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A quick peek at the 2010 Kawasakis
2010 ZX10R
You
wouldn't know that the world is crawling out of a recession from the
wave of new models 2010 has in store. Kawasaki has announced four new
or heavily revised street models-the Concours 14, Z1000, ZX-10R and
Versys.
The biggest news is the Z1000, which is really all new, not just a
heavy upgrade like the 2007 Z1000. Major detail still to come, but it
does have an aluminum frame, an "all-new" 1043cc engine that at least
in a superficial visual comparison between the old Z1000, the new Z1000
and the ZX-10R really does look different. It also has a "horizontal
rear suspension"-specifics withheld-radial-mount. four-piston front
brake calipers, inverted fork, and very abbreviated bodywork that
wouldn't look out of place on Ducati's new Streetfighter. The photo
also shows an aluminum swingarm with eccentric chain adjusters and cool
polished rims. Overall, the bike looks very compact, and if the motor
only offers a 10-percent bump in power over the 2009 model, you can
expect somewhere around 120 hp coming out of that fat back tire, and it
could lose as much as 40 pounds thanks to the lighter frame and new
mill. Kawasaki also mentions a cold-air intake: ram air? That could
mean even more power, which could put it in the same ballpark as
Ducati's Streetfighter. If Aprilia releases a V-Four-powered Tuono,
2010 could be a good year for streetfightering, especially if the
Z1000's price tag stays near the 2009 model's.
Fans
of the 1000cc Ninja will be happy to know that even though the 2010
ZX-10R is much the same as last year, it gets some significant
upgrades. An improved transmission for easier, more-precise shifting.
It also gets an upgraded Ohlins steering damper and "sharper" bodywork.
There are other cosmetic touches, including a new muffler and inner
fairing panels.
Z1000
Concours 14
For fast and
comfortable, the super-sport-tourer Concours 14 is also revamped for
oh-10. The big change is new electronics, with an upgraded KACT-II
"selectable" anti-lock braking system that "complements the rider's
brake inputs with supplementary force enhancements for improved braking
performance on a wide variety of riding surfaces." Sounds reminiscent
of BMW's servo-assisted system, but it's also supplemented by Kawasaki
Traction Control (KTRC). Also reminiscent of BMW is a new package of
amenities including heated grips and a multi-function trip computer.
Unlike BMW, the package comes standard with the bike. That's right,
standard. After all, why wouldn't you want that stuff?
In addition, there is new bodywork, tank-bag hooks, new Bridgestone
BT-021 tires, revised suspension settings, and something called "fuel
economy assistance mode" that we assume doesn't involve a pair of
pedals.
Versys
For
lower-budget travelling, the Versys gets some changes to make it more
practical and fun to ride. There's new bodywork that makes the Versys
look more…um…well, nobody buys the Versys for its looks, right? More
importantly, it gets a revised, adjustable windscreen, new rubber
engine mounts and footpegs aimed at reducing vibration, new passenger
grabrails and seat, and new tie-down hooks for luggage.
Source: Motorcycle Daily
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