OK so we just finished riding the 2011 Kawasaki ZX-10R around Road Atlanta...
First thing's first: it looks bitchin' and photos do it no justice. The bars and mirrors are low and wide and it looks really aggressive.
Power is strong and there's nice upper midrange hit, but nothing to rattle your teeth loose. What's most impressive are the various electronics; The wheelie control works well for the most part, and the three different modes of traction control are each unique and will work on the street for various riding conditions (road surface and weather).
None of the press bikes hit the ground, which is a testament to the traction control's functionality.
The big news, however, came at the end of the day when Kawasaki rolled out a bike with a simple slip-on exhaust and altered fuel map. It's claimed to be good for an 18 HP boost. That's right—18 HP from a slip-on pipe!
It revved quicker and certainly made more power, but the tune was a little funky down low in the revs. Regardless, this bike has major potential with minimal mods.
More to come in the next issue...with some video too!