The first time you hit the track with a monster of this sort, you don’t know exactly what to do with all those raging horses. Get your brain in gear, though, because the corner at the end of the long straightaway is approaching dangerously fast. As your laps add up, you gradually become more comfortable with the speed and acceleration, but the ZX-10R still manages to surprise with a chassis that weathers the storm without flinching. Needless to say, riders must be in top physical shape as the machine requires a great deal of effort to hang on to in corners as well as on the straightaway. It can maintain a perfect line in the corners (although the footpegs touch the ground a bit too soon) and remains stable as full throttle is applied again. Be careful when exiting corners, as even with the excellent KIMS technology, the available power pushes rear-tire grip (A 190mm weenie no less) to the limit.

The 2010 Kawasaki ZX-10R is about maximum power in a chassis that can handle it.

A dream of manageable power
Kawasaki has done a great job with the 2009 ZX-10R, an extremely capable sport bike that you can live with on the road but is definitely geared for track days. As such, it’s intended for intermediate and advanced riders.

This latest offspring of the ZX family deserves a spot on the podium next to rivals who draw upon different technologies or approaches (cross-plane crankshaft for the R1, C-ABS braking for the CBR1000RR) or friendlier ones (GSX-R1000). The 2010 Kawasaki ZX-10R is about maximum power in a chassis that can handle it… much to the delight of riders addicted to brute force.

Phenomenal power
Rock-solid stability
Powerful and easy-to-modulate brakes
Nice blend of efficiency and character


Limited ground clearance when cornering
Physical to ride
Weak steering damper
Too-radical riding position for the street


None



Photo Credit : Philippe Champoux