kAWASAKI zx10r Ninja 2014
Check out the 2012 and 2013 racing results to see why you should be looking at the Kawasaki ZX10R . Short Circuit, Road Racing, Superbike or Superstock, the ZX10R is the one to beat.
The ZX10R has been designed with more focus than any previous race replica produced for the road. In fact Kawasaki have produced the most powerful litre production bike yet. The biggest concentration however has been on the chassis and the handling characteristics of this ALL NEW ZX10R to ensure that the power that has been made available is enhanced by the vastly improved mass placement of the new chassis and the use of the all new 43mm big piston front forks.
Bigger intake valves and redesigned exhaust porting have given the engine the much improved breathing which has allowed for more top end power. Peak torque has been pushed further up the rev range in order to give a much more linear power curve that allows the rider the option of getting on the throttle more easily out of corners.
A secondary engine balancer this year has allowed for simplification of numerous vibration damping parts allowing further weight saving (a full 10 kg saving from the previous machine).
The Speedo/Clock Cluster allows a switchable road or track function, the display clearer and simplified ensuring that the quickest of glances gives the rider or racer all the information that they need. Additionally it allows the rider to see which power or traction mode has been selected.
The electronic system makes the Kawasaki ZX10R one of the best sportbikes in the world. The customizable electronic system, known as Sport-Kawasaki Traction Control, or S-KTRC, puts the control you need on the track right in the dash. S-KTRC helps keep your wheels from spinning excessively, or slipping, by measuring the situation from a variety of sensors up to 200 times per second.
From lean angle, to engine rpm’s, from the throttle position, to acceleration, the S-KRTC system knows how much power to give to keep the bike running smoothly on any track and road.
The S-KTRC system can be adjusted to fit rider needs and or track/road conditions. The Kawasaki ZX10R has three different modes of operation, based on skill level. The beginner setting will keep your bike glued to the track, but advanced riders can change the settings to get optimal traction in slippery conditions.
A thumb switch on the handlebars allows selection whilst on the move.
The S-KTRC system is truly a modern marvel and makes the ZX10R one of the most electronically advanced bikes in the market. The new redesigns optimise power, delivery and the bike’s center of gravity, giving you optimal performance going into, driving through and exploding out of corners while the tidy dash informs the rider of how much electronic intervention is being applied.
The system also incorporates three power modes that offer not only the choice of power but how it is delivered. Low mode for instance not only reduces power but softens delivery considerably.
The new Kawasaki ZX10R frame is made from seven individual parts which combined to form a lighter and stronger base for the chassis than before. An all new swingarm, steeper rake and reduced trail all assist in speeding up the steering qualities. For the more focused among us, there are 2 removable links in the chain that will allow for reduction in wheelbase.
A new version of the Showa Big Piston Forks suspend the front end of the bike with a horizontal back-link shock looking after the rear end. The combination of these makes this package surefooted and predictable and more forgiving in nature.
An adjustable Öhlins cross mounted steering damper with twin-tube design is fitted as standard equipment. The second tube, which acts like a reservoir tank, and the damper internals ensure stable damping performance even under racing conditions. This race-quality unit was developed in collaboration with Öhlins for the 2011 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R.
The fairing is bladed at the leading edge in order to help stabilise the bike at high speeds.
The machine gets a lower seat height, the handlebars are not turned down to quite the same angle as previously and the footrests are adjustable all aimed at improving rider comfort.
For track or race use, the mirrors are easily removed and the dashboard switches to track mode where the gear position indicator takes over the centre of the LCD display. The cartridge gearbox allows easier changes to gear ratios for racing purposes.
An ABS version is available which also offers 3 stages of braking intervention. This is no standard system, the Kawasaki Integrated Braking System (KIBS) not only senses front and rear wheel rotation, it also monitors hydraulic brake pressure, throttle position, engine speed, clutch actuation and gear position. (A first in the bike world) This avoids the pressure drops that can occur with conventional ABS and no lever pulsing will be felt.
Before ABS is activated KIBS ensures that brake pressure does not increase too rapidly as this would result in rear wheel lift. Additionally after ABS has reduced pressure to avoid wheel lock up, KIBS gradually brings pressure back up, again at a rate that will avoid rear wheel lift. All in all making the bike more stable under heavy braking.
Thanks to Kawasaki UK we were fortunate enough to have the possibility to test the latest models in Spain both on track and on road allowing us to give you real world information about these bikes.
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