NEVER judge a book by its cover - the Kawasaki ZR-7 is proof of that.

It's a basic looking motorbike in the finest tradition. Two wheels, an engine, seats, tanks and bars and that's about it.

It is not bad looking, neither is it flash. But get past that I implore you because it's a cracking bike in all ways.

Compared to other budget bikes it has a trick up its sleeve - bags of grunt, real, usable power - which makes it a riot to ride.

Firstly, it's supremely comfortable. Thanks to low pegs, wide bars and a thick saddle, you are instantly at home.

You can see miles ahead, which helps confidence, and the accomplished chassis and powerful engine make the ZR-7 a bike which loves to be ridden, for miles at a time. I couldn't put the thing down, it was just so much fun to ride.

You can leave it in top and use the masses of torque or you can rev it hard through the gears, what ever takes your fancy.

Pick up is instant and the growl from the 750cc four cylinder, addictive.

It's no slouch either with more than 75bhp on tap, enough to dispatch any car without a second thought and enough not to be outpaced badly by pure sports bikes.

Clocks are ringed with chrome and are attractive, if simple. The same with the switches, which are extremely well placed and easy to use.

Throttle response is excellent, the clutch light and easy to use and the brakes strong.

It's the sort of bike which quickly makes an expert rider from a novice.

Handling is sure and steadfast. You can cant it over with aplomb and flick it through the bends with the best of them.

Grip is never a problem and it's a bike on which you will hunt out the curves.

I can't praise the ZR-7 highly enough.

While on the one hand it is cheap and cheerful, on the other it is talented and highly accomplished.

The Kawasaki would make an excellent second machine, tremendous commuter, but is also more than capable of scratching or touring.

I haven't had so much fun for ages