2011 Kawasaki ZX-10R returns to sale, problem identified

Kawasaki USA has just announced that the mysterious stop-sale on the 2011 Kawasaki ZX-10R will be lifted, identifying the previously-mysterious fault as residing in the intake valve springs. As stated when the not-a-recall was announced on December 11, the problem … Continued

Free Power! offset cylinders explained

We’ve been reading a lot about offset, or désaxé, cylinders this year, they seem to be the flavor-of-the-month for motorcycle engine technology, helping to explain the unprecedentedly high outputs from bikes like the 2011 Kawasaki ZX-10R. But, we’ve been unable … Continued

2011 Kawasaki ZX-10R: mo’ power, mo’ problems

Yesterday, rumors began to circulate of a possible recall taking place on the 2011 Kawasaki ZX-10R. You know, the superbike that’s 20bhp down in North America compared to the ones being sold in the rest of the world. Now, just … Continued

The trouble with North American ZX-10Rs

This dyno chart shows the difference between a stock, North American 2011 Kawasaki ZX-10R and one that’s had its ECU told to stop restricting throttle openings at high RPM. Both measurements include the same slip-on exhaust canister. Courtesy of Speed … Continued

188 HP! 2011 Kawasaki ZX-10R on the dyno

First, we told you that the 2011 Kawasaki ZX-10R would make 197bhp at the crank (207 with ram air), then we learned that North American Ninjas would lose about 20bhp thanks to problems passing EPA noise regulations. Now, a shop … Continued

Sport-Kawasaki Traction Control explained

When the embargo finally ended and we were able to bring you analysis of the 2011 Kawasaki ZX-10R without pissing off Kawasaki we told you the bike was significant not because of its unprecedentedly powerful engine — 197bhp — but … Continued