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/128395
and injectors that feature an ultrafine atomizing spray pattern. The goal on the new lOR was to improve the bike's ability to get off the corner more efficiently with improved midrange power and delivery. Kawasaki engineers felt a heavier flywheel would help improve power delivery as well as improving the bike's stability on corner entries, which is further aided by the slipper clutch. The throttle pulley has been redesigned and is now round, which, combined with new ECU mapping, should provide smoother and more linear throttle response. A host of changes were made to the lOR's chassis in an effort to improve stability and handling. The first and most important change is that engineers decided to reposition the motor in the chassis. The motor was raised in the chassis, which raised the center of gravity but at the same time centralized the mass more for improved handling. The cylinder head's bank angle has been reduced from 20 to 23 degrees. The wheelbase on the new lOR remains the same, but the frame has new geometry. The frame has new castings in the steering-head area and uses rigid engine mounts. The swingarm is new and uses a higher pivot point on the frame. One of our biggest complaints in the past has been the lack of a stock steering damper on the lOR, but that has been addressed as well. The new bike features an adjustable Ohlins twin-chamber unit standard. A lot of attention was paid to the aerodynamiCS on the 2006 ZX-I OR. The new fairing, seat cowl and the move to twin under-the-seat exhaust canisters have improved airflow and reduced drag significantly, according to Kawasaki. The new projector beam headlights gave engineers the freedom to design the front of the bike to be as efficient as possible and allowed them to design a more efficient Ram-air duct. Another nice touch is the use of turn Signals that are integrated into the fairings as opposed to the old, (ugly) stalk-type units. One of our biggest gripes the past couple of years on the Kawasaki sportbikes is the stupid LCD tachometer, which is only visible at night. Guess what? Kawasaki listened to our complaints and has changed the dash to a hybrid deSign with an analog tachometer and LCD information screen, and it even features adjustable illumination. These are just the highlights of the new lOR, but as soon as we get a chance to ride it, we'll give you a full report. The bike will be available in three colors: green, black and yellow. The MSRP has not been released yet. eN The nose of the lOR receives a new front fairing and redesigned Ramair intake. Kawasaki Ninja 6508 The new Ninja 6S0R is powered by a 649« parallel twin. A brand-new model in the Kawasaki line is the addition of the new Ninja 650R. The new bike is powered by a 649cc parallel twin with four valves per cylinder and fuel injection. This bike was designed to be an extremely versatile bike that has good handling and brakes yet won't be intimidating to newer riders. The parallel twin is tuned for midrange motor response, utilizing the twin-cylinder motor's torque. This bike should go head-to-head with Suzuki's popular SV650 twin. The motor features a triangulated layout of the crankshaft and two transmission shafts to make the engine very short from front to back. The transmission is a cassette-style unit for improved maintenance access, and it has a more compact design. The height of the motor was reduced by utilizing a semidry sump design. The cylinders are plated and linerless aluminum for weight savings. The bike's low-slung, under-the-belly exhaust system improves mass centralization and lowers the center of gravity. The 650R's chassis is compact and light, which should prOVide nimble handling characteristics due to a short wheelbase. The trellis-style frame is made from high-tensile steel and features a long wheelbase for improved handling. The single rear shock is offset to the right side to allow the battery to reside lower in the chassis, thus allowing a lower seat height. Twin petal discs handle braking up front, and a single petal disc handles things out back. The fork is a conventional right-side-up unit, while the wheels are six-spoke Supersport-style units. The fairing features an aggressive headlight design and an aerodynamic windscreen with the front turn signals integrated into the fairing. The rear cowl is slim and features a two-tone seat and sculpted fuel tank. The bike will be available in two colors: black and silver with a red frame, and silver with black highlights and a red frame. CYCLE NEWS • SEPTEMBER 14,2005 57