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Kawasaki Reveals All-New Z1000 And Other 2010 Street Bikes

Concours 14 gets updated as well.

Kawasaki unveiled some of its popular 2010 street bikes, today, including the Z1000, which features an all-new 1043cc motor and aluminum frame. Kawasaki also took the cover off its upgraded ZX-10R, Concours 14, Versys and KLX110 bikes. Here's what Kawasaki has to say about its new machines:

2010 Z1000

Z1000The Kawasaki Z1000 has always possessed the purposeful look of a sportbike, while offering a high level of every day practicality on the street. Development of the 2010 Z1000 started from scratch, with the specific goals of creating a distinctive visual impact and superior on-road performance. The end result is essentially a custom-made super streetfighter.

A unique blend of Japanese art and technology, the 2010 Z1000's styling takes a dramatic leap forward with the distinct look of an apex predator. Hunched-down and ready to pounce, its visual impact is much stronger than that of a naked sportbike, or a derivative copy of some Euro trend.

The Z1000 clearly surpasses the dynamic performance of its predecessors, thanks to a new quick-revving 1,043cc inline-four cylinder engine, and an all-new quick-steering aluminium chassis connected to an all-new horizontal rear suspension design. A comfortable upright riding position means the Z1000 remains a practical transportation tool, even as the dramatic howl from its new cold-air intake raises hairs on the back of its rider's neck.

Key Features:
* All-New Aluminum Chassis
* All-New 1043cc Engine
* All-New Horizontal Rear Suspension
* Sharp "Predatory" Styling
* Light & Quick Handling
* Lower Seat Height than Previous Z1000 Models

2010 Ninja ZX-10RZX-10R

The Ninja ZX-10R truly shines on the racetrack, thanks to technology developed on Kawasaki race bikes. Although designed to offer maximum performance on the circuit, the same power and handling that provide such amazing on-track performance, also make it more fun for riding on the street.

The current ZX-6R debuted in 2009, featuring what was quite possibly the best sporting transmission Kawasaki has ever produced. For 2010, Kawasaki's engineers applied similar technology to the ZX-10R's gearbox, with internal modifications aimed at reducing play in the shift mechanism and providing a more-precise feel at the lever. The result is smooth, effortless shifting with clean and positive gear engagement.

Like its gearbox, the ZX-10R's adjustable twin-tube Öhlins steering damper also received internal modifications for improved performance. A separate spring and free piston were added to the reservoir tube to enhance damping stability, and a new titanium colored finish and laser-etched logo update the damper's external appearance.

Always an aggressive and technologically interesting motorcycle to look at, the 2010 ZX-10R's bodywork features updates to give it a lighter, more-compact appearance. A new single piece front fairing reduces the visual weight of the ZX-10R's front end, while new inner panels provide a tidier look around the handlebar area. Adding to the effect of the minimalist bodywork, sharper new side panels incorporate more black into their design, helping the 10R to appear even more compact. A new muffler completes the appearance updates, with a new dimpled surface pattern, metallic grey paint finish, and a compact end cap providing a smaller appearance and more sinister look.

Key Features:
* Upgraded Öhlins Twin-Tube Adjustable Steering Damper
* Upgraded Transmission for Smoother, More-Precise Shifting
* Upgraded Bodywork for Appearance and Aerodynamic Improvements
* Race-Oriented Engine Performance
* Track-Tuned Handling
* Back Torque Limiting "Slipper" Clutch
* Kawasaki Ignition Management System (KIMS)

2010 VersysVersys

A truly versatile platform that maximizes enjoyment in several different types of riding, the Kawasaki Versys is difficult to explain and impossible to categorize. One ride is all it takes to prove the Versys is much more than the sum of its parts.

Bumps and potholes are a reality in every day riding, so the Versys' long-travel front fork and rear shock are well damped to cope with these challenges. Its upright riding position and wide handlebars provide a very comfortable place to spend a day on the road, while its 17" wheels and sport tires make it an excellent choice for aggressive sport riding. The end result is a machine that truly offers the suspension compliance of a dual sport, the responsiveness and grip of a sportbike and the all-day comfort of a light tourer.

For 2010, the new Versys builds on the strengths of its predecessor, with updated styling and a number of upgrades aimed at making it more practical and fun to ride than ever! Cosmetic revisions give the new Versys a sharper appearance and help reflect its nimble, sporty nature. Improved vibration damping and upgraded passenger accommodations enhance touring and two-up comfort, while revised mirrors, new tie-down hooks and a host of other detail upgrades mean it's better equipped than ever to provide maximum rider enjoyment.

Key Features:
* New Sharper Styling
* New Rubber Engine Mounts and Revised Footpegs Transmit Less Vibration to the Rider
* Revised Adjustable Windscreen
* Revised Passenger Accommodations
* New Tie-Down Hooks Under Tail Section
* Excellent Handling
* Smooth, Long-Travel Suspension
* Cockpit is Roomy and Comfortable
EMBARGO: 12:00 a.m. PDT, October 5, 2009

2010 CONCOURS 14Concours 14

Building on the continent-crossing comfort and genuine sportbike performance of its predecessor, the second-generation Concours 14 includes new touring features and updated technology to advance the state of the sport touring art. The Concours 14 has earned rave-reviews from expert journalists and current owners who've experienced the otherworldly thrust and sublime composure of its Ninja ZX-14 based engine and chassis.

Already a showcase for the latest Kawasaki technology, the new Concours 14 adds a number of new systems designed to improve the riding experience. KTRC, Kawasaki's first traction control system, helps provide piece of mind when negotiating slippery surfaces. K-ACT II selectable, sport-oriented coactive ABS complements the rider's brake inputs with supplementary force enhancements for improved braking performance on a wide variety of riding surfaces.

A number of added features, bodywork refinements and detail changes vastly improve rider comfort, making long-distance journeys even easier than before. A larger windscreen offers extra wind protection and new heat-dissipating bodywork provides better heat management. A number of additional features, like heated handgrips, upgraded computer functions, a relocated glove box, and tank bag hooks offer added convenience and increase the Concours 14's touring performance.

Key Features:
* NEW Kawasaki Traction Control (KTRC)
* NEW K-ACT II Selectable, Sport Oriented Coactive Anti Lock Brakes
* NEW Enhanced Touring Amenities - Heated Grips, Outside Air Temp, Economical Riding Indicator, Fuel Economy Assistance Mode, Relocated Electro-Locking Glove Box, Computer Mode Select Button on Handlebar, Tank Bag Hooks, Relocated Mirrors,
* NEW Sharper, More-Aggressive Bodywork - Better Heat Management and Improved Wind Protection
* NEW Suspension Settings - Lighter Handling
* NEW Bridgestone BT 021 tires - Lighter Handling, Improved Wear
* Variable Valve Timing (VVT)
* Tetra-Lever Shaft Drive
* Back Torque Limiting "Slipper" Clutch
* KIPASS - Remote Ignition Activation and Security Transponder
* Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)

2010 KLX110 & KLX110LKLX110

In the off-road world, even small, simple bikes can offer a great deal of fun, and Kawasaki's popular KLX110 motorcycle offers more fun than most. Designed for mini-moto enthusiasts, the 2010 KLX110 and new KLX110L now offer electric starting and numerous performance upgrades to make them even better than ever!

Re-tuned for 2010, the electric start 111cc SOHC engine produces more power than previous models and features a new 4-speed transmission that provides a wider selection of gear ratios to help capitalize on the new engine's increased performance. The KLX110's revised rear suspension offers increased bottoming resistance and an expanded ergonomic triangle helps the 110 accommodate a larger range of riders. The "standard" KLX110, features all the improvements listed above and comes equipped with a low 26.8" seat height, and a centrifugal clutch for easy, clutch-free stops, starts and shifting.

For more advanced riders or those wanting a taller seat height, the new KLX110L features a manual clutch for greater control and enhanced performance. A longer-travel suspension provides superior rough-road performance, and gives the 110L a 1.9" taller seat height than a standard KLX110.

Key Features:
* New Push-Button Electric Starting
* New Four-Speed Transmission
* More Powerful 111cc Engine
* Now Available With Centrifugal (110) or Manual (110L) Clutch
* Available in two seat heights: 26.8" (110) or 28.7" (110L)
* Upgraded Suspension
* Updated KX-Inspired Styling
* Roomy Ergonomics

 

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