• Three rider-selectable levels of intervention of the Sport-Kawasaki TRaction Control (S-KTRC), to vary the level of intervention from high from slippery conditions to very little for track riding.
• The S-KTRC also sense impending rear wheel slippage and softens the application of torque-limiting measures, making the bike easier to ride smoothly as the rider approaches rear wheel slippage.
• And yes, this means nine different combinations to optimise the bike’s behaviour.
• An optional Kawasaki Intelligent antilock Braking System (KIBS) built by Bosch, that cycles 100,000 times per second and eliminates any pulsing feeling on the brake lever or pedal.
• A wheelie management system that tolerates gradual rise of the front wheel but cuts torque if it senses a sudden rise and impending flip-over.

You can make out the exhaust system box that can be removed to mount the rear wheel further forward. This makes the bike more compact and agile, and improves weight transfer to the rear under hard acceleration. (Photo: Kawasaki)

Kawasaki has developed these features over several years, rather than as a reaction to similar ones on BMW’s S 1000 RR. Interestingly, both manufacturers thought that when sportbikes approach or go past the 200hp mark, riders need more and more help to keep the bike, especially the rear wheel – under control and still be able to enjoy the monstrous performance.

Oh - the other stuff! A new chassis uses a fully adjustable 43 mm big piston fork and a new rear shock-swingarm arrangement to increase grip, stability and feedback. Adjustable suspensions and powerful brakes complete this performance-oriented picture.

Owners can also remove the exhaust pre-chamber (for off-road only…) and move the rear wheel forward up to 16mm. His move makes for better mass centralization and weight transfer under hard braking and acceleration – all good for better handling and traction coming out of hard corners.

Canadian pricing is set at $16,499 for the non ABS version, or $17,299 for the ABS model - reasonable dollars for a bike that will make any track-day user more than happy.