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Kawasaki are introducing their long awaited entry into the litre-class with the new Ninja ZX-10R, and they are claiming it has been worth the wait.
Kawasaki are claiming the highest power-to-weight ratio in the class but at the same time not yet releasing details of the claimed dry weight of their new machine and are also not yet quoting horsepower figures.
The following is a list of claims Kawasaki are making for their new open class blaster.
<IMG height=160 src="http://www.mcnews.com.au/NewBikeCatalogue/2004/Kawasaki/ZX10/Engine_Cutaway_In_250p.jpg" width=250 align=right border=0>• Best Power-to-Weight Ratio in its Class – Unbeatable combination of high power, brilliant throttle response and low exhaust emissions from a liquid-cooled, DOHC, 16-valve, In-Line Four featuring a sophisticated automotive-style fuel injection system with 43 mm throttle bodies, dual throttle valves and fine-atomising injectors. Light weight care of an incredibly compact engine package, and a compact all-aluminium frame. Newly designed lightweight wheels also contribute to weight savings that result in a litre-class machine with the weight and dimensions of a 600.
• Race-Oriented Performance – The combination of a short wheelbase with a long swingarm gives the ZX-10R incredibly nimble handling performance. The concave tank top and an idealized relationship between pegs, handlebars and seat, creates an aggressive, compact riding position. Close-ratio transmission, back torque limiter, radial mount calipers, petal disc brakes and fully adjustable suspension are also all designed with the sole purpose of racing in mind.
• Aggressive Styling – Visually expressive of Kawasaki’s supersport DNA, the ZX-10R’s flowing, edge-driven lines express the machine’s amazing performance and unsurpassed power-to-weight ratio.
Engine
* Liquid-cooled, DOHC, 16-valve, 998 cm3 engine has a bore and stroke of 76 x 55 mm.
* Huge 43 mm throttle bodies fitted with dual throttle valves ensure massive power output and a smooth, step-free torque curve.
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* Automotive-type fine-atomising injectors improve performance, fuel economy and emissions. While fuel spray from conventional injectors has a droplet size of 120 microns, the fine atomising injectors have a droplet size of approximately 70 microns.
* Flow analysis used to develop idealized dimensions for intake and exhaust ports, ensuring efficient cylinder filling and high power output (intake/exhaust valve diameters: 31/25.5 mm, stem diameter: 4.5 mm).
* Hotter spark of the iridium plugs and high-voltage coils improves combustion efficiency.
* Camshaft lobes and tappet surfaces feature soft-nitriding surface treatment for long wear and high-rpm reliability.
* Sintered aluminium valve spring retainers reduce reciprocating weight for reliable valve control at high-rpm.
* Forged pistons are lightweight and very tough, for low reciprocating weight and high heat resistance. Their flat tops enable a compact combustion chamber with improved combustion efficiency. Compression ratio is 12.5:1.
* Plated cylinders are long wearing and offer excellent heat dispersion. Passageways in cylinders improve crankcase breathing and reduce pumping loss.
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* Intake air is routed via the central Ram Air duct and through the frame tubes to the airbox. A duct between the frame and the air cleaner prevents ingress of water.
* Compact air cleaner fits snugly between the frame rails, allowing use of a seamless, high-capacity, flat-bottomed fuel tank. Flow analysis was also used to ensure efficient air flow inside the airbox.
* Butterfly valve located in the cast titanium collector of the exhaust system ensures smooth, linear power delivery at all rpm.
* One-piece cylinder/crankcase design, compact rear-mounted generator, compact cylinder head and “stacked” tri-axis transmission/crankshaft layout allows an amazingly compact and lightweight engine, permitting the crankshaft location to be idealized and the bike’s centre of gravity to be lowered, thereby contributing to the bike’s highly responsive handling characteristics. The engine is short enough to fit below the twin beams of the frame, allowing the 10R to have the narrow compactness of a 600-class machine.
<IMG height=179 src="http://www.mcnews.com.au/NewBikeCatalogue/2004/Kawasaki/ZX10/Muffler_250p.jpg" width=250 align=right border=0>* Single valve springs use oval-section wire to realise short springs and a compact cylinder head design.
* Camshafts are machined from forged billets of SCM420K steel for light weight and high strength.
* Lightweight magnesium engine covers contribute to the engine’s low weight.
* Newly designed liquid-cooled oil cooler with internal aluminium finning is lightweight and keeps oil temperatures under control.
* All-titanium exhaust system and oval-section muffler with titanium internals and a 1 mm thick aluminium cover designed for light weight.
* Close-ratio 6-speed transmission designed to give the 10R impressive performance on the racetrack and on twisting roads.
* Adjustable back torque limiter fitted to the clutch helps prevent wheel hop under rapid deceleration.
* Sloshing analysis was used to develop baffles for the oil pan for better performance under heavy braking. A sub oil pan helps reduce windage by keeping the oil location low, and also helps lower the oil temperature.</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
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