After months of teasing, the cat's outta the bag. The 2011 Kawasaki ZX-10R has been drastically redesigned over the 2010 model; from the frame and swingarm to the motor and bodywork-it's all new. Obvious is the angular plastic that replaces the peculiar looking fairing from the previous bike.
But what about the motor and rumors of traction control? We haven't heard a peep about horsepower, but the electronics package sounds right on par with the BMW if not even more sophisticated. Traction control (Sport-Kawasaki Traction Control, or S-KTRC) and a three-way switchable power mode selector will come as standard equipment on the Ninja, but each feature is programmable to fit the riding conditions. The S-KTRC system incorporates a Power Mode system that allows riders to choose the amount of power-and the character of delivery-available from the engine. Besides the standard Full-power mode are Medium and Low settings. In Medium mode, performance varies according to throttle position and engine rpm; at anything less than 50 percent throttle opening, performance is essentially the same as in Low mode; at more than 50 percent, riders can access additional engine performance. All three S-KTRC settings are available in each of the three Power Mode settings.
KIBS (Kawasaki Intelligent...
KIBS (Kawasaki Intelligent anti-lock Brake System) will come on the ZX-10R ABS model. It offers a number of additional benefits, including rear-end lift suppression during hard braking, minimal kickback during ABS intervention and increased rear brake control during downshifts.
Off-the-record reports regarding the traction control sound favorable as it will allow powerslides and power wheelies but won't interfere with forward momentum.
The new chassis features a shorter swingarm over the previous model and lighter frame that helps position the ZX-10R as the lightest liter bike on the market (according to Kawi). The beefy Big Piston Forks make their debut on the ZX-10R along with adjustable rearsets that can be lowered 15mm for more comfort.
Instrumentation is totally...
Instrumentation is totally new. A wide range of information is presented: speed, odometer, dual trip meters, fuel consumption, Power Mode and S-KTRC level, low fuel, water temperature and gear position.
Will all of this add up to a better ZX-10R that's capable of claiming the top spot in the liter bike category? We'll have to wait and see, but on paper it looks promising.