Motorcycle specifications KawasakiZX-10R 1000 2004 A blade sharpens

kawa is getting angry, and it shows. Kawa is back in the spotlight with a series of high-profile models. After the thundering Z 1000 and the ZX-6RR, which marks a return to extreme sport, the greens present the long-awaited replacement for the ZX-9R. Introducing the Kawasaki ZX-10R. It's a surprisingly beautiful bike, especially in black. On the Ninja 10, everything is oversized or very openwork: Cutting-edge fairing panels for excellent heat dissipation (and to save a few grams thanks to the plastoc), ultra-drilled and petal-cut brake discs. More weight savings, better wear and greater efficiency. And it's not all for show. The engine is entirely new and devilishly nasty, for Kawa has brought out the big guns to contain it: a very, very imposing frame in a new shape, a thicker swingarm than on the 954 CBR, inverted forks and radial-mount calipers. After Kawasaki's official press release, the figures alone are enough to make you dizzy: this new hypersport claims 184 hp (175 without forced air) for 170 kg. The new benchmark set by the new R1 (180 for 172) has already been surpassed. Everything has been thought out to make this block as compact and efficient as possible. Injection has finally arrived on the big green sportbike, via 43 mm throttle bodies. The crankcases are made of magnesium, and the gearbox benefits from a shorter gear ratio. To feed the boiler, the fork head is pierced by a front air intake, as on the little ZX-6RR sister, but this one seems more imposing. This doesn't prevent the 10R from having better air penetration than its little sister. The fuel tank has been reworked to integrate the rider into the machine as much as possible, and the oval pot is made of titanium with a thin aluminum coating, with integrated turn signals - to promote aerodynamics - and even more unsprung weight is shaved off with new, even lighter wheels. it's going to be a nasty ride, both for the competition and for the rider... Driver is more than ever the right word, because the ZX-10R won't be making as many concessions as its predecessor, the 9R, which offered a conciliatory, almost hypersport-GT riding position. Radical but oh-so-effective seems to be the motto of the new generation. Kawasaki announced an unprecedented power-to-weight ratio- and now it's here! The 2004 match promises to be exceptional.

smalland narrow, it has all the hallmarks of a 600. And it's the same on board. The driving position is acceptable, but it's still very cramped. There's no question of a relaxing space for a trip from Paris to Nice: this is sport, and you'd better not be too tall. We're expecting a lot from the 10R's new block, so much so that the power announced seems out of this world. Start! Kawasaki fans can smile: at low revs, it clears its throat like a good old ZRX engine. With vibrations that somewhat challenge, you can really feel that there's life underneath. It's in this range that the block disappoints a little: it feels less full than that of the GSX-R 1000 (the benchmark, it's true), and 6th gear isn't its favorite when engine revs are light. So young and already so temperamental? Excellent! The engine then becomes more serious up to 7,000 rpm, without becoming uncontrollable. So you push it to get the hardcore out there. And then we start to wonder, feeling our backs getting colder... We're approaching 9,000 rpm... it was already sending out some serious power, but we insisted - we passed this mark, and the bike was moving, as if armoured with TNT in the pistons. At the top of the rev counter, the mill is a veritable fury, animated by an astonishing vivacity. It's worth pointing out that the engineers have given the engine the benefit of a fine array of technological refinements. With such rage, driving this 1,000 is no picnic. Uncontrolled optimism is strongly discouraged and severely reprimanded. When the watts start flowing, it takes a great deal of know-how and composure to get the most out of it.

Thanks to a surprisingly long reach, the gearbox can be used less in certain sections of the circuit. The excitement continues under braking . We already appreciated Kawa's skills in this area; we're not disappointed. Efficiency is beyond reproach. The lever is gripped with conviction and security, the arms are crushed... and the rear became light, light, even a little too light. Quid? The new anti-dribble device integrated into the clutch system has had its day. While effective, this system has the minor drawback of causing the rear end to drift slightly under heavy braking. According to the engineers, this can be adjusted with either more or less influence. Dynamically, the ZX-10R is both stable and lively, a true little 600 sport... As long as you play with it. In hard riding, the bike becomes physical and demanding. It's as if it forces you to pull out your guts in exchange for its incredible power. Smile, but stay humble. Kawasaki's new hypersport doesn't pull any punches. Respect, control and composure are the new rules of the road.

M.B - manufacturer's photos