2011 Kawasaki ZX-10R arrives in Oz

Days after Kawasaki confirmed a fix for the intake valve spring issue on the 2011 Ninja ZX-10R ABS, the company has announced it's brand-new sports bike is now on sale in Australia.

The engine issue has not affected Australian deliveries of the new high performance motorcycle, and if you head down to your local Kawasaki dealer you'll find the all-new Ninja ZX-10R ABS is priced at $19,990, not including on-road costs.

This sub-$20k price compares favourably with the current litre-class sports bikes from Japan - the $19,990 Yamaha YZF-R1, the $18,990 Suzuki GSX-R1000 and $18,990 Honda CBR1000RR ABS.

But with its class-leading power output of 200hp (147kW) -- and you can add another half dozen ponies when ram air induction is factored in -- and a suite of high tech traction controls, the new Ninja ZX-10R could more appropriately be compared with European machinery, such as the $23,990 Aprilia RSV4 R and $21,990 BMW S 1000 RR.

The official press material is peppered with superlatives, but ultimately much of it is deserved.

"Loaded with the very latest technological advancements in motorcycle engineering and backed up with phenomenal class leading power, the all new 2011 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R ABS is arguably the most anticipated motorcycle release of 2011," says the Japanese company.

"Featuring a new engine, new frame and new suspension, Kawasaki’s newest litre-bike flagship represents the first complete redesign since the Ninja ZX-10R's debut, and offers a significant jump in base performance."

Powered by a brand new 998cc four-cylinder engine, the 2011 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R pumps out 200hp at 13,000rpm, while 114Nm of torque hits the crankshaft at 11,500rpm.

Weighing 201kg it is 3kg lighter than the current speed champion, the BMW S 1000 RR, and is only 2kg heavier than the previous record holder, the Honda CBR1000RR.

Big power is one thing, but making such power accessible and predictable is another thing altogether. And this is where the Sport Kawasaki Traction Control (S-KTRC) comes in. Fitted as standard to all ZX-10Rs, this feature is being billed as a proactive system design to improve not only safety, but also lap times.

Operated via a toggle switch on the left handlebar, there are three modes of operation for S-KTRC, which will put an end to lurid wheel stands, but will allow minor lofting of the front wheel at higher speeds under full throttle. The ABS system has also been beefed up and is nicknamed KIBS, and like the traction control it is tuned for performance riding.

The an in-depth run-down of the new traction control system, plus all the new chassis bits and bobs and full technical specifications, check out this yarn on the 2011 Kawasaki ZX-10R.

To find which dealers have a test unit ready to go, click on the Demo Unit List icon at Kawasaki.com.au.

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