More monstrous Kawasakis this year
Kawasaki has unveiled the new ZX-10R range which consists of the ZX-10R, ZX-10R SE and the ZX-10 RR. The most important upgrade comes in form of the new ‘finger follower’ valve train that replaces the ‘bucket and shim’ system. The new setup has reduced the weight of the valve system by 20 per cent. All three versions also get Diamond-like Carbon coating on the cams to protect against wear and tear and increase the power and torque output. The Ninja ZX-10R gains an additional 3bhp and 1.4Nm of torque. This means that the current power output hovers around 203bhp@13,500rpm and torque output stands at 114.9Nm@11,200rpm. The ZX-10R and ZX-10RR get fully-adjustable 43mm inverted front forks and horizontal back-link gas-charged rear monoshock. The ZX10R SE features fully-adjustable, electronically-actuated Showa Balance Free Front (BFF) forks and Balance Free Rear Cushion (BFRC lite) monoshock at the rear. It also features lightweight forged Marchesini wheels.
Kawasaki also showcased the fully-faired Ninja 125 at Intermot. The Z125, on the other hand, is Kawasaki’s sport-naked offering. Both bikes are powered by the same 125cc, liquid-cooled, DOHC, single-cylinder engine that makes 14.8bhp and 11.6Nm of torque.