If the Gixer seems to be getting a bit too cramped for you and not looking so attractive on Sunday morning it could be time for something a bit more comfortable, a tad more spacious, a little less extreme, but still able to run with your mates' sports bikes. One possible option is Z1000SX, appearing to have all the main attributes of a sportster without the racing crouch ...

Based on the Z1000, the frame has been treated to some groovy bodywork to keep you comfy at higher speeds, complete with adjustable windscreen. They say the motor puts out 140 odd bhp with lots of low down grunt, so that should pretty much allow you to run with Blades etc.

The comfort of the seating position is I guess what this bike is all about. The handlebars are high, meaning you sit well upright, but the pegs are only an inch or so lower than a regular sports bike, so there is not a great deal of difference in knee bending; from my test not enough to really make any difference if you have any discomfort in this department.

The upright riding position does put more emphasis on the saddle as you carry less weight on your arms, so the seat starts to make itself felt after and hour or so.

The motor may have reasonable power, but on first acquaintance it feels like it's in rain mode. I actually stopped to inspect the onboard controls to make sure there wasn't a Mutlilardier type setting. Unfortunately there wasn't, this was full power. Not too bad when you rev the nuts off it, but one struggles to find the rumoured grunt. And the power delivery seems a bit bland, no real vestige of any character to entertain. Perhaps it's that that makes it feel weak; maybe it just needs a bit more induction roar, and a bit more bass from the pipe. I don't like noisy cans, but you don't want the thing sounding like an electric motor.

Looking at the weeny downpipes it's clear than flowing maximum gas is not high on the agenda. One could presumably fit a full system but then what about induction? We've been down this road before, and it's best avoided. The motor is what it is, and if you don't like it then probably best to get a different bike.

This engine is not going to keep up with S1000Rs, Gixers etc. out in the French boondocks when speeds can get up a bit, but it's plenty quick for UK roads.

Handling is OK. Good steering aided by the high, wide bars, but the forks and shock feel like they're from the economy end of the suspension spectrum, and both ends had the odd moment on potholes when cranked over. The damping is not that sophisticated and doesn't give you maximum confidence to throw the bike about on dodgy backroads. And what's that horizontal rear shock all about?

Brakes are adequate, but not in the same street as Beemers or even the Triumph Tiger! I shouldn't worry if you've not got the anti-lock option, locking the front end takes some concerted effort.

Finish is good, everything looks like it's meant to be there, and the plastics are top quality. Seat unit is very neat and has provision for optional panniers fixings. In fact the only dodgy element is the windscreen - it can be manually raised up to give more protection, but looks completely bloody silly in that position. Best leave it down and get a bit wet.

Lifting the pillion pad reveals a decent amount of storage (for a modern sports bike) and there's room for a puncture kit and a phone. Base is metal not the usual plastic, so nice and strong.

The key operated lock for the pillion seat is under the tail unit, right in line of all the road crud and chain lube spray.

To be fair, this bike is a lot less than a sportster at under £9k (and group 15 insurance, which is a bonus), so it's not fair to compare it to a £12,000 Blade or whatever. But that is surely it's market, old boys getting too fat and wonky for race bikes but still wanting that performance. The Z1000SX is a step in the right direction, but needs 3 grand's worth of extra performance and suspension. And a bit more legroom would be nice.

They say that the sportsbike market is falling fast and that bikes like the Kwacker could be the answer - but I think the market may be falling thanks to Gordon Brown and his useless party trashing our economy and killing our currency. When regular sportsbikes get to £13k then someone's having a laugh.