Kawasaki knows how to build top notch sports bikes, that is not really at issue here, but keeping its ZX-10R superbike at the top of its sector is probably a tougher task.
The company has to juggle the expectation and demands of the public with its own development budget and ever-changing technology to decide how extensive the revisions should be for each model year.
In this case, they've tickled not tweaked their superb ZX-10R superbike with subtle changes for 2010. This very definitely does not qualify as a revamp.
Sports bike owners don't all steam about on perfectly surfaced race tracks, many never even turn a wheel on circuit, but keeping this bike road-bound means it will never stretch its legs beyond an enthusiastic trot.
Instantly comfortable
It is certainly capable of blistering lap times on track, but my test came after a day at Germany's Nurburgring - it comprised an early start and a three-hour road ride to Brussels.
It's six in the morning, the whole world is still asleep as the ZX-10R is glistening in the early morning light. Cold tyres, damp roads and a 270 km ride won't dampen my spirits - this is one of my favourite sports bikes, despite the lurid green paint scheme.
I throw a leg over the 830mm seat and feel comfortable instantly. The Zed's riding position feels sporty yet natural and unforced, it always has and this 2010 model feels no different. In fact I'm beginning to wonder if I'll notice this year's revisions at all. Kawasaki hasn't exactly gone back to the drawing board to remodel its litre sports bike.
Instead, it's been dusted with a sprinkling of 'improvements'. I wonder whether they are enough to tempt owners to upgrade. Going on the facts alone, I'd say not, but this ride should confirm my suspicions.
Smoothest ever
Kawasaki produced its smoothest ever 'sports' transmission for the 2009 ZX-6R. You could slide through the gearbox with seamless fluidity and the 2010 ZX-10R benefits from similar technology; the engineering team has modified the gearbox internals to reduce the slack in the shift mechanism, giving the rider a more direct feel from the lever, and it works!
That's not to say the old ZX-10R had a bad box and only a back-to-back test would confirm whether this revision is drastically noticeable. It is exceptionally smooth though and it feels faultless from the off, so it's quite ironic that there's barely any need to glide through all six gears on the road. First gear alone is good for triple figures (if you're happy to leave your bike screaming like a banshee).
Pool of potential
I decide to stick it in second and leave it there. With the revs dancing around the 8,000rpm mark there is more than enough punch to kiss or crowd the legal limit for the faster sections and it can be blisteringly quick. The rev counter is clearly divided into white, green and red sections. In the white, (up to 6,000rpm) the engine feels subdued, it's most responsive in the green (6-8000rpm) and it runs to the limiter in the red.
Peak power waits patiently for me at 12,500rpm and as I swim about in a pool of potential, there's a silky smoothness throughout the entire rev range.
In second or third gear the engine braking is strong enough to scrub speed for the villages and gloomier wet corners without feeling like I've just ridden into a pile of wet concrete and the throttle response is smooth, constant and an absolute pleasure. As I weave through Germany's waking winding roads, I occasionally dip into third gear, barely touch fourth and only slide to fifth and sixth on the motorway home stretch just because it's rude not to.
Yes the ZX-10R can be a lunatic if you unleash its full potential, but it can also be quite tame and respectful too. Either way, it's seriously good fun.
Running wide
Back in 2008, racer Jeremy McWilliams handed me a ZX-10R, saying it wasn't a great ride straight out of the box, but that he had tweaked it and I would love it. He wasn't wrong, and I've been fortunate to have ridden several models on race tracks with suspension and tyre experts on hand for advice.
Perhaps I've been spoiled? This bike is on Pirelli Diablo Corsa III tyres and standard suspension settings - and I'm not comfortable with it. Cornering feels more difficult than it should be; it feels like the 43mm inverted forks are made of wood and the front wheel is trying to turn in treacle. There's nothing light or effortless about it and just I'm relieved to know from past experience that it doesn't have to stay that way.
Throwing fresh rubber at the rims and taking advantage of the fully adjustable suspension front and rear would transform this bike into something far more enjoyable. Right now, it's running wide mid corner like it's allergic to apexes and it's reluctant to turn in on tight mini roundabouts. First job would be to get on the forums and start tweaking the suspension, or better still, ride it for a few weeks and then talk with your dealer.
Smoke and mirrors
The ZX-10R was once known for its violent headshakes but these have been calmed over recent years by introducing a steering damper. Like the gearbox, the adjustable twin-tube Öhlins steering damper has also received internal modifications for improved performance. As I continue towards Belgium and the day's gentle dawn, the roads dry out and I push a little harder. Although the front stays steady and down over the road's worst surfaces at speed, I can't detect any difference in the upgraded steering damper.
Apart from the aesthetic changes, that's really the bottom line for this 2010 bike. The revisions and upgrades are all there on paper, but very few are actually noticeable during a road ride and I suspect even a highly experienced rider on track would be hard pressed to note where the improvements count. The new bodywork is more obvious, it gives the ZX-10R a lighter, more compact appearance. It's all a bit smoke and mirrors though as the bike's weight and size have only been visually reduced, as has the new 'more compact' muffler.
The ZX-10R can be all you need and more from a 1000cc sports bike, it's a brilliant bit of competitively priced kit. And thanks to the 2010 revisions, it looks sharper and tidier than its predecessor, but I'm not convinced it is.
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