Winner of the World Superbike Championship 2015, the super sporty Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R justifies the claim to the last letter
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It's difficult not to respect a motorcycle like the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R. Just last year, a similar machine had stormed to the top two levels of the World Superbike Championship at the hands of the brilliant Jonathan Rea and Tom Sykes, taking Kawasaki to the top of the Constructors' Standings.
The outgoing model's all-digital instrumentation is retained
Visually, the resemblance to the old ZX-10R, which this new model replaces globally, is obvious while the changes are subtle. The windscreen on this bike is slightly wider with subtle smart ducts on the side of the fairing channelling air. The odd-looking chin at the base of the gaping air intake sandwiched between the headlamps is also new and improves aero efficiency. The all-digital instrumentation with its characteristic colour changing LED tachometer has been retained. The tail section, however, is new and slimmer. The seat height is 22 mm taller, while the headstock is closer by 7.5 mm.
The vehicle's swingarm is now 15.8 mm longer
It has five levels of traction control to the outgoing version's, three levels of launch control settings and one that manages engine braking. The Full mode allows the rider to access 100 per cent of the engine's power while the Middle mode allows 80 per cent and a Low mode limits power availability to just 60 per cent, which is still 120 PS. There is a Quick Shifter, so you can pretty much go through the slick six-speed gearbox with the throttle wide open.
The bike's windscreen is wider than before
Additionally, there is an Inertia Measurement Unit (IMU) developed by Bosch that measures inertia along six different axes. In comparison to all this space-age technology, the humble ABS and the Öhlins electronic steering damper seem almost pedestrian.
Electronic steering damper keeps the head from shaking
We thumb the starter reverentially and the liquid-cooled 998-cc straight four engine fires up instantly and settles into an unintimidating hum. The bike's ferocious nature can be heard even at standstill. There are a host of changes in the engine as well, which means this Kawasaki's ability to put out power is even better than the previous machine.
Despite all that thumping inside the chest, which we daresay outdid the vibrations from the engine, this Ninja is surprisingly refined and easy to ride. Below 7,500-8,000 RPM, the bike feels rather manageable but get into the hot zone beyond this rev range and suddenly you'll find your brain trying to catch up with the bike.
The swingarm and wheelbase are now longer and improves straight-line stability. Meanwhile, the electronic steering damper keeps the front end stable under harsh acceleration. What makes the biggest impact on the bike's handling ability, however, is the Showa Balance Free Forks.
For stopping duties the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R gets a pair of 330-mm discs with Brembo M50 Monoblocs up front and a single 220-mm disc with an aluminium single piston calliper at the rear. Indeed, barring the one instance when we had to haul on the stoppers with some loose gravel under those grippy Bridgestone Battlax RS10 tyres, not once did the ABS or traction control feel the need to intervene.
The Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R is a fantastic motorcycle. It is fast yet predictable enough for the newcomer to get used to. It has brilliant dynamics and plenty of stopping power and more than enough technology to keep you out of harm's way. Perhaps, its only negative, so far as India is concerned, is the stiff ride quality. The only other observation we have is that the Ninja is built to a specific purpose and is not an all-purpose bike. So, if you're looking for a powerful, big-capacity sporty motorcycle to enjoy on a random Sunday ride with your friends, then don't even look here but if you have access to a racetrack, there's no better bargain than the 2016 model of the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R.
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