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2010 Kawasaki ZX-10R Review
 

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2010 Kawasaki ZX-10R Review

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It's hard to imagine a bike that you can't get out of 3rd gear on the racetrack, let alone the street.

Kevin, is there any comparison at all with this bike and the Z1000? I know the motors are different, but in general, are they light years apart, or what?

Yeah, pretty much light years apart. I'm told the Z1000 does very well on a racetrack (and hope to verify soon), but it can't match the singular-of-purpose ZX-10R in terms of ultimate capabilities. On the other hand, the Z1000 makes for a preferable street mount. Its torque-biased motor pulls really hard without revving it out, and its chassis/suspension is really good. Plus its riding position is much more comfortable.

Here's a theory: At a smaller track like Streets of Willow, a moderately experienced street rider could clock quicker lap times on a Z1000 than a ZX-10R. The hypothesis is that a lower-caliber rider would feel more comfortable and confident on the easier-to-ride Z, and he couldn't come close to approaching the limits of the 10R.

What do you guys think?

My Le Mans could stomp it.

I think that even better for getting someone to become an excellent track rider would be to start out on something with even better midrange, like a V-twin. Or maybe the 675 triple. Nice linear engine output while learning the nuances of handling. Get the handling down and then boost up the power available.

I can be available any weekend except 4/10-11 to try!

Seriously, I suspect there's something to that. Being comfortable on your ride makes a huge difference in your performance, which is why I stopped dating supermodels. How big a difference in skills and bikes lets the novice win...that would be fun to find out.

Take a look at the dyno charts from our Z1000 vs Speed Triple shootout, and you'll see a linear, midrange-heavy power supply. Because the S3 out-torqued the Tuono and 1125CR in a previous shootout, the Z1000 (and its competitiveness against the S3) might surprise you with its low-end power that can out-grunt most performance Twins.

Didn't Zemke set some kind of track record on a 600 AMA FX Honda years ago? It's basically a glorified Kart track, right?
Kevin, here's your weird comparo of the year: Honda CBR1000 and 600, BMW S1000 and the HP sport, Kawi ZX & Z1000, Yam R1 & FZ1, Suz GSXR1000 & 750, Triumph Daytona675 and Speed III.
I bet you can find some interesting thngs to talk about in that test. It's the tires that may be the biggest issue as far as I see it.

Title: What's the trade-off?

It goes with my personal creeo of: Life's a trade-off. For every good thing expect and equally bad thing. If it's worth the trade then do it.

Set it up and send the regular morons tickets (coach is fine) and will come out to test with you. Ken's in, right?

The SoW is more than a glorified kart track, but it's not big enough for a literbike to gain much of an advantage on a 600.

Tickets are in the mail! Please contact your post office if you don't receive yours. ;)
The Streets of Willow Springs

Hell yeah! I'd love to see MO do something like this. Barber is in the middle, right? Then again, flights to LAX are only $300 right now.

Klazy Ken LLC can be Title Sponsor!