn't any earth-shattering technology in the naked-bike
category, but all three bikes feature proven formulas.
The Kawasaki has a tubular-steel double-cradle frame that
has a new gusset added behind the steering head for strength
and rigidity. The swingarm pivot has been moved 5mm lower
in an effort to improve suspension action and traction. The
aluminum swingarm features underside bracing for added
rigidity and is mated to twin fully adjustable KYB shocks with
piggyback extemal reservoirs. Up front is a 43mm cartridge
fork that is fully adjustable.
The rear rim is now 5.5 inches in width, as opposed to the
five-incher on last year's bike_ This allowed the use of a wider
180/55ZR17 rear tire for improved traction, and there's a better selection of rubber available in the new size_
Braking up front is handled by twin 310mm discs with
opposed six-piston calipers. and a single 250mm disc out
back with a single opposed piston.
UST PRICE
DISPLt.CEI'IENT
E!'lGINE TYPE
$7299
1l64cc
Uquid-cooled, in-line, four-cylinder.
four-stroke:
CYU!'IDER HEAD ......•.................. 16-vaJve, DOHC
BORE x S1ROKE
79 x 59.4mm
COI'IPRESSIO/'I RAllO
__
_
N/A
CARIl
