2009 Kawasaki ZX-10R

2009 Kawasaki ZX-10R

Dave Sonsky: Editor
Miles Ridden: 8200
Modifications: Rearsets

Knocking out 900 miles over the weekend isn't part of my usual routine, thankfully. I love a good ride, but damn-them's a lotta miles. Then again, the Laguna Seca MotoGP only comes around once a year, so why not?

On went the soft luggage, tire pressures were adjusted and even a can of Fix-A-Flat was packed. Yet, there still seemed to be something missing-and it was right in front of my face...

A pair of Sato rearsets had become part of my office dcor over the last couple months. Deadlines and other projects kept me from installing them, but finally they were going to be put where they belong. It only took about a half hour in the garage and they were ready to roll. Who knew it would be so simple?

The ZX-10R already has adequate ground clearance, but my right foot doesn't seem to tuck very well and every boot in my closet has some flavor of road surface embedded in it. The "scenic" route to Monterey basically means miles of second gear twisties, and I wanted to avoid the inevitable toe tapping-the Sato 'sets seemed to be just the solution.

Aftermarket rearsets are typically associated with high performance riding, and while there are some major benefits of adjustable 'sets on the track they can make road riding more enjoyable as well. That's where I put in the bulk of my seat time anyways, so street performance obviously means a lot.

I positioned them to the furthest rearward setting while moving up one increment. The difference from stock is 20mm back and 10mm up, and while that doesn't look like a lot on paper, from the seat it feels like a mile. My boots weren't forced to kiss any pavement which meant more confidence (and safety) during the ride...and one less ruined pair of boots.

Of course, they adjust further upwards, but I don't plan to shorten my stretch unless I hit the track. For now I'm perfectly content with their extra clearance, smooth shifts and slick looks.

Update

Pirelli Supercorsa SP
Displaying amazing resiliency, the Supercorsa SPs have held up surprisingly well. With not only a trackday but an additional 4,000 city and commuter miles they're still round and showing plenty of tread. That's pretty good considering that most high performance tires are wasted after a single day at the track.