KAWASAKI ZX-10R 2016 TEST RIDE

KAWASAKI ZX-10R 2016 TEST RIDE

The new livery on the Ninja ZX-10R is certainly refreshing, coupled with the impressive media introduction that was given to us before the start of our Sepang International circuit test ride, most media in attendance were really pumped up to be the first out into the track. I was however skeptical about this 2016 model because a lot of upgraded model comes with either minor improvements or just some cosmetic changes.

Kawasaki Motors Malaysia had all the test bike set to “Low” Power mode for the first test session. I took the Winter Edition (Difference is only it is matt Black with a snow flake icon on its windscreen) Ninja out and immediately the difference I felt on this 2016 model is how tremendously smooth the gear shifting is. The 2015 model already has an impressive smooth gear change mechanism but this 2016 model is even better and smoother. Coupled with Kawasaki Quick shifter (KQS), this ZX-10R is indeed as close as you can get to a race ready superbike. Developed with inputs from 2013 World Superbike Champion Tom Sykes and contrary to my beliefs, this Ninja ZX-10R has loads of improvements.

I did 5 laps on “Low” power mode on the 5.5 Km Sepang International circuit before Kawasaki technicians changed the settings to all the test bikes to “Full” power mode. I hopped on to the “Green” Ninja ZX-10R with “Full” power mode setting on and did a couple laps to feel the difference. Mid-range to final power drive difference were immediately felt. It has a superb mid-range torque, although top speed is about the same from the 2015 model.

Late braking on this technology loaded ZX-10 R is very much controlled and predictable. The Brembo brake system added with KIBS (Kawasaki Intelligent anti-lock Brake System) and intelligent braking system (KIBS) that links the ABS control unit with the engine’s electronic control enable riders to even brake midway into a corner. That was something I was hesitating to try but after getting some reassurance from Kawasaki Motors Malaysia technical staff, I went for it in some of the turns at Sepang circuit and I was really blown away with the confidence and stability the bike has on braking midway into a corner.

Sitting position is not too angled downwards and comfortable for both track and normal road riding. The handle bar height is positioned well that I did not feel uncomfortable on slow traffic riding. Maneuverability is easy when making slow U-turns or riding between vehicles.

The front screen did a good job in deflecting wind away from the rider’s body but obstructed my front view when I rest my helmet on the recess area on top of the tank during high speed riding. I need to tilt my helmet upwards every time I go below the screen. A deeper recess or lower tank position would be perfect.

On street and highway riding, the front and rear suspensions responded well to different road condition. It gave me the confidence to ride and take corners on surfaces and in a speed that I would not have dared on a BMW S1000RR. The combination of Öhlins steering damper, Showa’s front and rear suspension system, Bridgestone Battlax RS10 tires works wonders.

Power delivery is fast and smooth. It will give you the confidence that you are in control of the bike unlike the Beemer S1000RR where power surge is quite uncontrollable. Taking off from traffic lights or overtaking vehicles will give you a real adrenalin rush. The front wheel tends to slightly lift up every time I squeeze hard on the throttle, surprisingly even when the traction control (KTRC) is activated. But all this does not “activate” my panic mode because it all seems like in a controlled situation.

Kawasaki Development team has redesigned or replaced almost all parts of this 2016 Ninja. New pistons, camshafts, cylinder head and primary gear, lighter crankshaft, redesigned porting with electronic throttle valves, 25% bigger airbox and thicker engine sidewalls are among the major changes involved.

The cylinder head and crankshaft are all new and 20% lighter. This reduces engine inertia and allows the engine to spin up or slow down faster, which obviously improves acceleration and deceleration and also has the added benefit of helping the bike change direction more quickly as crankshaft inertia can blunt directional change quickness.

The crankshaft also gets a new, lighter balancer, and the connecting rods have a new coating which reduces friction at high rpm. The new cylinder head’s intake and exhaust ports are now straighter, wider and polished, improving the flow of more fuel / air mixture into the combustion chamber. To further reduce weight, the valves are now made of Titanium.

The ZX-10R churns out 210 hp (154.4 kW) at 13, 000 rpm and has a peak torque of 113.5 Nm (83,7 lb-ft) at 11, 500 rpm. One may argue that the maximum output is about the same as the previous model, but the new engine now peaks at a higher rpm with stronger mid-range torque, whilst complying to tighter Euro 4 emission requirements.

There are a multitude of electronics in the new Ninja ZX-10R. At the heart of it is the brand new Bosch Inertia Measurement Unit (IMU). It measures six degrees of freedom variables. Five of the IMU axises are measured by an array of sensors, with the sixth calculated by the system’s proprietary software. The IMU then uses all these information to fine-tune the rider-adjustable control systems which are the traction control (KTRC), the launch control (KLCM) and engine braking (KEBC).

The Kawasaki Intelligent Braking System (KIBS) links the ABS control unit with the engine’s electronic control. The system monitors the front and rear wheel speed, front brake caliper hydraulic pressure, throttle position, engine speed, clutch actuation and gear position to determine the ideal brake hydraulic pressure. This is the first time such an integrated braking system has been installed to a production motorcycle.

Another impressive system is the Innovative Cornering Management function. This technology helps riders to stay on their intended line through the corner by automatically coordinating the traction control and the braking system. The KIBS and Cornering Management comes standard on the new Ninja ZX-10R.

The frame geometry has been revised by seating the rider closer to the steering head and elongating the swingarm. The front is now loaded with more weight and facilitates better corner entry stability, and further assisted by the reduced inertia from the lighter rotating parts of the engine.

Showa’s latest suspension kit makes a debut on this bike. It features a new design that promises to eliminate pressure balance fluctuations by using the Balance Free Fork (BFF) and Rear Cushion (BFRC) which has been developed in WSBK throughout 2014.

The instrument panel has a high visible LED-backlit bargraph tachometer that also function as a shift indicator. The LED will flash when the set rpm is reached. Riders can set the shift indicator rpm according to preference. The digital display is updated to include the Launch Control Mode (KLCM), Engine Brake Control (KEBC), Quick Shifter (KQS) as well as an indicator for the IMU. Additional indicators on the multi-function panel include gear position indicator, odometer, dual trip meters, average fuel consumption, instant fuel consumption., Power Mode (3 Modes), S-KTRC (5 Modes + OFF), low fuel indicator, Economical riding indicator and a host of indicator lamps. The numerous modes and functions are controlled using a multi-function button located at the left handle.

I could not remember the last time I had so much fun riding a superbike and are actually looking forward to ride the ZX-10R every day. Compared to Yamaha R1M (Est $22,000), Honda RC213V-S (Est $184, 000), Ducati 1299 Paningale R (Est $20,000), BMW S1000RR (Est $16,000) and Kawasaki ZX-10R (Est $15,600) [Prices indicated are estimate and in USD] I guess my choice is obvious in terms of value for money and race ready specs.

Specifications:

Engine:

Type: Liquid-Cooled, 4-stroke In-Line Four.

Displacement: 998 CM

Compression ratio: 13:0:1

Valve System: DOHC 16 Valves.

Fuel System: Fuel Injection. ⊘47 mm X 4 with dual injection.

Drivetrain:

Transmission: 6 Speed.

Final Drive: Chain.

Clutch: Wet multi-disc. Manual.

Frame:

Type: Twin Spar, Cast Aluminum.

Wheel Travel: Front – 120mm, Rear – 114mm

Tyre: Front 120/70ZR17M/C (58W). Rear 190/55ZR17M/C (78W)

Caster (Rake); 25°

Trail: 107 mm

Performance:

Maximum Power: 147.1 kW {200 PS}

Maximum Torque: 113.5 N.m {11.6 kgf.m}

Brakes:

Front – Dual semi-floating ⊘ 330 mm Brembo discs.

Caliper: Dual radial-mount, Brembo M50 monobloc, opposed 4-piston.

Rear – Single ⊘ 220 mm disc.

Caliper: Single-bore pin-slide, aluminum piston.

Dimension:

Overall Length: 2,090 mm

Overall Width: 740 mm

Overall Height: 1,145 mm

Wheelbase: 1,440 mm

Ground Clearance: 145 mm

Seat Height: 835 mm

Curb Mass: 206 kg

Fuel Capacity: 17 Litres.

Colors available:

Green, Grey and Black.

Credits : Photos by Scapmedia

Content by: Justin Hong