The 2006 Kawasaki ZX-10R

The new frame uses new castings in the steering head area and uses rigid engine mounts, both of which change the frame’s stiffness balance.

A race-quality steering damper has been fitted with track use in mind, however, it is quite all right to remove the damper for street riding.

This comprehensive package of chassis upgrades makes the 10R a track tool of unsurpassed potential. Likewise, it offers supersport enthusiasts the brilliant handling performance for track or street that they demand. Engine

A new fuel injection system and toolbox full of friction reducing tricks allow the liquidcooled, DOHC, 16-valve, power unit to churn out the same mind-altering horsepower and still meet Euro-III emissions standards. The fuel injection system, with its 43 mm throttle bodies and dual throttle valves gets new, ultra-fine-atomising injectors. Especially notable is a big boost in mid-range power. Power delivery is more linear, and off-corner acceleration is simply mind-boggling. Additionally, improvements to the shift linkage result in slicker shifting.

With the 10R churning out the same torque in 1st, 2nd and 3rd gears as the GP bike (and consequently the same back-torque), controlled power delivery is becoming more and more important. To offer greater stability on corner entry, the crankshaft’s flywheel mass was increased. The increased mass helps prevent the rear wheel from locking when shutting off the gas, and helps the slipper clutch better prevent wheel hop. Off-corner acceleration is also improved, thanks to a greater resistance to wheeling in 1st, 2nd and 3rd gears. Throttle control is simply superb.

Corner exit performance is indirectly improved by the more linear power characteristics of the new engine and the stronger mid-range performance, both of which significantly improve off-corner acceleration. New, round throttle pulley reduces throttle load and revised ECU mapping results in smoother transitional power characteristics when getting back on the gas exiting a turn. It also makes for smoother throttle work when getting on and off the gas during city riding or in the twisties.

Engine Features Maintained from the 2005 Ninja ZX-10R

Idealised dimensions for the intake and exhaust ports, determined using flow analysis, ensure efficient cylinder filling and high power output. Titanium exhaust valves reduce reciprocating weight for incredible high-rpm performance. Hot-sparking iridium plugs and high-voltage coils ensure high combustion efficiency. Camshaft lobes and tappet surfaces feature soft-nitriding surface treatment for long wear and high-rpm reliability. Sintered aluminium valve spring retainers reduce reciprocating weight for reliable valve control at high-rpm. Forged pistons are lightweight and very tough, for low reciprocating weight and high heat resistance. Their flat tops enable a compact combustion chamber with improved combustion efficiency. Plated cylinders are long wearing and offer excellent heat dispersion. Passageways in cylinders ensure efficient crankcase breathing and reduce pumping loss. Intake air is routed via the central Ram Air duct and through the frame tubes to the airbox. A duct between the frame and the air cleaner prevents ingress of water. Compact air cleaner fits snugly between the frame rails, allowing use of a seamless, highcapacity, flat-bottomed fuel tank. Flow analysis was also used to ensure efficient air flow inside the airbox. One-piece cylinder/crankcase design, compact cylinder head and “stacked” tri-axis transmission/crankshaft layout allows an amazingly compact and lightweight engine. The engine is short enough to fit below the twin beams of the frame, allowing the 10R to have the narrow compactness of a 600-class machine. Single valve springs use oval-section wire to realise short springs and a compact cylinder head design. Camshafts are machined from forged billets of SCM420K steel for light weight and high strength. Lightweight magnesium engine covers contribute to the engine’s low weight. Liquid-cooled oil cooler with internal aluminium fins is lightweight and keeps oil temperatures under control.

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