Green meanie shows its teeth

[wkid_one]

Suzuki must be shitting themselves if this bike is quicker by 1-2 seconds than the R1 (180hp)  ??? FECKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKK

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Before the EICMA Milan bike show even kicked off, Kawasaki held a Cuban-style press presentation of its new 2004 models, complete with mojito cocktails, virtual computerised hostesses and the backdrop of a Jai-Alai court – the world’s fastest ball game.

Kawasaki obviously wanted to get a subliminal message about ‘fast’ things across, while officially presenting the new ZX-10R. The Vice President of Consumer Products, Mr. Fumiaki Amae acknowledged the success of the firm’s 2003 range – the ZX-6R and Z1000R – in re-establishing the firm’s reputation for performance excellence. And he also promised more from the firm in 2004, with the ZX-10R and VN2000, and even more in store for the future.

Off the record, Kawasaki staff were looking quietly smug. While there is still no official figure for the ZX-10’s power and weight, the green-clad PR men had seen Yamaha and Honda’s claims, and seem confident their bike has the beating of both the R1 and Fireblade. The press pack has a seemingly-hurriedly-entered reference to a ‘class-leading power-to-weight ratio’ – a clear challenge to Yamaha’s R1. And one Japanese guy quietly told us the Kawasaki tech bods had estimated the ZX-10R was 1-2 seconds quicker round a track than the R1. How they knew this, which track was involved, and who was riding all remained a bit obscure mind…

An initial sitting on the new bike revealed a high seating position, with Kenny on tiptoes just to reach the ground. In the flesh, it seems to be as compact as its pictures suggest, and a straw poll of journalists suggested it just had the beating of the R1 in styling and looks.

Tellingly, one thing absent from the entire presentation (unlike Yamaha and Honda) was any reference to the firm’s disappointing MotoGP effort. So there was no Andrew Pitt, Alex Hoffmann or Garry McCoy on hand to show off the new ZX-10R.

The real acid test will be the launch ride and group test though, stick with www.superbike.co.uk and SuperBike magazine to get the latest info first.
Kawasaki also unveiled its KX250F motocross bike, together with the news that it has signed Stephen Sword to campaign the gutsy new MX bike in UK and world motocross competition. Looks like a sweet package from here.

[Dave]

It looks nice but it too will probably wail about at the back of the field!
someone should tell them if your product sucks don't paint it so it stands out like dogs balls.

[Coldkiwi]

my understanding is that its just the dirt divisions of suzuki and kawasaki that have merged? After all, the reason kawasaki haven't been at the head of superbikes is cause they were missing 100cc. they've had a reputation for snorter engines for ages... its not suzuki doing.

dave, you're a harsh man. i think it could well kick some butt in superbikes next year (it SURELY must be in there).

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[SPman]

Originally posted by Coldkiwi
(it SURELY must be in there).&nbsp;&nbsp;

Well - maybe AMA.

[What?]

Originally posted by Coldkiwi
my understanding is that its just the dirt divisions of suzuki and kawasaki that have merged?

Yes. Thus far...

Maybe a GSKZ-R next year??

[Coldkiwi]

Originally posted by SPman
Well - maybe AMA.

which would suck for us kwaka fans because there's such limited coverage of that series.

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[Big Dog]

When it comes to quality machinery, I have yet to ride a bike that out performs kawasaki or suzuki.

Mind I'm hauling up to 100kg more than your average superbike racer and up to 2 feet taller.
Honda riding position suck for me.
Yamaha wallows under my w/height.
Ducatis too short.

If I sat on the r1 it would look akin to Haga san sitting on a tricycle. lol


:rockon: :Punk: Kawasaki I say. I would kill :ar15: for a 1000cc Kawasaki sport machine.

If it improves both the breeds bring on the Kawasuki / Suzsaki I say.

I've always found the Kawsaki a better handler and the Suzuki a better grunt beast.

Mate them *said in frankenstienesque voice to thunder and lighning*
:buggerd: :buggerd: :buggerd: :buggerd: :buggerd::buggerd: :buggerd: :buggerd::buggerd:

[Coldkiwi]

well, there's a new brand new z1000 up for sale (16500) on Trade Me but that's probably one of the few kwakas that'll be too small for ya big dog

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[Big Dog]

Originally posted by Coldkiwi
well, there's a new brand new z1000 up for sale (16500) on Trade Me but that's probably one of the few kwakas that'll be too small for ya big dog

&nbsp;

Laughing my arse off!

Oh well the size may be too small but the price tag too big for the moment:argh: