However, with laughable speed limits like ours and omnipresent police cruisers, a first gear that propels you to over 160 km/h and a second one that catapults you past 200 clicks aren’t ideal. You’re better off taming this beast on the track during one of the many track days offered across the country. Something that moto123.com will be doing shortly at Calabogie, in Ontario, so stay tuned for our gallery and impressions.

The ZX-10 offers interesting ergonomics for the road and everyday use as well with a lower seat that makes it easier to touch the ground when stopped. (Photo: Sébastien D'amour/Moto123.com)

Improved ergonomics
Though it was created for the track, the ZX-10 offers interesting ergonomics for the road and everyday use as well, with adjustable foot pegs, slightly higher half handlebars compared to the outgoing model and a rather hard, though well-moulded and lower seat that makes it easier to touch the ground when stopped.

Your own personal guardian angels
The frame and its revised geometry combined with the output of the new 998-cc lump contribute to superior handling. The self-confident front end will have you tempting fate at every corner, while the hind end’s enthusiasm will astound you on corner exit. The precise and efficient Showa Big Piston Forks and the perfectly balanced frame let you have a little fun on those highway access roads too.

And if you push your luck a little too much, no worries, you’ve got a few mechanical and electronic guardian angels watching over you: steering damper, unidirectional clutch for easy downshifting, intelligent ABS (KIBS), traction control (S-KTRC) that monitors throttle opening on corner exit and the choice between three power bands, “L,” which cuts power by 40%, “M,” for full power with a smooth delivery, and “F,” i.e. “rocket mode”.

But don’t go thinking all these systems will do everything for you. The Bridgestone BT-016 tires, for instance, are woefully low on grip when not properly warmed up and can play a dirty trick on you, even with the electronic arsenal at your command. You’d be better off shoeing the ZX-10R in some stickier rubber that responds better to loads.

The traction control (S-KTRC) that monitors throttle opening on corner exit and the choice between three power bands. (Photo: Sébastien D'amour/Moto123.com)