All Tests – Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R Test: weaker for 2016 – Bonus: ” Winter ” test of the racing kit

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Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R test: sweeter for 2016

All Tests - Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R test: weaker for 2016 - Bonus: '' Winter '' test of the racing kit

To stay at the top of the Superbike category after its first WSBK constructor title, Kawasaki is launching a deeply revamped 2016 Ninja ZX-10R that Site was able to test on the Sepang circuit (Malaysia). Try: on the attack !

Bonus: ” Winter ” test of the racing kit

Just before a hot downpour hit the Sepang circuit and deprived us of the sixth and final session scheduled for the end of the afternoon, Site was able to test the 2016 ZX-10R in its race configuration..

"We want to establish a new "Ready to Race" philosophy with our Racing Kit", explain the Katehème Kawasaki officials as a conclusion to their press conference.

This first level of "factory" preparation includes in particular a racing UCE box (incorporating finer adjustments to the traction control and the lift control of the front wheel, as well as the KEBC) and the "down shift" (we will come back to this, a little patience).

It also includes steering column and swingarm axle spacers, the electronic key to deactivate the ABS and a whole series of "special circuit" parts designed to improve the performance of the Ninja (see list at the bottom of page).

We can already regret the absence of application on mobile, PC or tablet that would allow apprentices "païlotes" to carry out instructive reviews of driving sessions … what Yamaha offers with its R1! Grrr.

During the last factory tests at the Portimao circuit at the end of last year, the ZX-10R equipped with the Kit Racing would have climbed to a tenth of a second of the best time posted by the Superstock 1000, "in just ten turns", specifies Matsuda San.

Site was – very – far from equaling the times posted by Savadori and his little comrades in Sepang, but we were nevertheless able to appreciate the difference in behavior between "our" standard Ninja and that carefully prepared by Kawasaki….

Before even getting on it, Site has the feel – the sensations! – to no longer be in front of the same Ninja! The Japanese initially played it fine by using a "Winter Test" model which visually impresses with its development motorcycle appearance..

Listed at € 18,699 in Kawasaki dealerships in France, the limited edition "Winter Test" adds to its winter livery – the same used by Sykes and Rea during their winter tests, hence the name! – an Akrapovic carbon silencer approved for the road.

But our prepared "Winter Test" goes even further, as it adopts a full line that clears the catalysts and is therefore not allowed to run on open roads – but can continue to suffocate polar bears when turning on racetrack..

Once started, the Kawasaki "recingue" delivers the second notable difference with our previous ZX-10R 2016 equipped with the original silencer – titanium, please – very nice but a little too discreet in use on the circuit: the engine sound is much tastier.

By rotating the handle a single degree, the slightly jerky slow motion turns into a fierce bark. You just have to walk through the pit lane to be completely immersed in the world of Superbike and the sport as such..

The impression of testing Rea’s machine is confirmed over the laps of the wheels and circuit: the audible explosions almost at each deceleration are very impressive and exhilarating, especially when the bike is placed on its right side, pot side !

Decibels are not the only ones to increase: according to calculations by in-house engineers, around ten horses join the 210 released by the "standard" ZX-10R when its Ram Air system is working.

More sensational thanks to the new soundtrack, the accelerations are therefore really more efficient: MNC wants as proof the propensity that the Ninja "Winter Test Kit Racing" has to more lighten the front wheel in small sequences … engine tows strong, very strong from 7,500 rpm.

The managers of the brand also inform us that the installation of the specific wiring harness and the complete exhaust line of compet ‘allow their Super (be) bike to lose nearly 7 kg. It feels !

Improved on the 2016 ZX-10R, handling is further improved while cornering stability remains impeccable. The suspensions would they have undergone a preparation with small onions – and green peppers – on the part of the mechanics ?!

"Not at all, the settings of the cycle part and the suspensions of this "kited" version are scrupulously the same as those adopted on the standard models.", assures us one of the members of the technical staff:"we only added a quarter turn in rear compression".

What the Journal moto du Net was able to evaluate without any ambiguity this time, it is the contribution of the "down shift", understand the possibility of downshifting on the fly. The only condition to take advantage of it: turn off the gas and leave the machine to work. !

Like the stars of the World SBK, the ZX-10R rider can drop his gears one after the other without worrying about the clutch. The operation is a bit unsettling at the very beginning because we have the impression that the bike accelerates between each gear..

In fact, by perfectly synchronizing the engine speed with the speed of the rear wheel thanks to a clever and automatic throttle, the KQS eliminates the engine braking strokes that may be triggered and felt by the pilot when he manages the lever himself. left and right handle.

In the end, this very special ZX-10R seemed very exciting to drive. You should be called Rea or Sykes – or Barrier! – to perceive the limits of this racing beast, especially on the Sepang track. Only regret: the absence of price for Kit Racing and the Akra line prevents us from saying if it is worth the "cost" or not…

"Kitee" or not, is the Ninja ZX-10R 2016 the best sports car on the motorcycle market? Even if the Ninja caught our eye – and everywhere – Site can not speak for lack of direct opposition to its rivals. Tom and Johnny will take care of proving that their machine remains the best on the WBK plateau.

On the fuel tank of the sporty Kawasaki throne indeed a large blue sticker reminding that the Green won the title of world champion motorcycle in 2015. And the new generation intends to double the stake next year … The is to be continued on Site, of course: stay connected !

Special parts of the Racing Kit

  • Different head gaskets

  • Oil collector

  • Chain tensioner

  • Connecting rod and crankshaft bearings (4 thicknesses available)

  • Clutch

  • Sprockets

  • Engine crankcase gaskets

  • Chain guard

  • Different / spare fork springs

  • Rear trim adjustment shims

  • Electric harness racing

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