2011 Kawasaki ZX-10R Revealed

Top to bottom makeover for the big Kwak

From the September, 2010 issue of Super Streetbike

It's been a long and ugly road for the ZX-10R. Introduced in 2004 as one of the meanest literbikes ever, it got ever-uglier over the years. While its brute motor has always been near the top of the charts, its odd looks haven't.

But that's all soon to change. Kawasaki seems to be the first Japanese firm to accept the BMW S1000RR's open challenge to match its advanced electronics and astonishing power output. While we don't have specifics regarding the new engine, we do know that the 2011 ZX-10R will feature adjustable traction control and an ABS system along with radically different (and badly needed) styling. After the first test sessions we've heard reports of significantly faster lap times over the 2010 version, so we're guessing the Japanese upgraded the suspension while instituting a strict rice and seaweed diet to trim the fat.

Will this be enough to end the German reign of terror? We should know very soon. In the meantime, check out Kawasaki-challenge.com for news, blogs and updated photos on the new bike.