In the world of Superbikes, the 1000cc market has exploded, with each manufacturer trying to out do the next by adding more electronics and rider aids in order to tame the massive amounts of power now generated by these machines.
After the incredible success that Kawasaki has shown with the ZX10R over the last couple of years in WSBK, everyone that I talk to thinks that 2016 will be their year once again. So naturally, I was pretty excited to get the chance to review the new ZX10R.
The new model may appear somewhat similar to its predecessor but don’t be fooled. The 2016 ZX10R has had vast improvements and is the closest thing to a highly advanced factory superbike Kawasaki has yet to offer. And with increased performance designed to give it even quicker lap times on the track, the Ninja ZX-10R is well positioned to continue Kawasaki’s Ninja dominance on the world stage.
In terms of styling, the new ZX10R is different to the previous model but still holds a distinct design identity. The new bike has a very aggressive front end that accentuates the front lights and air intake. Decals which run from the side of the bike to the tank make it look like the bike is moving, although it is standing still – “energy in motion” is the best way to describe it! The rear silencer is now finally smaller, which helps to give the bike a more compact and sleek look. Sharp, pronounced lines flow towards the rear of the bike and help draw your attention to the sexy tailpiece.
The designers have opted for 330mm discs (310mm previously) and Brembo four piston radial mounted brakes up front, which have great feel and the ability to stop the ZX10R in no time. The bike has ABS which is not overly sensitive and can be used on the track without an issue. It also has a nifty function known as Cornering Management Function intended to reduce the bikes normal tendency to stand up when braking in a corner. CMF will help you hold your line mid corner while applying the brakes.
Being quite a tall rider myself, it took me a while to get comfortable. Having ridden the previous model, I was convinced that the new bike was smaller than the 2015 but when I took a good look at the specs, I quickly realized that I was very wrong. One big difference is that the new bike has a higher seat height. Another difference is that the foot peg position on the new bike is fixed and set at the higher of the two height options offered on the previous model. This is in no way a bad thing as it means you can achieve a better lean angle around a corner without scraping the tarmac.
I had the opportunity to ride the ZX10R on the road for a few days but on the last day of my test, Jacques van Wyngaard at Red Star Raceway, was kind enough to give me full access to his track. Red Star provides a fairly tight but interesting lay-out and was sure to put myself and the new ZX10R, through our paces.
The bike loves high RPM and requires you to ride it there. Initially, I thought the gearing was way too long and yes, for the track, maybe not ideal, but let’s be honest, for those track day junkies it would be something that they would change anyway. On the flip side, longer gearing on the open road just means lower RPM at high speed that also helps with fuel consumption if that is of any consequence.
The new ZX10R was awarded a Euro 4 emissions rating, good to know that Kawasaki is also doing their part in looking after the polar bears at the North Pole. This simply means that amongst other things there is a catalytic convertor that keeps the emissions low, leaving even more room for increased power and weight saving when replacing the standard exhaust with an aftermarket performance pipe.
The 2016 ZX10R offers S-KTRC (traction control) that allows you to adjust on the go and it does this in smaller increments than the previous model. The KLCM (launch control) will help you get the bike off the line, just like Jonathan Rea while KEBC (engine braking control) allows you to increase or decrease the amount of engine braking as you roll off the throttle.
Special mention must be made about the suspension which is outstanding both on the road and track. Kawasaki WSBK team riders Jonathan Rea and Tom Sykes have mentioned that the new model offers the best standard road suspension they have ever experienced. It might be a bit bias coming from them however I tend to agree. The feedback received through the suspension on the track was excellent without any compromise to road riding.
After riding the bike extensively it became very clear that the synergy between the Kawasaki factory and KRT (Kawasaki WSBK team) had a very much positive result in the design of the latest ZX10. They managed to produce a motorcycle that by all accounts is aimed at ultimate track performance but yet they managed to maintain a user-friendliness that makes it a pleasure to ride on the road.
In a nutshell, the new ZX10R is well suited to a variety of riders and applications, whether it‘s for the daily commute or weekend breakfast runs and track days. One thing is certain, it is sure to set the benchmark for other manufacturers in local and international racing.