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Kawasaki ZX10R

Bike Summary
Price: €13,800
Engine: 998 cc
Year of model: 2008

Click items to expand Opinions
BBG Score
 
 
  90%
Styling And Design
Score:9/10
It took 2006 to let the ZX10R’s new styling sink in, and having binned the old 2004/5 models styling we werent certain the ZX10R would remain a firm favourite among superbike fans. In 2006 the original pipe was doubled, and both placed under its rear seat. Aerodynamics have been significantly increased, though the same cant be said for its fairing shape re-design. If youre going to buy one, aftermarket end cans are a neccesity, with a capital N!
Performance
Score:10/10
Its so smooth yet ragged when you pull on the power. Almost tipping the power to weight ratio, it is just slightly heavier at 175kg, with 170bhp. Its superslick gearbox is easily slammed through, and before even getting out of first gear i’tll jump dash figures in advance of 100kph. Power delivery is sweet, with improved enhancements on midrange and power band broadning for 2007. Definitely not for the inexperienced and a no nonsense trackday-tool in the right hands.
Ride And Handling
Score:10/10
Its revised frame erks stiffness, is more weight centralised and alot more stable than the predecessing 10R. An ohlins spec damper comes as standard yet again for 2007, and . All told, a track-ready handler that is destined to surprise those who put it through its paces. Brakes bite is phenominal, with twin 300mm pettle discs proving brilliantly strong under lever wrenching braking. Slam it into corners and you’ll be surprised just how low it’l go, carrying superbly sticky Dunlop D208’s as standard rubber.
Comfort
Score:7/10
Superbikes are never going to be comfortable, with an incredibly hard suspension set-up, compact fairing design and rigid frame design. The ZX10R is certainly no exception, though in comparison with rivals such as the R1 and GSXR1000 does provide more saddle space and healthier wind protection. Rider position is race orientated however, and riding laid back really isnt an option considering handlebars sit so far forward.

+ Good

Potency packaged into a look that screams. Faster takeoff than a demented greyhound, better looks than one too.

- Bad

We still prefer the 2005 models styling, and it will find the 2007 R1 and GSXR1000’s pace a milestone out of reach.
 

= Summary =

The ZX10R is best suited to riders who feel more at home in a pair of racing leathers. Thankfully Kawasaki have refined it's looks for 2008, as last years model was far from attractive in our opinion. Pipes have been moved down, nose sharpened and it gets a tasty new tail section which strangely resembles the GSXR1000's. Ragged, fast and downright fun.
Detailed Statistics
Max Speed 290 kmph
Max Power 185bhp
Seat Height 825 mm
Weight 168 kilos
0 - 100 kph TBA
Capacity 998 cc
Fuel Economy TBA mpg
Insurance Group 12
Image Gallery - Click image to view supersize
Our view on the best points
CBG Score
 
 
  90%
 
Styling And Design It took 2006 to let the ZX10R’s new styling sink in, and having binned the old 2004/5 models styling we werent certain the ZX10R would remain a firm favourite among superbike fans. In 2006 the original pipe was doubled, and both placed under its rear seat. Aerodynamics have been significantly increased, though the same cant be said for its fairing shape re-design. If youre going to buy one, aftermarket end cans are a neccesity, with a capital N!
+ Furious facelift - Predecessor better
Score: 9/10
Performance Its so smooth yet ragged when you pull on the power. Almost tipping the power to weight ratio, it is just slightly heavier at 175kg, with 170bhp. Its superslick gearbox is easily slammed through, and before even getting out of first gear i’tll jump dash figures in advance of 100kph. Power delivery is sweet, with improved enhancements on midrange and power band broadning for 2007. Definitely not for the inexperienced and a no nonsense trackday-tool in the right hands.
+ Raw power surge - No 2007 mods
Score: 10/10
Ride And Handling Its revised frame erks stiffness, is more weight centralised and alot more stable than the predecessing 10R. An ohlins spec damper comes as standard yet again for 2007, and . All told, a track-ready handler that is destined to surprise those who put it through its paces. Brakes bite is phenominal, with twin 300mm pettle discs proving brilliantly strong under lever wrenching braking. Slam it into corners and you’ll be surprised just how low it’l go, carrying superbly sticky Dunlop D208’s as standard rubber.
+ Superbike on rails - Twitchy when pushed
Score: 10/10
Comfort Superbikes are never going to be comfortable, with an incredibly hard suspension set-up, compact fairing design and rigid frame design. The ZX10R is certainly no exception, though in comparison with rivals such as the R1 and GSXR1000 does provide more saddle space and healthier wind protection. Rider position is race orientated however, and riding laid back really isnt an option considering handlebars sit so far forward.
+ Seat space - Hard as a rock
Score: 7/10