2011 Kawasaki Ninja 1000 Preview

Every decade, Kawasaki has been building sportbikes that offer top-level engine and handling performance combined with comfort and practicality.

Playing off these comfortable land missles, Kawasaki releases the all new 2011 Kawasaki Ninja 1000, which offers an alluring blend of capability and technology, from the very latest racetrack components, to astounding engine and chassis performance, and to cutting-edge styling that'll stop you in your tracks the instant you lay your eyes on one.

Kawasaki says using the Kawasaki Z1000s new-think engine and chassis package as a starting point, engineers added radical, knife-edged bodywork along with a host of cool features that push the Ninja 1000's performance, capability and flexibility envelopes to amazing heights.

2011 Kawasaki Ninja 1000: Reliable Proven Power
The new Ninja 1000 motorcycle features the advanced open-class powerplant: a 1,043cc, DOHC, liquid-cooled, 16-valve inline-four that features a long-stroke design for instantaneous power.

Kawasaki says Digital fuel injection helps, and the quartet of 38mm Keihin downdraft throttle bodies slam the perfect mix of fuel and air into the combustion chambers with help from an advanced ECU, oval sub-throttles and a cool air intake system that routes fresh air to the airbox via ducts at the front of the bike.

2011 Kawasaki Ninja 1000: Proven Chassis / Suspension
Concerning the chassis, the new Ninja 1000 features an advanced aluminum frame similar in design to that of the all-conquering Ninja ZX-10R sportbike. Kawasaki says the wheels, brakes and suspension parts that control that frame/engine duo are thoroughly advanced. Strong, responsive stopping power is provided by the new Ninja's racing-spec brakes. 2011 Kawasaki Ninja 1000: Racy Appearance
Kawasaki says perhaps the most stunning aspect of the new Ninja 1000 is its racy, full-coverage bodywork. Designed with one eye focused directly on Kawasaki's track-ready ZX-6R and ZX-10R, Kawasaki has blessed the new bike with a thoroughly radical look, one that's fresh and riveting.

Integrated front turn signals, a ZX-6R-spec front fender, a stylish tail section, a wildly styled exhaust system and a full-featured instrument panel help complete the look. 2011 Kawasaki Ninja 1000 Features and Benefits

Sourcing the same engine and chassis of the Z1000 streetfighter, the new Ninja adds a full fairing for sportbike looks and relaxed ergos for street-riding comfort.

The liquid-cooled mill displaces 1043cc with its 77mm bore and 56mm stroke. Suspension duties are handled by a 41mm inverted fork and monoshock rear. The front sticks offer three-way adjustment for compression, rebound and preload. Brakes are radial-mount, four-piston Tokico calipers up front, pinching down on a pair of Kawasaki’s familiar petal-style rotors (300mm). The real distinguishing feature of the Ninja 1000 is its bodywork. Backing up this touring claim, the new Ninja 1000 offers hard saddlebags and top case as accessories, as well as other touring accoutrements like heated grips.

As far as weight goes, Kawasaki claims 502.7 pounds for the Ninja 1000 curb weight. The Z1000 measuring 481 pounds during our comparison test.

2011 Kawasaki Ninja 1000 Preview

Every decade, Kawasaki has been building sportbikes that offer top-level engine and handling performance combined with comfort and practicality.

Playing off these comfortable land missles, Kawasaki releases the all new 2011 Kawasaki Ninja 1000, which offers an alluring blend of capability and technology, from the very latest racetrack components, to astounding engine and chassis performance, and to cutting-edge styling that'll stop you in your tracks the instant you lay your eyes on one.

Kawasaki says using the Kawasaki Z1000s new-think engine and chassis package as a starting point, engineers added radical, knife-edged bodywork along with a host of cool features that push the Ninja 1000's performance, capability and flexibility envelopes to amazing heights.

2011 Kawasaki Ninja 1000: Reliable Proven Power
The new Ninja 1000 motorcycle features the advanced open-class powerplant: a 1,043cc, DOHC, liquid-cooled, 16-valve inline-four that features a long-stroke design for instantaneous power.

Kawasaki says Digital fuel injection helps, and the quartet of 38mm Keihin downdraft throttle bodies slam the perfect mix of fuel and air into the combustion chambers with help from an advanced ECU, oval sub-throttles and a cool air intake system that routes fresh air to the airbox via ducts at the front of the bike.

2011 Kawasaki Ninja 1000: Proven Chassis / Suspension
Concerning the chassis, the new Ninja 1000 features an advanced aluminum frame similar in design to that of the all-conquering Ninja ZX-10R sportbike. Kawasaki says the wheels, brakes and suspension parts that control that frame/engine duo are thoroughly advanced. Strong, responsive stopping power is provided by the new Ninja's racing-spec brakes. 2011 Kawasaki Ninja 1000: Racy Appearance
Kawasaki says perhaps the most stunning aspect of the new Ninja 1000 is its racy, full-coverage bodywork. Designed with one eye focused directly on Kawasaki's track-ready ZX-6R and ZX-10R, Kawasaki has blessed the new bike with a thoroughly radical look, one that's fresh and riveting.

Integrated front turn signals, a ZX-6R-spec front fender, a stylish tail section, a wildly styled exhaust system and a full-featured instrument panel help complete the look. 2011 Kawasaki Ninja 1000 Features and Benefits

Sourcing the same engine and chassis of the Z1000 streetfighter, the new Ninja adds a full fairing for sportbike looks and relaxed ergos for street-riding comfort.

The liquid-cooled mill displaces 1043cc with its 77mm bore and 56mm stroke. Suspension duties are handled by a 41mm inverted fork and monoshock rear. The front sticks offer three-way adjustment for compression, rebound and preload. Brakes are radial-mount, four-piston Tokico calipers up front, pinching down on a pair of Kawasaki’s familiar petal-style rotors (300mm). The real distinguishing feature of the Ninja 1000 is its bodywork. Backing up this touring claim, the new Ninja 1000 offers hard saddlebags and top case as accessories, as well as other touring accoutrements like heated grips.

As far as weight goes, Kawasaki claims 502.7 pounds for the Ninja 1000 curb weight. The Z1000 measuring 481 pounds during our comparison test.

2011 Kawasaki W800 Review

Created by LSL Motorrad in Germany, this custom 2011 Kawasaki W800 'Clubman' has broken cover just days after the launch of the factory bike at INTERMOT Cologne.
Along with more robust suspension, black anodized aluminium wheels help shed weight and Pirelli Scorpion tyres provide the custom Kawasaki with gravel grip.

Rumours abound that Kawasaki will soon announce a new retro model - the Kawasaki W800 - an upsized version of the popular W400 and its predecessor the W650, both parallel twins. The retro "Kawasaki W800" twin is headed for Australia early next year.

Chassis-wise the Kawasaki W800 features a box section steel backbone frame, with tubular downtubes. Rims are aluminium rather than steel, the front features 39mm standard forks and a single 300mm disc on a 19 inch wheel.To preserve the retro look the rear 18 "wheel is braked by a 160mm drum.

Even the tyres are retro, with Dunlop's famous TT100 treads front and rear -130/80 rear, and 110/90 front. Kawasaki state the large front wheel "contributes an unhurried steering feeling". The press release states a curb weight of 216kg, which is pretty good if that is in fact a genuine curb - wet- weight.
Features wise, the twin round instruments have an analogue speedo and tacho. The tacho sports a brace of warning lights for FI warning, turn signals, low fuel, high beam, neutral and oil pressure.

2011 Kawasaki W800 Review

Created by LSL Motorrad in Germany, this custom 2011 Kawasaki W800 'Clubman' has broken cover just days after the launch of the factory bike at INTERMOT Cologne.
Along with more robust suspension, black anodized aluminium wheels help shed weight and Pirelli Scorpion tyres provide the custom Kawasaki with gravel grip.

Rumours abound that Kawasaki will soon announce a new retro model - the Kawasaki W800 - an upsized version of the popular W400 and its predecessor the W650, both parallel twins. The retro "Kawasaki W800" twin is headed for Australia early next year.

Chassis-wise the Kawasaki W800 features a box section steel backbone frame, with tubular downtubes. Rims are aluminium rather than steel, the front features 39mm standard forks and a single 300mm disc on a 19 inch wheel.To preserve the retro look the rear 18 "wheel is braked by a 160mm drum.

Even the tyres are retro, with Dunlop's famous TT100 treads front and rear -130/80 rear, and 110/90 front. Kawasaki state the large front wheel "contributes an unhurried steering feeling". The press release states a curb weight of 216kg, which is pretty good if that is in fact a genuine curb - wet- weight.
Features wise, the twin round instruments have an analogue speedo and tacho. The tacho sports a brace of warning lights for FI warning, turn signals, low fuel, high beam, neutral and oil pressure.

2011 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R

Kawasaki officially unveiled its 2011 World Superbike-spec "Ninja ZX-10R" ahead of the upcoming WSBK round at Germany’s Nürburgring racetrack.
“The new race bike has been eagerly anticipated by everyone involved in the Superbike racing project for a while now,” says Steve Guttridge, race planning manager of Kawasaki Motors Europe.
The production version of the 2011 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R will be unveiled in October at the Intermot Show in Cologne, Germany.

The marketing team at Kawasaki has cleverly been drip feeding pictures, sounds and video of the new Kawasaki ZX-10R in recent months, but at Nurburgring on September 2, KHI pulled the sheet off a non-running race bike in Team Green livery. Staff were tight-lipped about the bike's performance – Ian Lowry was also lapping on a 2010-spec WSB ZX-10R - but the lap times were said to be encouraging. It's thought that the Almeria bike wasn't running a full-spec WSB superbike engine, rather it was running a Japanese superbike tuned motor, which is a souped-up superstock lump.

We hope Kawasaki manages to produce the same result...
In contrast to the usual procedure for building a hypersports production machine, where it is first designed for street use and then adapted for race duty, the 2011 ZX10R was designed and developed first by the race department, with the street model being based off of the race unit. Kawasaki will entrust the bike to the Kawasaki World Superbike Racing Team, run by Paul Bird, which will enjoy comprehensive technical support from the main factory.

2011 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R

Kawasaki officially unveiled its 2011 World Superbike-spec "Ninja ZX-10R" ahead of the upcoming WSBK round at Germany’s Nürburgring racetrack.
“The new race bike has been eagerly anticipated by everyone involved in the Superbike racing project for a while now,” says Steve Guttridge, race planning manager of Kawasaki Motors Europe.
The production version of the 2011 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R will be unveiled in October at the Intermot Show in Cologne, Germany.

The marketing team at Kawasaki has cleverly been drip feeding pictures, sounds and video of the new Kawasaki ZX-10R in recent months, but at Nurburgring on September 2, KHI pulled the sheet off a non-running race bike in Team Green livery. Staff were tight-lipped about the bike's performance – Ian Lowry was also lapping on a 2010-spec WSB ZX-10R - but the lap times were said to be encouraging. It's thought that the Almeria bike wasn't running a full-spec WSB superbike engine, rather it was running a Japanese superbike tuned motor, which is a souped-up superstock lump.

We hope Kawasaki manages to produce the same result...
In contrast to the usual procedure for building a hypersports production machine, where it is first designed for street use and then adapted for race duty, the 2011 ZX10R was designed and developed first by the race department, with the street model being based off of the race unit. Kawasaki will entrust the bike to the Kawasaki World Superbike Racing Team, run by Paul Bird, which will enjoy comprehensive technical support from the main factory.

2010 Kawasaki Z1000

The Kawasaki Z1000 has been officially announced, blending "Japanese art and technology"
Kawasaki's 2010 model Z1000 has been officially released, with the big news that it will feature an aluminium chassis for the first time.
The end result is essentially a custom-made super streetfighter," says Kawasaki.
Kawasaki has built the new litre-class engine from scratch, whose torque will eclipse the current output of 99Nm. The compression ratio is 11.8:1 and fuel is delivered to the cylinders via 38mm Keihin throttle bodies, and Kawasaki has crafted a new exhaust system.
A long list of items was addressed for the "Kawasaki Z1000" transformation. Ditching the old steel frame in favor of an aluminum unit, the new chassis and subframe enables 30% more torsional rigidity, more compact proportions, a lower seat height (dropped to 32.1 inches), and 8.8 lbs of weight savings. Total weight loss is 22 lbs, bringing curb weight to 481 lbs.
The rear suspension is also revised, with a horizontal back-link shock.
Grunt has been bumped from 125 horsepower to 138 horsepower (at 9,600 rpm), and torque improved from 72.7 lb-ft to 81.1 lb-ft (at 7,800 rpm.) Stopping power comes via ZX-10R-like 4-piston, dual 300mm petal disc brakes up front, and a single-piston 250mm rear setup that's been spun downward to better showcase the new cast aluminum, open-spoke wheel that's wrapped in aggressive Dunlop Sportmax D210/D210F rubber.
The Kawasaki Z1000 is available in two colors: Metallic Spark Black (with silver) or Pearl Stardust White
Despite its dimensional shrinkage, the Kawasaki Z1000 is still a substantial bike. The fully digital gauges include a speedometer, bar-style tachometer, odometer, dual trip meters, clock, and fuel gauge.
The first section proved challenging, especially because of the way my particular bike was setup; though the engine felt delectably strong, turn-in was skittish and the bike seemed unsettled in turns.

2010 Kawasaki Z1000

The Kawasaki Z1000 has been officially announced, blending "Japanese art and technology"
Kawasaki's 2010 model Z1000 has been officially released, with the big news that it will feature an aluminium chassis for the first time.
The end result is essentially a custom-made super streetfighter," says Kawasaki.
Kawasaki has built the new litre-class engine from scratch, whose torque will eclipse the current output of 99Nm. The compression ratio is 11.8:1 and fuel is delivered to the cylinders via 38mm Keihin throttle bodies, and Kawasaki has crafted a new exhaust system.
A long list of items was addressed for the "Kawasaki Z1000" transformation. Ditching the old steel frame in favor of an aluminum unit, the new chassis and subframe enables 30% more torsional rigidity, more compact proportions, a lower seat height (dropped to 32.1 inches), and 8.8 lbs of weight savings. Total weight loss is 22 lbs, bringing curb weight to 481 lbs.
The rear suspension is also revised, with a horizontal back-link shock.
Grunt has been bumped from 125 horsepower to 138 horsepower (at 9,600 rpm), and torque improved from 72.7 lb-ft to 81.1 lb-ft (at 7,800 rpm.) Stopping power comes via ZX-10R-like 4-piston, dual 300mm petal disc brakes up front, and a single-piston 250mm rear setup that's been spun downward to better showcase the new cast aluminum, open-spoke wheel that's wrapped in aggressive Dunlop Sportmax D210/D210F rubber.
The Kawasaki Z1000 is available in two colors: Metallic Spark Black (with silver) or Pearl Stardust White
Despite its dimensional shrinkage, the Kawasaki Z1000 is still a substantial bike. The fully digital gauges include a speedometer, bar-style tachometer, odometer, dual trip meters, clock, and fuel gauge.
The first section proved challenging, especially because of the way my particular bike was setup; though the engine felt delectably strong, turn-in was skittish and the bike seemed unsettled in turns.

Kawasaki KLR 650

Kawasaki KLR 650

For a middleweight dual-purpose motorcycle, it’s a rare thing to be powered by a single-cylinder engine, but the KLR 650 actually is and by a 651cc, four-stroke, DOHC, four-valve unit.
With 7.9 inches of travel front and 7.3 inches of travel rear, the 41mm telescopic fork respectively the Uni-Trak rear shock aren’t ready to hit the off-road just on paper, but in reality as well. Also, the standard spoked wheels (21-inch front and 17-inch rear) come to support the suspensions equipment and provide a smoother pass over difficult terrain.

Featuring a 58.3-inch wheelbase, on-road stability isn’t an issue, but the 35 inches high seat is for those under the average height. Up front, a 280mm petal-style disc works with twin piston caliper while the 240mm rear disc sticks to a single-piston caliper.

Kawasaki KLR 650

Looks weren’t that important and yet, wind protection was sufficiently good to ensure comfortable riding conditions even at a top speed of 108 mph.

Kawasaki KLR 650

Among the Japanese crowd, this middleweight dual-sport Kawasaki is pretty much the most attractive as ever since the 2008 revamp the bike features a generous fairing and a sufficiently high windscreen to offer the proper wind protection that day-long riding requires. Kawasaki updated the KLR 650 for 2008 and the new generation model is overall more refined and offering different power and torque figures (37bhp at 6,200rpm and 45.3 Nm of torque at 4,950rpm). The bike’s exterior appearance was totally renewed by a new half fairing, headlight and windscreen.


Kawasaki recently invited me to accompany them to Idyllwild, California in the San Jacinto Mountains to ride their dual sport bikes, the 2010 KLR650 and KLX250S. I have been riding street bikes for 30 years now, but my
We'd be riding along well-marked public trails, I was properly geared up, and we were in no hurry. Riding the fire roads and trails that we tackled reminded me very much of the kind of technical 4-wheeling that I enjoy. The KLX 250S is a fully street legal dual sport, with lights, turn signals and other equipment required for licensing in 50 states. Single 250 mm front and 240 mm rear petal disc brakes provide the stopping power.

Kawasaki KLR 650
Switching to the KLR 650, I felt like I had finally discovered my personal ride. I was instantly confident on dirt roads on the KLR. The Kawasaki accessories catalog lists pages and pages of add-ons for the KLR, and the aftermarket bursts at the seams with extras that add to the KLR's versatility.

The KLR got a big time makeover for 2008, after rolling around unchanged for almost 20 years. In stock form, the KLR has a healthy 33" seat height, which might scare off the inseam-challenged. The KLR's riding position is no-nonsense, upright and comfortable. While not light at 432 lbs, the KLR is still quite maneuverable and light on its feet. After a few miles on dirt roads, I decided to take the KLR for a longer ride on pavement. We regrouped in Idyllwild for a van ride to Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A. headquarters. So it's a good thing I chose the van ride, right?

Kawasaki KLR 650

Kawasaki KLR 650

For a middleweight dual-purpose motorcycle, it’s a rare thing to be powered by a single-cylinder engine, but the KLR 650 actually is and by a 651cc, four-stroke, DOHC, four-valve unit.
With 7.9 inches of travel front and 7.3 inches of travel rear, the 41mm telescopic fork respectively the Uni-Trak rear shock aren’t ready to hit the off-road just on paper, but in reality as well. Also, the standard spoked wheels (21-inch front and 17-inch rear) come to support the suspensions equipment and provide a smoother pass over difficult terrain.

Featuring a 58.3-inch wheelbase, on-road stability isn’t an issue, but the 35 inches high seat is for those under the average height. Up front, a 280mm petal-style disc works with twin piston caliper while the 240mm rear disc sticks to a single-piston caliper.

Kawasaki KLR 650

Looks weren’t that important and yet, wind protection was sufficiently good to ensure comfortable riding conditions even at a top speed of 108 mph.

Kawasaki KLR 650

Among the Japanese crowd, this middleweight dual-sport Kawasaki is pretty much the most attractive as ever since the 2008 revamp the bike features a generous fairing and a sufficiently high windscreen to offer the proper wind protection that day-long riding requires. Kawasaki updated the KLR 650 for 2008 and the new generation model is overall more refined and offering different power and torque figures (37bhp at 6,200rpm and 45.3 Nm of torque at 4,950rpm). The bike’s exterior appearance was totally renewed by a new half fairing, headlight and windscreen.


Kawasaki recently invited me to accompany them to Idyllwild, California in the San Jacinto Mountains to ride their dual sport bikes, the 2010 KLR650 and KLX250S. I have been riding street bikes for 30 years now, but my
We'd be riding along well-marked public trails, I was properly geared up, and we were in no hurry. Riding the fire roads and trails that we tackled reminded me very much of the kind of technical 4-wheeling that I enjoy. The KLX 250S is a fully street legal dual sport, with lights, turn signals and other equipment required for licensing in 50 states. Single 250 mm front and 240 mm rear petal disc brakes provide the stopping power.

Kawasaki KLR 650
Switching to the KLR 650, I felt like I had finally discovered my personal ride. I was instantly confident on dirt roads on the KLR. The Kawasaki accessories catalog lists pages and pages of add-ons for the KLR, and the aftermarket bursts at the seams with extras that add to the KLR's versatility.

The KLR got a big time makeover for 2008, after rolling around unchanged for almost 20 years. In stock form, the KLR has a healthy 33" seat height, which might scare off the inseam-challenged. The KLR's riding position is no-nonsense, upright and comfortable. While not light at 432 lbs, the KLR is still quite maneuverable and light on its feet. After a few miles on dirt roads, I decided to take the KLR for a longer ride on pavement. We regrouped in Idyllwild for a van ride to Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A. headquarters. So it's a good thing I chose the van ride, right?

Kawasaki Ninja 250R

I'm a big fan of Kawasaki's entry-level sport bikes. Often, people who ride a Kawasaki Ninja 250R or 500R will hold on to that bike for their spouse or children, as it provides such a stable and reliable way to enter the sport bike world with minimal investment and maximum enjoyment.

If you've never ridden a Kawasaki Ninja 250R before I recommend that, immediately after reading this review, you get out there with your helmet in your hand and find one to ride! The Kawasaki Ninja 250R's Greatest Shortcoming..
..
The Ninja 250R is limited by virtue of what it was built to be. For those seeking mind-boggling acceleration and near-flight top speeds, the Ninja 250R isn't your bike (neither is the Ninja 500R or even 650R, either). For those seeking a bike that can pop wheelies at will, the Ninja 250R is definitely not your bike.
The "Starter Bike" That Isn't a Starter Bike
If you are still unsure if the Ninja is the motorcycle for you, take one out for a spin! Fun is the number one reason people ride, and this Ninja is an absolute blast.

Bajaj India has launched the much awaited Kawasaki Ninja 250R in Indian market and deliveries are going to start immediately.
Major Announcements Made By Bajaj At The Launch Of Ninja 250R:
- All New Bajaj Pulsar by 2011
- KTM Bikes To Be Launched in the January/February 2010
- Big Bikes From Kawasaki Stable To Fight Yamaha & Suzuki
- Bajaj Pro-Biking showrooms will offer complete three S’s – Sales, Service and Spares
- Ninja 250R spares will be imported directly from Japan and Thailand
Ninja 250R is the best looking 250cc sports bike in its segment. Ninja 250R features a very aggressive look when viewed head-on, as it features dual-lamp headlamp. Step-up seat is another attracting feature of the bike.
Instrument Cluster & Features
The cluster features some warning lights such as low oil, low fuel, choked air filter, high oil temperature and low battery indicators.

Engine & Trasmission
Bajaj has launched the European Spec Kawasaki Ninja 250R in Indian market. Though Ninja is in league of its own and a proper 250cc sports bike - it is not fair to compare it with Karizma ZMR, Pulsar 220 & Yamaha R15.

Kawasaki Ninja 250R

I'm a big fan of Kawasaki's entry-level sport bikes. Often, people who ride a Kawasaki Ninja 250R or 500R will hold on to that bike for their spouse or children, as it provides such a stable and reliable way to enter the sport bike world with minimal investment and maximum enjoyment.

If you've never ridden a Kawasaki Ninja 250R before I recommend that, immediately after reading this review, you get out there with your helmet in your hand and find one to ride! The Kawasaki Ninja 250R's Greatest Shortcoming..
..
The Ninja 250R is limited by virtue of what it was built to be. For those seeking mind-boggling acceleration and near-flight top speeds, the Ninja 250R isn't your bike (neither is the Ninja 500R or even 650R, either). For those seeking a bike that can pop wheelies at will, the Ninja 250R is definitely not your bike.
The "Starter Bike" That Isn't a Starter Bike
If you are still unsure if the Ninja is the motorcycle for you, take one out for a spin! Fun is the number one reason people ride, and this Ninja is an absolute blast.

Bajaj India has launched the much awaited Kawasaki Ninja 250R in Indian market and deliveries are going to start immediately.
Major Announcements Made By Bajaj At The Launch Of Ninja 250R:
- All New Bajaj Pulsar by 2011
- KTM Bikes To Be Launched in the January/February 2010
- Big Bikes From Kawasaki Stable To Fight Yamaha & Suzuki
- Bajaj Pro-Biking showrooms will offer complete three S’s – Sales, Service and Spares
- Ninja 250R spares will be imported directly from Japan and Thailand
Ninja 250R is the best looking 250cc sports bike in its segment. Ninja 250R features a very aggressive look when viewed head-on, as it features dual-lamp headlamp. Step-up seat is another attracting feature of the bike.
Instrument Cluster & Features
The cluster features some warning lights such as low oil, low fuel, choked air filter, high oil temperature and low battery indicators.

Engine & Trasmission
Bajaj has launched the European Spec Kawasaki Ninja 250R in Indian market. Though Ninja is in league of its own and a proper 250cc sports bike - it is not fair to compare it with Karizma ZMR, Pulsar 220 & Yamaha R15.

2010 Kawasaki Concours

2010 Kawasaki Concours

Evolved from the ABS used in the Voyager cruiser, Kawi claims the new system is 25% smaller and 30% lighter, with a higher-spec ECU. Riders can’t disable the ABS entirely, but instead choose from two adjustments that control the rear-to-front effect. Mode 1 delivers light effect on the front, for sportier riding applications. Mode 2 supplies a more aggressive bite up front when mashing the rear pedal. The front-to-rear link feels quite refined. The new KTRC (Kawasaki Traction Control) does offer on-the-fly adjustment – ON and OFF – via the left handlebar-mounted button. The KTRC system adds no weight, sourcing the same sensors at the ABS.

Testing the system, Kawasaki hosed down a skid plate, fixed outriggers to a Concours and turned us loose.

"Of the new rider environment and touring amenity updates on the C-14, virtually all are a combined result of owner/rider feedback..."

The changes to the bike can be separated into two categories: Those that center around rider comfort and improve the bike’s touring capabilities, and those aimed directly at improving safety.

Of the updates that enhance the rider environment, improving heat management was priority numero uno to consumers participating in focus groups.

The new model has restyled, “heat dissipating” bodywork. A new seal between the fairing and engine was also added to cut back on the heat dumped on the rider during idle.
Seems Kawi’s use of Computational Fluid Dynamics paid dividends in getting rid of the heat.
It’s also wider at the top for increased wind protection. Further aiding (if even a little) in wind protection and improving rearward views are mirrors that are now 40mm higher.
The new model has restyled, “heat dissipating” bodywork. A Kawasaki bag designed specifically for the Connie is en route soon according to Edmondson.

It’s your new heated grip temp adjuster!
The previous Connie was available with optional ABS. The system on the Connie is 25% smaller, 30% lighter and operates with an upgraded ECU.
But what really sets the new linked-ABS apart is the rider-selectable level of linking. For starters, ABS cannot be disabled, but by pressing the orange K-ACT button (bike must be stopped to select modes) the rider can choose the “high-combined” effect in Mode 2 or the lesser-combined effect in Mode 1.

2010 Kawasaki Concours

2010 Kawasaki Concours

Evolved from the ABS used in the Voyager cruiser, Kawi claims the new system is 25% smaller and 30% lighter, with a higher-spec ECU. Riders can’t disable the ABS entirely, but instead choose from two adjustments that control the rear-to-front effect. Mode 1 delivers light effect on the front, for sportier riding applications. Mode 2 supplies a more aggressive bite up front when mashing the rear pedal. The front-to-rear link feels quite refined. The new KTRC (Kawasaki Traction Control) does offer on-the-fly adjustment – ON and OFF – via the left handlebar-mounted button. The KTRC system adds no weight, sourcing the same sensors at the ABS.

Testing the system, Kawasaki hosed down a skid plate, fixed outriggers to a Concours and turned us loose.

"Of the new rider environment and touring amenity updates on the C-14, virtually all are a combined result of owner/rider feedback..."

The changes to the bike can be separated into two categories: Those that center around rider comfort and improve the bike’s touring capabilities, and those aimed directly at improving safety.

Of the updates that enhance the rider environment, improving heat management was priority numero uno to consumers participating in focus groups.

The new model has restyled, “heat dissipating” bodywork. A new seal between the fairing and engine was also added to cut back on the heat dumped on the rider during idle.
Seems Kawi’s use of Computational Fluid Dynamics paid dividends in getting rid of the heat.
It’s also wider at the top for increased wind protection. Further aiding (if even a little) in wind protection and improving rearward views are mirrors that are now 40mm higher.
The new model has restyled, “heat dissipating” bodywork. A Kawasaki bag designed specifically for the Connie is en route soon according to Edmondson.

It’s your new heated grip temp adjuster!
The previous Connie was available with optional ABS. The system on the Connie is 25% smaller, 30% lighter and operates with an upgraded ECU.
But what really sets the new linked-ABS apart is the rider-selectable level of linking. For starters, ABS cannot be disabled, but by pressing the orange K-ACT button (bike must be stopped to select modes) the rider can choose the “high-combined” effect in Mode 2 or the lesser-combined effect in Mode 1.