Cycle News is a weekly magazine that covers all aspects of motorcycling including Supercross, Motocross and MotoGP as well as new motorcycles
Issue link: https://magazine.cyclenews.com/i/128378
KAWASAKI ZX-IOR VITAL STATISTICS • Measured wet weight: 435 Ibs. • Peak horsepower/torque: 152.58 hp/76.63 ft.-Ibs. • Weight-to-power ratio: 2.85 Ibs./hp • Fastest lap time: 2:02.0 I min. (Sorensen) • Quarter-mile time: 9.914 sec. @ 147.395 mph • Price: $10,999 / I MOTOR KEY FEATURES • Compact, 998cc inline four utilizes stacked gearbox shafts • Forged aluminum pistons • One-piece cylinder/crankshaft case • All titanium exhaust There is no question that Kawasaki knows how to make serious horsepower, as last year the bike made the most power of any bike in the shootout. This year, the bike is right there as well, making over ISO hp. At Bunonwillow, the Kawasaki struggled with tire wear, eating up its rear Bridgestone BT-002 earlier in the day more than some of the other bikes did. This is probably the biggest reason that the lOR's fastest lap time is a bit further off of the other Japanese fourcylinder times. The Kawasaki, like the Suzuki, likes to light the rear tire up, especially eXiting the track's tight comers. The problem is that the bike is painting blackies exiting some of the lOO-mph corners as well - a sure way to torch a rear tire, but a lot of fun! The performance from the lOR's topend is just as impressive this year as last, and to some degree even more, primarily due to the racetrack we were on. We were also able to set up the suspension (improved for 2005) bener this year, which improved the bike's ability to get the power down. One thing that is still a noticeable problem is that the transmission linkage still binds up, not allowing the tranny to upshift smoothly. The problem area seems to;be betweeor second and J third, and between third and fourth/ at full thronle near redline. The dutch l)eeds to be used more or{en than not while beirg careful not to have the lever preloaded from the previous shift, It n;ally isn't the slickest ~ x around, that's for sure, Another thing that we noticed on the lOR is the amount of vIbration mom the mo or compared to the others. It's not 0 much vibration as it is buzzi\ness, but it i noticeable, On .!he street, he lOR is a hoot. Wheehes on the lOR just happen. Sometimes they're un voidable and you find yourself shifting gears and riding them for blocks. This is a bi~e that can get you into a whole lot of trouble in a hurry. The engine performance is addictive. The fuel-injecti.on response frOQ( the Kawasaki is good,With smooth deliVery and excellent pickUp. It was just as impressive on the street as on the track. Despite the fact that tli lOR wasn't able to nail down a great tim on the track, it was scored second overall ,n'Our subjective track ratings. The Kawasaki's power both hurts it and helps it at the drag strip. At LACR, the lOR posted the third-quickest e.t. at 9.914 seconds, but it smoked through the lights at a 147.395 mph, easily the fastest of the group. Laye just couldn't get the bike to hook up down the track as the winds picked up and blew dust allover the surface, spinning the rear tire. KAWASAKI ZX·10R 175 0: I !152oS+: : 150 hp @ ~ 1 ,5~: rpm : IX '0" ~ 125 D.. 100 III m 0' 75 '" 50 ~ ~ :J [} ! 76063!ft..lbs IX 0 f- ~ ~ 676 9 25 ~ 940ci rpm ~ ~ 10 11 0 2 3 4 5 (RPM X 1000> 12 13 I C'r5SIS/HANDLlNG K~EATURES • TWin-spar over-the-engine frame for ultrana r.ow profile • Aluminum gull-type swingarm • 43mm inverted fork w aluminum internals • Adjustable rear ride height • OptionalOhlins steering damper , Bunonwillow's jbumpier b~ing zones, composed than we the bike felt remember ~'teeling last year All o~ our. testers were i']'pressed with hty to tum. The bike can be the lOR s flicked .nto the corner with ease, and i transitJons very easily from side to side. .Sorensen also com~nted that he liked the seating position that perches the rider more up on top of the bike than down in it. Everyone was real happy with the per- rore Although the ZX-IOR was largely unchanged for 2005, one are that Kawasaki did addresswas he front and rear suspension. Mi=no--r l '6 changes were made to the fork, including shorte ing the top-out spring and reduclhg the oil level. The rear shock received minor changes as well, including a smaller diameter spring (improved initial travel compliance) and a new piston for reduced stiction. The lOR's suspension no longer feels as harsh as it did on formance from the lOR's brake setup, last year's bike, and despite the which is comprised of radial-mount fact that the track we tested on calipers and petal-style rotors. They prowas different and that the bike vide plenty of power while offering exceldoesn't come with a steering lent feel, both on and off the track. damper stock, the bike didn't On the street, the Kawasaki was a big hit, scoring the second-most points in our shake it's head nearly as much as before. Kawasaki does offer an subjective category, just like it did at the Ohlins damper unit from its parts track. A lot of this has to do with the catalog, but because the part isn't bike's handling, but also with the fact that stock, we didn't put it on the bike the fork isn't as harsh as before. The riduntil after the testing portion of ing position is perfect for attacking your favorite canyon road, with a good comthe shootout was complete. The suspension is improved promise between comfort and a good over last year, but Sorensen com- riding position. mented that the front end still felt vague at times and • LCD tach is difficult to read • Killer motor didn't really let him • 5tock steering damper • Improved suspension would be nice get a sense of the • Good brakes • Transmission notchy 14 available traction. In CYCLE NEWS • MAY 18, 2005 3S