ZX10R Review

[rocket]

Nice review blade the zx10 looks like a cracking bike and looks like you have just made it better. The bike looks really steady and easy to ride which is a credit to Kawasaki when you consider the power it has.

[Blade]

great update and feedback blade,its something im going to do to mine over the winter

Definitely recommend it Perkles and you won't be disappointed. It was one of the main reasons I went for test zx10r tbh.

[Monty]

Surprised me, you've been quite quiet about it and I was expecting you to come back and say it wasn't worth the investment.

[Blade]

No the opposite Monty I would definitely say it was worth the money.

[Monty]

OK guys a quick up date on the mods and I reckon you may be surprised with the results as I was.

The best mod by far was the one which was effectively free. By making a shim from some spare alloy I had knocking about I have improved the gear change from agricultural to extremely positive and smooth. It was very hard to find neutral with the old set up and also had a few false neutrals. Gear changing now is super smooth and totally transformed.

Next best mod is also a low cost option. Changing the sprockets. I did the same on my sp2 and hated it so much I put it back as was so was very sceptical from the outset tbh. I had no need for any concerns, as the bike was massively over geared as stock its now made it how it should have been form day one. Again I m very happy with the results.

The cosmetic mods, I.e. billet fuel cap and and removal of pillion pegs really improve the looks IMO so again very happy.

The exhaust also looks good and early signs suggest no need for a remap as little effect on throttle response and the way its drinking unleaded surely it cannot be running lean.

Overall I'm very happy with the transformation.

I just remember reading this and thinking at the time you'd not mentioned the shock.

[Blade]

Not sure I had fitted the ohlins shock by then tbh Monty. I bought it pretty much as soon as I bought the bike but left it off for a while to do a comparson with the oem shock either way I'm definitely very happy with the shock. If I wasn't it would be up for sale as it cost an arm and a leg although since I'm very happy with it I would say it was worth it.

[Blade]

The zx10r came fourth in the fast bikes sboty shoot out. Not bad for a 5 year old design.

The only negatives they could level at it were looks (opinion divided her as I like it) and missing a quickshifter.

[Perkles]

Im biased but i think its looks mean and is a good looker

[Blade]

Totally agree Perks. Beauty is definitely in the eye of the beholder. I don't like the stock exhaust but once that is dumped the bike is good looking imo.

[Blade]

With the ohlins shock fitted on Johnny Mac's long termer Rutted lapped Mallory at 53.94 and his outright lap record is only slightly better at 53.80 so plenty of life in the old dog yet, especially with the mechatronic rear shock fitted

[Perkles]

Let's face it it absolutely cleans up in wsb and bsb,the next generation upgraded model going to be a beast

[duke63]

Let's face it it absolutely cleans up in wsb and bsb,the next generation upgraded model going to be a beast

cos they cheat.

[Kwacky]

By begging for extra cc?

[Blade]

That was years ago Duke in superstock racing but they are wise to things now and the bike still cleans up.

Even in wsbk with the regulation changes the ten is dominate with both Tom Sykes and Johnny Rea. Seems you can't keep a good bike down.

Totally agree Perkles what ever replaces it which maybe as soon as next year is going to be a total weapon.

[duke63]

Said in jest, Blade but WSBK did employ Scott Smart to stop teams cheating and i believe that Kawasaki and Aprilia were the main targets.

[Blade]

Also worth mentioning the event based Ohlins active suspension on the R1 and 1299 (same as the aftermarket kit on my tenR) was rated much better than the Sachs active suspension fitted to the BMW s1000rr in the recent sboty group test.

[Perkles]

Look at all types of bsb classes and its Kawasaki at the front including the 600s

[Blade]

I think instead of the old saying race them on Sunday sell them on Monday, kawasaki have taken the approach sell them on the Saturday and race them on Sunday

When privateers are buying your bike with their own hard earned and in short supply cash you know you are doing something right imo as a manufacturer.

[Perkles]

I would love a go on yours with that shock fitted I bet it's lush to ride

[Blade]

Well I know a lot of people say in line 4's are boring but they want to get on a zx10r is all I can say.

Just got back from a quick evening blast and I'm still buzzing the bike is alive with character.

The thing has completely addictive power, very quick and lively handling but the best bit is the insanely loud induction raw and popping and crackling on the over run beg you to give it some and boy does it make you giggle when you do

The bike sounds that good it literally begs you to thrash it