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Perks zx10r review

Posted: 13 Apr 2015, 18:09
by Perkles
014 model in standard trim

I chose some twisty country roads and a very fast section known as the Tamworth mile,traffic was heavy so no knee down playing today
Let's start with the heart of a bike the engine,I've read bad reports saying it's got no midrange and poor for the road.Well compared to my rc8 it definitely lacks grunt but my god it goes apeshit mental at 10,000 revs and all manner of hell breaks loose .The fueling is peach perfect smooth much like the 1000sx I rode the other day
10/10
Handling ,coming from the rc8 it feels small and very pointy,the front doesn't feel as planted but it steers quicker which is a good thing.I couldn't tell what the rear shock was doing but it was a lot softer than the shock on the rc8 which was very stiff.Overall it feels like a 600 to sit on and I feel it would be amazing when set up properly and on track.i got no head shakes at full beans and it felt planted hard on the throttle coming out of corners
8/10
Brakes,not anywhere near as good as the rc8s brembos,they lacked feel and felt a bit wooden but that could be the pads
7/10
Equipment,the dash is ace and hoorah it has a gear indicator,you can toggle through power modes really easy via a single button which is great.I love the Rev counter watching it zing up and across the Rev range is great
8/10
Gearbox,I'm changing bikes because the rc8 gearbox is so poor,the kwack box is smooth and quiet and goes into every gear easily.Sorry ktm but you can't build a 15 grand super bike and fit it with a gearbox from a 1970s tractor it just ruins the whole experience for me.I do agree with blade though the zx10 is utterly crying out for a quick shifter
9/10
Build quality,the fit and finish is very nice not Honda like but very good.All of the black components are in a nice satin finish,time will tell but the the build quality on Kawasaki is now on par with Yamaha and close to Honda imho
9/10
So is it good enough for me to part with my hard earned cash,no brainier really yes.I pick it up in two weeks time :D
Overall 9/10 lower gearing and some suspension set up will give it 10/10
Let the induction roar rave on..................

Re: Perks zx10r review

Posted: 13 Apr 2015, 18:14
by C00kiemonster
Blimey. Fair play for not messing about! Sounds good!

Re: Perks zx10r review

Posted: 13 Apr 2015, 18:17
by Perkles
C00kiemonster wrote:Blimey. Fair play for not messing about! Sounds good!
Wanna buy an Oberon clutch slave :D

Re: Perks zx10r review

Posted: 13 Apr 2015, 18:25
by beermonster
Blimey at this rate this forum will soon have to be renamed Kwakslap! :D

Re: Perks zx10r review

Posted: 13 Apr 2015, 18:27
by Kwacky
Ace review.

Surprised you don't like the brakes but those big piston forks mean you have to adjust your mind to braking. The bike reacts differently to what you're used to.

Re: Perks zx10r review

Posted: 13 Apr 2015, 18:30
by Perkles
Kwacky wrote:Ace review.

Surprised you don't like the brakes but those big piston forks mean you have to adjust your mind to braking. The bike reacts differently to what you're used to.
I'm sure it's the Oem pads but the brembo set on the rc8 was very very good,loads of feel and big stopping power
One thing I forgot was the tyres but you know I have no idea about them anyhow :D

Re: Perks zx10r review

Posted: 13 Apr 2015, 18:32
by DaytonAndy
(ttiwwp)
Another 10 in the tankslap fold- I'm getting jealous again!
It could be the abs ruining the feel on the brakes? Read a review of the 675r where the tester said he preferred the older pre-abs brakes.

Re: Perks zx10r review

Posted: 13 Apr 2015, 18:33
by C00kiemonster
Perkles wrote:
C00kiemonster wrote:Blimey. Fair play for not messing about! Sounds good!
Wanna buy an Oberon clutch slave :D
£20? ;)

Re: Perks zx10r review

Posted: 13 Apr 2015, 18:38
by Blade
Great review Perkles and glad you like it.

The brakes on my bike are strong so maybe suggest to the dealer you want new pads and a brake fluid change. Won't cost them more than £50 internal costs and should be possible on a ten grand bike. Just an idea and saves you some wonga.

Re: Perks zx10r review

Posted: 13 Apr 2015, 18:47
by Kwacky
Has that one got ABS?

Re: Perks zx10r review

Posted: 13 Apr 2015, 18:59
by Perkles
Kwacky wrote:Has that one got ABS?
Forgot about that but I think it's a non abs bike

Re: Perks zx10r review

Posted: 13 Apr 2015, 19:01
by rocket
Nice one Perkles , good review now just steel all blades nice bits on the next ride out :-P

Re: Perks zx10r review

Posted: 13 Apr 2015, 19:07
by edd1e
DaytonAndy wrote:(ttiwwp)
this

Re: Perks zx10r review

Posted: 13 Apr 2015, 19:32
by Perkles
rocket wrote:Nice one Perkles , good review now just steel all blades nice bits on the next ride out :-P
I can't read his thread anymore it's going to hurt my wallet.
I've ordered a tail tidy and a tank pad,the standard can will get ditched on next months pay day

Re: Perks zx10r review

Posted: 13 Apr 2015, 20:23
by Rossgo
Very good first review Perkles. Enjoy owning her when she is collected she is lovely (took a look at the link you posted up in the other thread [SMILING FACE WITH OPEN MOUTH])

Re: Perks zx10r review

Posted: 13 Apr 2015, 20:27
by rocket
Perkles wrote:
rocket wrote:Nice one Perkles , good review now just steel all blades nice bits on the next ride out :-P
I can't read his thread anymore it's going to hurt my wallet.
I've ordered a tail tidy and a tank pad,the standard can will get ditched on next months pay day

Sweet looking forward to seeing it (devil)

Re: Perks zx10r review

Posted: 13 Apr 2015, 20:47
by Kwacky
Andy, some of my spare bling may fit. We'll have a sort out when I swap the plastics on the zx6r.

Re: Perks zx10r review

Posted: 13 Apr 2015, 21:09
by Perkles
Ok cheers

Re: Perks zx10r review

Posted: 13 Apr 2015, 21:20
by Perkles
@blade
do they do a single seat cowl ?
Does the gay rim tape come off ?

Re: Perks zx10r review

Posted: 13 Apr 2015, 21:24
by Kwacky
Yes and yes

You'll need to heat the rim tape to get it off.

The official rear cowls are about £150 but there are usually chinese ones on ebay for much less.