Spot the differences

Chassis:

The new frame uses the same dimensions as the old model, but has been completely redesigned for extra stiffness and better handling. The price you pay is a 3kg (6.6lb) weight gain. This is partly due to the braced aluminium swingarm, which is much more rigid, but also heavier.

New engine mounts have also been added to the front of the cylinder head, with extra strengthening braces. The angle of the new subframe is higher and it is now detachable, making it cheaper to repair the bike after a crash.

To improve the handling further, the rear suspension linkage has moved forwards 2mm and there are now grease nipples on the rear suspension linkage to make maintenance easier.

The suspension itself has a new rear shock with piggyback reservoir and is fully adjustable. It’s easy to tweak, but watch your hands on the hot pipe when playing with the rebound adjuster. The linkage itself has been altered for a more linear feeling at the rear end and improved feel under hard acceleration.

The fork springs are new, too. They’re stiffer than the previous models and there are new dampers which give a smoother action, plus stiffer settings.

As well as providing better braking power, the new Nissin four-pot calipers also save weight.

Engine:

The 899cc motor is basically the same as last year’s engine, but with plenty of subtle tweaks that give it a slightly different feel.

The engineers focused on low-down and mid-range power and the first thing they did was come up with a heavier crank, which gives the engine more inertia and a smoother low-down delivery.

The cylinder block also has a new anti-friction coating to give better long-term wear and better heat dispersion, while the angle of the exhaust and inlet valves has changed to allow the bike to breathe faster.

There are new valves, springs and cams for more efficient running.

In the gearbox, third and fourth have been changed for smoother operation and the shaft has been increased from 13mm to 14mm for more positive shifting. There’s even a lighter 525 chain instead of a 530 one to reduce rolling resistance.

A redesigned airbox improves airflow through the ram-air system, while the magnesium head, clutch cover and engine cases reduce weight fractionally.

Bodywork:

The rear seat cowling is probably the most obvious change, but there’s another important alteration to the seat – a new anti-slip surface which ensures you don’t end up getting your knee down when all you wanted to do was shift from one cheek to another.

The slightly pointier upper fairing adds to the sleeker look, but the other, less glamorous change to the front end is a new mudguard. This wraps farther around the wheel to aid aerodynamics as well as keeping more road crud off the radiator.

The new, more upswept silencer complements the racier bodywork. The one fitted to the bike we rode in Germany was stainless steel, but the UK versions are likely to arrive here at the end of March with a lighter titanium one.