It's been mostly fun in the sun aboard our ZX-10R, R6 and 848 test bikes. But after mucho modding and fine tuning them just to our liking we got the call; It was time to send them back to their rightful owners. All good things do come to an end apparently.
So, until we can convince someone to hand over some replacements we're back on the bus, but not before we went out for one last blast...
Dave Sonsky: Editor
Miles Ridden: 9250
Without sounding too complacent I think the ZX-10 ended up exactly where I wanted it. Sure, the brakes could use some improvement, but overall the bike is a riot to ride. My relationship with the ugly orangey started out a bit rough because I didn't think I could learn to love something so ghastly, but the goods under the hood helped me get over my appearance issues.
With over 9000 miles on the clock I'd say the 10 was thoroughly tested. Three trackdays, a load of commuter miles and a handful of weekend trips have exposed every possible strength and weakness a bike could have. But in the end the Ninja emerged as a brilliant do-it-all bike. I never expected that I'd actually enjoy knocking out 900 miles on it over a weekend or grinding in traffic every day, but I loved every minute of it.
I wanted to change its looks significantly from the get go, and with simple items like a pipe, windscreen and fender eliminator it immediately looked, well, tolerable anyways. On the performance side it only took a wise exhaust selection to really wake up the engine, while rearsets and levers got everything feeling familiar.
It's going to be truly hard to let this one go. There hasn't been a day in the last six months that I haven't cherished the 10. It's been a problem free and cooperative workhorse that always offered an instant grin with a simple twist of the throttle.
Competition Werkes Fender Eliminator
Stock license plate hangers look ridiculous-we all know that. This fender eliminator was a quick and easy way to tidy up the tail while keeping your turning intentions visible thanks to small but bright indicators.
$129.95
www.competitionwerkes.com