Aggressive styling, advanced architecture, phenomenal power, anti-lock brakes and traction control – the new 2011 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R ABS is fully committed to regaining the world's top honours.

Aggressive styling, advanced architecture, phenomenal power, anti-lock brakes and traction control – the new 2011 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R ABS is fully committed to regaining the world's top honours. (Photo: Filip Bertrand)

As the only completely-redesigned super sport bike this year, this Japanese rocket offers a taste of what riders in the World Superbike Championship deal with. It serves an unparalleled combination of on-board electronics with a smooth, linear engine, providing unprecedented levels of control and rider-friendliness.

Clearly, Kawasaki is targeting the BMW S1000RR, 1198 SP and Aprilia RSV4 APRC, the only other bikes so far to include electronic traction control. Thanks to the S-KTRC system derived from MotoGP and the KIBS anti-lock braking system, Kawasaki makes history by becoming the first Japanese manufacturer to go mainstream with a superbike that features both riding assist functions.

Complex design, easy use
All three map settings and traction control settings can be selected via a left thumb-actuated switch. No need to cut power or engage neutral; all you have to do is to keep the engine idling. On the move, just pull the clutch lever and make the desired changes. Pretty easy, isn't it?

While styling doesn't appeal to everyone (with plastic around the tank and a fairly odd-looking taillight), you'll quickly forget about it upon laying eyes on the comprehensive, ultra-sophisticated instrument panel and straddling the new twin-spar, cast aluminum frame that handles the 200 ponies.

Project chief Yoshihiro Masuda and his engineers applied all their expertise to improve the machine's agility and responsiveness. Here, the more compact frame and new horizontally-mounted shock play a big role.

While styling doesn't appeal to everyone, you'll quickly forget about it upon laying eyes on the comprehensive, ultra-sophisticated instrument panel. (Photo: Sébastien D'Amour/Moto123.com)