2008 Kawasaki ZX-10R Photo Gallery

Kawasaki is looking to improve its fortunes in the super competitive Superbike class with a retooled 2008 Ninja ZX-10R, which sports internal engine modifications and an all-new chassis design.

Photos of the 2008 Kawasaki ZX-10R superbike at Qatar's 16-turn Losail circuit.2008 Kawasaki ZX-10R First Ride

2008 Kawasaki ZX-10R

Speaking of turn signals the indicators are likely the most-fugly pieces of this whole design

2008 Kawasaki ZX-10R

The '08 Ninja literbike has addressed chassis complaints which limited the machines potential on the racing circuit.

The redesigned radial-mount Tokico four-piston calipers and larger, thinner and lighter 310mm petal-style rotors provide monstrous braking power without even a hint of fade at any point during our 48 hours in Qatar

Kawasaki claims the new ZX-10R bodywork is more aerodynamic. It also provides more contact points for riders in a lean.

A lighter, very narrow 2-piece die-cast aluminum subframe is easily removable and replaceable for racing purposes.

While Kawasaki doesn't claim its KIMS (Kawasaki Ignition Management System) is traction control, it makes the once scary ZX-10R engine more managable.

Tossing the new Ninja around a corner is a point and shoot maneuver, with the slipper clutch smoothing out the downshifts.

Its not every day you fly to the other side of the globe and ride a MotoGP and World Superbike circuit like Losail.

Kawasaki personnel insisted that the KIMS was not traction control at all. Instead, it's the most state-of-the-art engine management system ever found on any of its motorcycles.

There is an 8K spread of rpm coined the 'Happy Zone' where Kawasaki feels the 10R is most in its element.

The improved handling characteristics are apparent from the first time the bike is tipped into a turn.

Historically, the department that the ZX-10R had the other bikes covered was in outright power production.

This new bike offers much improved feedback, more agile feeling in the transitions and generally increases the rider's confidence that the bike will do what it's told.

A new ram-air intake path routes fresh air along either side of the steering head, allowing for a more direct flow to the airbox.

At the heart of this new and improved Ninja is a chassis which has addressed the tuning woes that race techs faced with the previous bike.

This year's ZX-10R approaches things a little different. Where the older 10 was a streetbike first, this new incarnation is a purpose-built track tool.

Lap after lap as the speeds picked up, the times went down.

While previous ZX-10Rs were designed as streetbikes turned racebikes for the track, the latest member of the Ninja clan is a track weapon first and foremost.

2008 Kawasaki ZX-10R

We sampled the Kawasaki ZX-10R wares at Qatar's Losail circuit, but is the latest Ninja Superbike a keeper?

After two days of hustling the 2008 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R around the 16-turn, 3.6-mile long Losail International Circuit in Doha, Qatar there is no doubt that this bike can give the rest of the open-class pack a run for their money.