SO HERE we are in the dusty wastelands of the State of Qatar for the world press launch of the 2008 Kawasaki ZX-10R. It’s the 3rd incarnation of the top-flight sports bike from the Japanese manufacturer and comes with high expectations following the softened replacement to the original hard-core 2004 model.
Gone are the wheelbarrow handle exhaust cans (in favour of the traditional 4 into 1) and rounded bodywork. Gone too is the raw and fiendish power delivery and no prisoner chassis. But have the big K gone too far in their attempts to make a more mainstream litre beater?
Well, the motor and chassis have been developed to create a far for track-focused tool with the emphasis on enjoying going fast rather than the Hannibal Lecter approach to fighting and taming the previous beast.
Yes it’s fast, but gone is the instant corner exit surge and the charismatic intake roar. What we have now is a smoother more linear power delivery mated to a chassis that can handle the horsepower with far less fuss. There is an element of the beast that remains, but initial impressions suggest that what we have lost has been replaced by a more civilised riding experience that brings it more in line with the competition.
It’s a mix of the original beast and the current model but with far superior styling that incorporates sympathetic and practical design cues to make a more ergonomic package (narrow low tank and sporty fairing).
It’s also much easier to flick the skinny chassis from left to right. The head still shakes on fast exits and a degree of rider input is still crucial, but the overall experience is far less tiring and more business like. It feels smaller and is easier to flick from turn to turn. I’m half way through the test and will work on the suspension set-up tomorrow as it’s not spot-on, but at this point I can safely say that the big K have made solid improvements and have addressed the criticisms of the current model, and it’s a genuine track tool in comparison.
I’d rate it on today’s riding above the current R1, and on a par with the dull but competent ‘Blade but it’s not as rounded a package as the GSX-R.
Author: Visordown News
Published: 4 Dec 07
