Kawasaki ZX-10
TheZX-lOR's remarkably short, light and stiff chassis meant that the 998cc Kawasaki handled much like a cutting-edge middleweight - until its rider opened the throttle to send the 172bhp machine hurtling forward with enough force to make it a handful for even the most experienced riders.
Kawasaki’s rediscovered commitment to high-performance motorcycling was 'A confirmed in sensational fashion by the arrival of the ZX-IOR, a machine so raw, powerful and utterly thrilling that it left even many hardened superbike riders slightly in awe. In contrast to its long-lasting predecessor the ZX-9R, a capable but softer bike than its super-sport rivals, the 10R was a uniquely aggressive roadburner that was built for high-speed thrills and to recapture the Big K’s reputation for ultimate performance.
Merely examining the ZX-IOR at a standstill was enough to get the adrenaline Rowing. It was sharply styled and remarkably compact, with a shorter wheelbase than Kawasaki’s own racy ZX- 6R middleweight. Despite producing a claimed IBIbhp when boosted by ram-air flowing through the gaping nostril in its fairing nose, it weighed just374lb (170kg) dry. and had some notably high- quality chassis parts.
The all-new 16-valve motor was in the finest Kawasaki tradition: powerful, rev-happy and robust. The 998cc unit featured titanium exhaust valves and a slipper clutch, plus a ‘stacked’ gearbox that allowed very compact dimensions. A sophisticated injection system and titanium four- into-one exhaust system contributed to the claimed maximum of I72bhp at 11.700rpm (not including ram-air), right up with all its open-class rivals.
The ZX-lOR's chassis was equally cutting- edge, based around a frame whose main aluminium spars ran over the top of the engine, rather than around it. to keep width to a minimum. The die- cast frame’s walls were notably thin, to reduce weight; steering geometry was racy. The weightsaving wavy discs, appearing for the first time on a Naked Ambition: Kawasaki's Z1000
As well as attacking the open-class super-sports market with the ZX-10R, Kawasaki created a fine challenger in the naked bike division with the Z1000, an all-new machine named after the legendary four from the 1970s. Neatly styled with the help of a distinctive four-silencer exhaust system, it was powered by a 953cc, liquid-cooled 16-valve engine that produced 125bhp with plenty of midrange. The steel-framed chassis was simple, but capable suspension helped give good handling. The Z1000 couldn't offer the cutting-edge performance of its 1970s namesake, but it was a quick, stylish and competitively priced all-rounder that provided further evidence of Kawasaki's return to form.production superbike, were gripped by four-piston radial calipers.
From a glance at its specification panel the ZX- 10R resembled a middleweight with an open-class engine, and that’s pretty much what it was like to ride. Power delivery was fierce, combining a responsive, rev-happy feel with stunning midrange acceleration and a mind-blowing charge from 10,000rpm. The Kawasaki was good for over 1 OOmph (161 km/h) in first gear, produced effortless high-speed power wheelies in second, and howled to a top speed of 180mph (290km/h) if given enough room.
Its handling was equally remarkable, with a razor-sharp blend of quick steering and manoeuvrability, backed up by a well-controlled response from the upside-down forks and similarly multi-adjustable rear shock. The hugely powerful and fade-free front brake also helped the lOR’s pace on road or track. Straight-line stability was also good even at very high speed, but in the absence of a steering damper the short, light and potent Kawasaki occasionally shook its head disconcertingly under hard acceleration. For some riders - even those used to powerful superbikes - that made the ZX-10R just a little too much.
But many others were captivated by the Kawasaki’s unique blend of speed, aggression and racer-like agility. Either way, there was no doubt that the ZX-10R was one of the world’s most exciting superbikes, as well as one of the very fastest - and a fitting way for Kawasaki to reaffirm its status as a producer of high-performance motorcycles.
Naked Ambition: Kawasaki's Z1000
As well as attacking the open-class super-sports market with the ZX-10R, Kawasaki created a fine challenger in the naked bike division with the Z1000, an all-new machine named after the legendary four from the 1970s. Neatly styled with the help of a distinctive four-silencer exhaust system, it was powered by a 953cc, liquid-cooled 16-valve engine that produced 125bhp with plenty of midrange. The steel-framed chassis was simple, but capable suspension helped give good handling. The Z1000 couldn't offer the cutting-edge performance of its 1970s namesake, but it was a quick, stylish and competitively priced all-rounder that provided further evidence of Kawasaki's return to form.
Kawasaki backed up the ZX-IOR's powerful motor with innovative chassis design centred on an aluminium frame that minimized width by running above the four-cylinder engine, instead of either side of it. The front brake incorporated radial calipers plus race-style petal discs, which were claimed to weigh less than comparable standard discs.
Specification Kawasaki ZX-10R
- Engine Liquid-cooled dohc 16-valve four
- Capacity 998cc (76 x 55mm)
- Maximum power 172bhp at 11,700rpm
- Transmission Six-speed, chain final drive
- Frame Aluminium twin spar
- Suspension Telescopic front; single shock rear
- Brakes Twin discs front; disc rear
- Weight 374lb (170kg)
- Top speed 180mph (290km/h)
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