Page 33 - 2022-08-01 RiDE
P. 33
Q How’s the new tech?
The headline tech revolves around the the dash (fiddling with one of the many
forward and rear-facing radar systems, settings...) so it is a case of tech saving
which bring blind-spot detection (BSD), you from tech. Although by the time the
forward-collision warning (FCW) and lights illuminate, it will probably be too
adaptive cruise control (ACC). late to avoid an accident...
As a few bikes have already Finally, there is the new dash, which is
demonstrated, ACC is a genuine benefit impressive and clear to read in standard
when it comes to easing straight-line road mode. Should you wish to get
ü Blind-spot
miles and Kawasaki’s system is no techy, it connects to your phone via the
monitoring is a
different. Hard to pick fault with in its useful addition free Kawasaki SPIN app (developed by a
actual operation, the only gripes we had third party and also used by Suzuki)
were that the further of the three which facilitates the use of your phone
distance settings seems quite far from via Bluetooth to allow you to make/
the vehicle ahead for it to start to cut passed. There again, you should really receive calls and play music as well as
your speed (we ended up using the be aware of the vehicle if you have just access third party apps to view
middle setting). Also, once clear, it is overtaken it. It’s a genuine safety assist, navigation, weather reports etc.
quite slow to increase your pace again. which is more than we can say of FCW. Although not as slick to use as some
Neither of these complains are major We struggle to see the point of FCW. If manufacturer-built apps, it works well
issues; more comments on its operation. you can spot a series of red lights and is easily accessed via the
The BSD also works well but takes a illuminating on the dash, surely you can switchgear. You can select a dedicated
bit of getting used to. It only activates if also see an obstacle on the road ahead. navigation display, which allows a map
a vehicle is gaining on you (under or For us, it is only there as a result of too to take precedence while still retaining
overtaking) so won’t warn you if you are much tech because, for the lights to important info such as speed, gear
going to pull in too early having already alert you, you will need to be staring at position etc, which is useful.
‘Adaptive
cruise
control is a
real benefit’
P The latest blown Ninja
has industry-leading
levels of technology
SEPTEMBER 2022 33
