2011 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R

Like so many 2010 motorcycles slated for release some time ago, the all-new Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R flagship superbike was pushed back because of the pesky GFC.

But Kawasaki is starting to make some noise about its new 2011 bike, releasing a sketch of the ZX-10R along with a teaser video (see below).

Aussie world superbike rider Chris Vermuelen will be riding the race version of the new bike in August in Japan, but it's expected to be a closed session. Kawasaki says it is "...confident [the ZX-10R] will be at the front of the pack all over the world in 2011."

What do we make of this teaser image? Well, not a lot, because it's a sketch. And generally speaking production bikes always appear more conservative than these artistic renditions.

However it does provide a vague insight as to how the bike will be styled, and it appears as though Kawasaki has gone back to a more angular, edgy design. The front cowling features an aggressive snout with a sharp ram-air intake and it's also interesting to note that a side-mounted exhaust could be used.

The Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R is an all-new bike, which means it's got a new frame, new suspension, and will be "loaded with innovative technology" according to the Kwaka crew.

Indeed, the new Ninja is expected to be a quantum leap ahead of its predecessor -- lighter, more nimble and more powerful -- and is rumoured to include a raft of electronic riding aids for road and track use, a la the BMW S 1000 RR.

The engine? Speculation is rife that it will be an all-new lump. Like the Z1000 naked bike, Kawasaki is likely to have concocted a more powerful and sophisticated engine that will take the fight to Suzuki, Yamaha, Honda and others.

The Ninja ZX-10R's public debut is expected to take place at the end of the year, possibly at EICMA in Italy.