With a RM160,000.00 budget to purchase a single seater superbike, which brand and model would you go for? Most will go for BMW and Ducati due to its “European appeal” or its “branded status” but for Japanese motorcycle loyalists, one of the brands they will go for will no doubt be this Green pocket rocket, the Kawasaki ZX10 RR. More so because it is the closet you will get to owning a similar winning machine that is ridden in the World Superbike Championship and a manufacture that won 5 consecutive world superbike championship (from 2015 – 2019). And the fact that this is only limited to 500 units worldwide, the exclusivity of having the bragging rights makes it desirable. Perhaps time for the European fans to switch.
The ZX10 RR is built with Tubular, Diamond frame. Coupled with a pair of Showa ᴓ43 mm inverted front fork with external compression chamber, adjustable spring pre-load, compression, and rebound damping. The rear comes with a horizontal back-link, gas charged shock with piggyback reservoir, adjustable spring pre-load, compression, and rebound damping. All these contributed to a superb handling both on track and on the road. Of course owners should also fit it with a good gripping set of tires.
This liquid-cooled, 998 cm³, DOHC, 16-valves, in-line Four generates 204 horses with 115.7 Nm torque. Unfortunately, the unit that I tested had some issue with the sensitivity of the throttle that makes acceleration and deceleration a bit of a fight to find the right power band. Engine braking is excellent, and I thoroughly enjoyed the up and down quick shifters. Of course you need to activate it electronically on the instrument panel before using it to prevent any damage to the engine or transmission.
The ergonomics of the ZX10 RR is more suited for track than riding on the street. Unless you are a hard core Superbiker or physically fit on the wrist, shoulder and back. The design of the tank, the height and angle of the foot pegs are taken straight or copied almost identical from the WSBK version. So if it is comfort riding you are looking for, this is not the bike for you. This is a bike on steroids and needs a fit rider / owner to tame it. Or one could just buy one and display it proudly.
The ZX10 RR brakes are excellent in stopping. Progressive yet firm. No surprises or the fear of an accidental stoppie. Of course it is from a trusted and renowned brand, Brembo. The front is fitted with ᴓ330mm dual semi-floating discs and Brembo M50 Monobloc, opposed 4-piston calipers. The rear is fitted with a single ᴓ220mm single disc with a single-bore pin-slide caliper.
With a curb mass weight of 206 Kg, a compact design 17 liters petrol tank, a short wheelbase of 2,085mm and a 740mm width, many thought this is a 600-cc superbike.
This 6-speed green rocket is just the superbike every WSBK fans and racer wannabes should be riding on. Else be prepared to be behind one.
Credits : Photos and content courtesy of Justin Hong
