After a lot of teasers and leaked photos, the official images and details of the 2011 Kwasaki ZX-10R are finally out! Not as aggressive looking as the earlier generation ZX-10Rs, the new 2011 model aims to put function before form. And that’s precisely why Kawasaki developed the WSBK racer first and then derived a street version from it – how focused is that?
The primary highlight of the new 2011 Kawasaki ZX-10R is the mighty new engine which puts out a colossal 197 horses! Have the ram-air intakes operating in full swing and the crank will churn out 207 horses without the need of any aftermarket parts. These figures give the 2011 ZX-10R the performance crown, at least on paper. Mated to this engine are a slew of new technologies that the BMW S1000RR has already corrupted litre-class riders with. Fitted as standard equipment is the Sport Kawasaki Traction Control system (S-KTRC) which should help attract new litre-class riders. However, the S-KTRC promises to keep alive the fun of a riding a litre-class Kawasaki. Though the system monitors the front and rear end traction every five milliseconds, it allows a tiny bit of power sliding and power wheelies – now why didn’t anyone else think of that? Also onboard are the ‘power modes’ which are fast becoming a standard on these bigger beasts. Kawasaki’s power modes are categorised as ‘Full’, ‘Middle’ and ‘Low’ to help you adapt to varied riding conditions.