‘Little things mean a lot’

The old ZX-10R isn’t a bad bike, far from it. I’d still love to race and own one; they will still be competitive on the roads and on short circuits. In many ways the new bike isn’t a massive step forward, but this is mainly because the old bike is so good. It finished a credible fourth in our 1000s test last year and was third quickest around Jerez. But the new bike has more power and torque, is measurably and visually quicker in the midrange thanks to the new gearing, improved power and quickshifter. The handling feels lovely, a little firm at very slow speeds but it works in harmony with the chassis. Despite being heavier it actually feels lighter on fast direction changes and when rolling into fast corners; plus the electronics are bang up to date. Add up the small changes and the new ZX-10 is very tempting.