Natalie Jackson: I’m going hell for leather on Kawi’s leader rocket next.
Hello! I’m Natalie Jackson and welcome to Motorcycle Freedom.
This is Kawazaki’s ZX-10R, all new for 2004, this leader rocket has been leading competition and its rearview mirror. And now, for 2005, they tweaked it even more. So to say I’m excited this Team Green racing machine is well state in the obvious. Grab on to your armrest, this is going to be fast.
The heart of the ZX-10R remains unchanged from last year. The liquid cooled 998 cc inline 4 turns out a 151 peak horsepower over a broad and smooth torque bend, and that power translates into things happening quickly.
I’d recommend being fully alert at all times on this bike has well its immediacy is great, it demands a 100% of your attention at all time.
Kawi’s engine sits in an all aluminum twin-spar frame that goes over instead of around the motor. The benefit to this design, the bypass a shortest wheel base and the lightest weight in class, basically a leader bike in 660 cc clothing.
I rode Kawazaki’s middleweight ZX-6R and was impressed by how small and light the bike felt. Now I’m sitting on the ZX-10 and can’t believe they’ve shoehorned all that power into a – that this small and compact. Of course with all the horsepower you have at your fingertips, you need to keep your weight low and well-forward under hard acceleration if you want to keep both the wheels on the ground.
Kawazaki’s main focus for changes on the 2005 model are in the transmission and suspension departments. The – has a long list of refinements that add up to a shifter that’s smooth and positive, add to that, a back torque – or superclutch and you’ll be shifting like a pro with zero wheel hop. On this suspension side, Kawi’s tweaks are meant to give you a more – ride. Now obviously, this is an adrenaline pumping sport bike, would be harsh, make that aggressive ride quality that goes along with it. But I found the fully adjustable 43 mm forks, uni-track linkage and full adjustable shock, make things firm not --, making it easy to keep my line even over the rough stuff.
On a bike that weighs 375 pounds dry, it’s all about keeping the bike’s unsprung weight as light as possible. Kawi’s given their ZX-10R, 6 spoke wheels versus the traditional 3 spoke. Why I hear you ask? Rim thicknesses reduced, but we still get a wheel that’s stronger and lighter, the result is easier, faster turnings and more of the green factor.
The 6 spokers are loaded up with dual 300 mm pedal designed front disc, with radio mounted 4 piston calipers and a single rear 220 mm pedal disc—translation? These brakes bite hard and you’ll be doing stoppies before you know it.
Styling on the ZX-10R is definitely stealth fighter-like. It looks as aggressive as it rides but ergos are actually really comfortable. Despite its compact design, it’s pretty roomy—yeah I know I’m budget size, but larger riders are great too.
In traditional Team Green with its oval 4 into 1 exhaust, the ZX-10R looks good, well until you look down.
As with the ZX-6, I have a pet pick and I don’t think I’m alone here. What’s up with this unreadable digital tack? I don’t know about you guys, but when I’m going help for leather, I like to easily see the readout, and this LCD ain’t – it. Kawi, note to self, get --.
Competition in the 1000 cc class has never been tougher, and I’ve been lucky enough to ride the main contenders in this year’s field.
Yamaha’s new for 2005 R1 is race ready and offers extremely potent fuel injected power. With a sleek undertail exhaust in Kayaba components, it will set you back just under 11 grand.
Honda’s CBR1000RR remains unchanged from 2004. Although its 998 cc, inline 4 is plenty powerful, this bike is the heavyweight of the bunch. Stable and predictable, you can get its well-mannered performance for $11,299.
Ducati’s 999-R Test Stretta delivers its 150 horses in a civilized manner and its Owen suspension floats over the rough stuff. Just be prepared to pay big bucks, almost $30,000 for this motorcycle work of art.
The Triumph Daytona 955-I is the most wallet-friendly leader bike around, with an MSRP of $9,999. However, this British Triple – could use a chassis and fuel injection update to keep up with the rest of the pack.
And I recently rode Suzuki’s all new GSX-R1000. Priced at $10,849, it’s got excellent low and mid range power. It’s extremely powerful yet totally confidence inspiring to ride and I love that titanium pipe.
The 2005 Kawazaki ZX-10R is priced at $10,999 and is on sale now.
I certainly understand why Kawazaki ZX-10R tops so many best of list in 2004. The bike is a total pleasure to ride, its fast, its light, its nimble, well balanced, has great breaks, and enough power and torque to keep any Johnny Road Racer completely satisfied. I’d gladly have one in my garage if only I had keys to attract.
For Motorcycle Freedom, I’m Natalie Jackson. Thanks for coming along for the ride.
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