Although Kawasaki initially had plans to launch an entirely new Ninja ZX-10R for 2010, their final decision was to stick to what they already had and slightly improve their open class sportbike in an almost unnoticeable manner. The move doesn’t turn the 2010-spec Ninja ZX-10R into a threat for the competition, but this would still have to deal with a more aggressive look and small technical tweaks now characterizing the Green racing motorcycle with headlights. Full story
It is no secret to anyone that Kawasaki’s supersport look didn’t evolve quite as it should have during the past few years and people have even started calling the ZX-6R and the ZX-10R “ugly”. While we don’t entirely agree with that and we should give Kawi credit for repairing its faults starting with the 2010 models, it is also nice to check out how MotoRevue’s Jérôme Vannesson imagines the 2011 Kawasaki ZX-10R will look like.
This photoshop rendering unveils precisely what the motorcycle press is expecting from the future generation liter bike: angular lines that would reflect a blend of features found on visually attractive motorcycles such as the Hornet, from which it gets the tail and RC8 or YZF-M1 fairing with ZX-14 venting gills. Also, the paintjob is very attractive and still in accordance with the Team Green standards.
Kawasaki has never ever thought at manufacturing a Ninja chopper, but it seems that this owner has taken measures by itself and came up with this bad idea for a chopper. I guess I never really considered how ridiculous a ZX-6R with longer forks and sidestand can look.
But looking at the bright side, it is now much easier to pull out a wheelie; all you really have to do is try to get moving.
Kawasaki may not have seriously upgraded their 2010 ZX-10R Superbike, but they sure know how to keep people aware of this 200hp motorcycle and the official video presentation that we’ve attached is a good example in that matter. Take a look at it.
Kawasaki starts the week at full throttle and releases the first photos and info regarding four of their 2010 street models, the Ninja ZX-10R, Z1000, Concours 14 and Versys. We have come to find that they are a bit retained with the upgrades, something that defines their strategy in the uncertain times that we’re traversing.
The best example in this concern is definitely the new Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R, which gets the looks of its middleweight brother, the ZX-6R, and an 18-position Ohlins steering damper. I believe it’s in vain mentioning how much more we were expecting considering the competition in this class, but in the end 200bhp is nothing to laugh at.
At least Kawasaki doesn’t break the “all-new 2010 Z1000” promise and the new bike will be powered by a 1,043cc inline-four engine developing 136bhp and 81lb/ft of torque. The frame is now made of aluminum while the suspension and brakes are new as well and the thing has a dry weight of 436.9lbs (198.2kg). The 2010 Kawasaki Z1000 also looks new, but that doesn’t necessarily mean better. It should make a statement against motorcycles such as the Ducati Streetfighter and MV Agusta Brutale 1090RR, but definitely not at a first glance.
The 2010 Kawasaki Concours 14 gets traction control and a fuel economy mode as well as anti-lock brakes and a much more appealing design.
At the bottom of our list is the new Kawasaki Versys, which gets a new strange headlight and what we dare calling a facelift. Powered by the same 62bhp 649cc parallel-twin, this versatile middleweight motorcycle
should now be an even sweeter ride thanks to the new footpegs with rubber inserts, clearly a nice touch claimed to reduce vibrations.
Expect to read more about each model on this page in the next couple of days.
