By Trevor Franklin -
First rides & tests
18 November 2010 16:22
MCN’s Chief Road Tester Trevor Franklin is Qatar at the world launch of Kawasaki’s new ZX-10R. He’s just completed a day’s riding and sent this report.
“Evening has descended upon the Losil circuit, and with it the temperature has dropped to a more relaxing 28 degrees.
“The new Kawasaki ZX-10R has shown that it is a formidable weapon. Although it looks similar to the original 2004 ZX-10R, it is a considerably more refined machine.
“Not just the engine – which is as linear in its delivery as you could possible want – but the traction control system is a revelation.
“Nailing the bike as hard as I dare out of the turns provokes just a small waggle through the bars before screaming off, as stable as you like.
“It would be a safe bet, to say Kawasaki has taken the superbike war to BMW. Mind you, the prices are on the salty side – £12,699 with ABS, £11,699 non ABS”
In the full test report in next week’s MCN, out on Wednesday November 24, Trev will reveal whether he thinks the ZX-10R will beat the S1000RR.
MCN's Trevor Franklin was at the world launch of the 2011 Kawasaki ZX-10R.
23 November 2010 14:02
Here he answers your questions on the new S1000RR competitor...
Is the ZX-10R as mad as the first one?
Crumplezone, email
If you mean does it tankslap like a loon and have a mental power delivery then, based on this first ride on a smooth circuit, no. Kawasaki needed to build an engine that would deliver performance in friendly, linear way to attract a greater range of customers. Honda’s latest Fireblade has a wonderful tractable lump that puts out considerably less power than the BMW and Kawasaki, but is still a massive seller. Kawasaki wants some of Honda’s pie, and the fact it puts out a claimed 197bhp is bonus. The ZX-10’s suspension is the best yet fitted to any of the 10R range.
S1000RR or ZX-10R for race duties?
Stevekneedown6, email
Difficult. The BMW has been about for a season and has proved its worth despite some apparent gearbox issues. Like all race bikes they need fettling to be at the front of the pack and Kawasaki is producing race kit parts, eg a race ECU that allows plug and play quick shift, adjustment for the secondary throttle butterflies to suit track and rider, turns the standard dash into a full blown race-spec item, and so on. I think the ZX-10R may surprise BMW owners.
I’m only 5ft 7in tall, do you think I’ll get on all right with the new ZX-10R?
Richard Lilliard, Staffs
I’m only 5ft 8in and got on great with the bike – both feet flat on the floor and never felt intimidated. Just think of it as a big-bore ZX-6R. If in doubt, drop the pegs to their lower position so you don’t have to wobble so far before getting your feet on the pegs.
Why aren’t Kawasaki doing any other colours apart from green and black?
Those are the two biggest selling colours for ZX-10Rs. No added colours are planned for 2011.
1 head light?? That will have to get re wired. and those mirrors look like they are the perfect height to take out a bunch of BMW SUV mirrors, which also nice I think.
See here, young man,
From Walgett to the sea,
From Conroy's Gap to Castlereagh,
There's none can ride like me.
lots of patents are done for this reason...
