Sven here, back again to bring you yet another installment of the New for 2010 series. This week we’re talking all about the lean mean (don’t forget green) Japanese fighting machine, Kawasaki. Kawasaki is back again bringing out all its tricks, even after its huge year in 2009. What is even better is the amount of new debuting Kawis: 4! Four bikes, touching multiple genres. Where to begin?!
Sven says: lets swing for the fence. Ninja! The words Ninja and Kawasaki are synonymous, maybe since there are 3,000 different Ninja’s in the line up. Not really, there’s actually 6, but it sure seems like it. Last year came the ZX-6R, and it ran circles around its sportbike counterparts. According to all the critics, the lil 600cc green machine could do no wrong. Nothing could rival. All Sven has to say about that is, “Eh.” I’m not doubting its amazing performance, but it is a dime a dozen. Sven would rather have exclusivity, than a matching green mohawk helmet.
(Insert toolbag joke here)
But that was 2009, its a new year.
Ok so back to business, the bigger brother ZX-10R is redesigned for 2010, looking just like the lil 600cc ZX-6R but bigger and badder. Sporting a 998cc 4 cylinder engine, the new ZX-10R cranks out 200 HP (up for discussion due to the use of the word “Ram Air”) and 83 ft/lbs. The concept of the ZX-6R’s phenom transmission was transplanted into the ZX-10R.
This Green Giant isn't what you would call, "jolly"
The result: an amazingly smooth and precise feel through the clutch. The new titanium side exhaust gets a low key race inspired design. As mentioned a few ago, the physical appearance of the bike looks virtually similar to the ZX-6R. The fairings take a more aerodynamic stance and gives the bike a smaller, thinner look. With the saved weight throughout the bike, the weight being shifted towards the center of the bike, and an Öhlins suspension system with steering damper, the ZX-10R has be thoroughly tuned for a lighter feel, which will give any rider a more confident sense of the bike. So Sven’s final opinion of the big bad ninja? It is a big bad ninja that just got bigger and badder. For Bren and Sven specs of the Ninja ZX-10R click here.
Now to the other side of the motorcycle spectrum: Sport-touring. Two years ago, Kawasaki gave us the Concours 14 and it was received very well. After two years, Kawasaki decided it was time to update the awesome sport-tourer. The new Concours 14 comes equipped with a bunch of new goodies like optional ABS and KTRC (Kawasaki Traction Control). Actually, the Concours 14 has a ridiculous amount of niceties. The original Concours had a lockable glove-box, well its been relocated to the fairing of the bike rather than the bike itself which makes accessibility a cinch. The handle grips now have adjustable heating for that perfect warming glow you want in the cold. Probably the coolest creature comfort option on the Concours 14 is the electronic adjustable windscreen with rider memory. The height of the windscreen can be adjusted for that perfect spot you always want, and will adjust to the setting each time you start the bike. On the performance aspect of the bike, not much has changed aside from the addition of ABS and KTRC. Some design modifications were made to increase cooling of the bike, but all in all the solid platform of the fancy Ninja ZX-14 has remained the same. The bike has what Kawasaki calls a Tetra-lever shaft drive, meaning it is driven by a drive shaft not a chain, but the way it is designed, it has the appealing characteristics of a chain driven system with the quality and low maintenance of a drive shaft. I guess the Concours 14 brings the best of both worlds in more ways than one. For Bren and Sven specs of the Concours 14 click here.
Kawasaki will be debuting a completely new bike to the U.S. market in 2010. The Versys well, is ugly and awkward. Frankly, it is not a Bren and Sven favorite. I mean look at it…
Ahhhh look away kids!!!
According to Kawi corporate, the Versys is a seller in the Euro market. If so, something is wrong in their heads over there. The 649cc standard bike is actually supposed to be a fun and interesting lil bike, but I say nay nay. The biggest issue I had found is when watching a rider on the Versys. The location of the rider in relation to the handlebar setup looks unnatural. The front fairing hangs low out outstretched in front of the rider. The tank seems long and the seat puts the rider in a comfortable upright and natural riding position, but the handlebars are so far away, you need to outstretch your arms beyond the natural comfort zone to even operate the Versys. I’m sure in some manner the Versys has some pros but I am just so perturbed by the bike, I’m not sure I can continue. For Bren and Sven specs of the Versys click here.
Well the Z1000 is back, rebuilt from the ground up. Kawasaki removed the previous Z1000 from Kawi lineup a few years ago and they took the concept back to the drawing board. Now the Z1000 is back to tear up the streets as a proper hooligan/ streetfighter bike. It has the feel of a standard with soul of sport bike. The steel frame of the original Z1000 has been updated with an all aluminum frame, which all equates to less weight and increased handling. The look of the Z1000 is extremely edgy and sleek, with acute edges and fairings. The tank take cues from a sportbike, allowing a rider to grip the bike with the knees comfortably. The best way to describe the Z1000 is to take the Ninja ZX-10R and remove all the ugly of it and add minimalist sexy to it. It’s hard to say how successful the Z1000 will do, naked bikes haven’t taken off in the U.S. as well as they have in Europe, but we have started to notice that there has be a slight shift towards the market of the raw aggressiveness of a naked bike. For Bren and Sven specs of the Z1000 click here.
Hopefully this bike will fuel a naked bike craze
Well there you have it, 3 big bad Kawis and one not so awesome one (stupid Versys) . It is obvious that the Ninja ZX-10R is going to be a heavy hitter, as it should be, and the Concours 14 will still prove to be an excellent sport-tourer. But what of the Z1000? Sven likes it, and he hopes you do too.
New for 2010 is drawing to a close with only two more manufacturers to go. Who will it be next week: Triumph, or Honda? I guess you’ll have to say tuned.
This is Sven saying, keep the paint up and the rubber down.
Check out the other articles in the New for 2010 series:
Aprilia BMW Ducati Honda Kawasaki Suzuki Triumph Yamaha
