Kawasaki ZX-10R first ride update - 'a formidable weapon'

MCN’s Chief Road Tester Trevor Franklin is Qatar at the world launch of Kawasaki’s new ZX-10R. He’s just completed a day’s riding and sent this report.

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“Evening has descended upon the Losil circuit, and with it the temperature has dropped to a more relaxing 28 degrees.    

“The new Kawasaki ZX-10R has shown that it is a formidable weapon. Although it looks similar to the original 2004 ZX-10R, it is a considerably more refined machine. 

“Not just the engine – which is as linear in its delivery as you could possible want –  but the traction control system is a revelation.

“Nailing the bike as hard as I dare out of the turns provokes just a small waggle through the bars before screaming off, as stable as you like.

“It would be a safe bet, to say Kawasaki has taken the superbike war to BMW. Mind you, the prices are on the salty side – £12,699 with ABS, £11,699 non ABS”

In the full test report in next week’s MCN, out on Wednesday November 24, Trev will reveal whether he thinks the ZX-10R will beat the S1000RR.