Suzuki must be shitting themselves if this bike is quicker by 1-2 seconds than the R1 (180hp) ??? FECKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKK
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.
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Kawasaki I say. I would kill 
for a 1000cc Kawasaki sport machine.
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