The Kawasaki Ninja 650R as Touring Bike

You may have noticed that the outline of my Kawasaki Ninja 650R has been dramatically altered. For I have fitted a luggage rack and some panniers. And the Kawasaki Ninja 650R with panniers excited me for more than the burning of fuel and rubber that's normally associated with a sporty motorcycle like the Ninja 650R.

So, why has this introduction of metal and plastic so changed my world? Because it's turned the Kawasaki Ninja 650R from a capable commuter into an excellent all-rounder. I can now comfortable, safely and, ultimately the most important, without fuss pack more than a weekend of pants and T-shirts. And thus the sphere of my world has expanded, with me dating a girl from Khon Kaen. Whole swathes of Thailand and Southeast Asia, feel like they've opened up to me. Where once those areas on a map were murky and grey, now they're resplendent with colors, contours lines and funny currencies (millions in some neighboring countries).

And it's not just the distant world that seems ever more achievable. Where before, my bi-weekly shopping expedition consisted of either a rucksack and precariously bungees bag of groceries on my fuel-tank or taking a taxi from the nearest supermarket to my home. - the twin 33-liter capacity means all sorts of previously unreachable groceries are now mine for the taking I may even buy some more kitchen equipment.

This may seem like daft, insincere ramblings but I'm deadly serious. My motorcycle is my only form of transport. A significant boost in practicality, like the addition of luggage, to a 210km/h, 274 kilometer fuel-tank range motorcycle renders the Kawasaki Ninja 650R into a realistic option as the only, but completely practical, means of transportation for my life.

Another thing I've learnt about the Kawasaki Ninja 650R is , it can take a pillion, but for the love of all things increase the preload up – or it'll wallow like goose. An indicated 200km/h into a vicious side wind is unpleasant, even on a runway. It'll do at least 32 kilometer on reserve. I'll sling a petrol can on the back and get back to you with a to-the bone fuel figure.