Tommy Hayden, the big brother of the Kentucky racing clan, was on hand for the ZX-10 test to toy with moto-journalists like a cat with oh so many meeses.

Roger Lee Hayden had some fun at the track too.

These Dunlop race-compound tires were spooned on after our early sessions. Developed (without a model designation) for the ZX-10R, rider feedback has been so positive that a production version will eventually be brought to market.

The ZX's new undertail exhaust system gives a clean view of the slick new aluminum swingarm. Flush-mount turnsignals front and rear are a nice touch.

Tommy Hayden gives us a good look at the ZX-10's catalytic converters in stainless-steel tubing, left unshrouded to help better dissipate heat. The rest of the exhaust is made of lightweight titanium.

With 0.5-degree of extra rake and a stiffer frame, the new ZX is less intimidating to lean way over, finishing off the corner with smoothness the older version can't match.

There you are, flogging the ZX with everything you've got. Then along comes 'Tommy Gun' railing around you like you were parked, drifting the back end in a jaw-dropping display of tire smoke and supernatural talent.

Kawasaki invited our own Duke Danger, along with a gaggle of other moto-journalists, to test the capabilities of the new 2006 ZX-10R at California Speedway.

Kawasaki ZX10

Kawasaki ZX10

Kawaski opted not to offer stiffer suspension on this year's crop of ZX-10s, instead the manufacturer is relying on an improved chassis to handle the bumps without upsetting the bike, a claim which we support after our experience out on the track.

The ZX-10R's bold new face with projector headlamps and a redesigned ram-air duct has been met with mixed reactions. Looks better in person, though.

Kawasaki ZX10

We disagreed with the Kawi's claim of increased maneuverability on the new ZX-10. The 2006 version feels a bit more sluggish when making transitions, attributable to calmer steering geometry, the addition of 11 pounds and, perhaps, the new steering damper.

Kawasaki ZX10

Those little brothers are always desperate for attention.

Enough talk already. Duke was saddled up and ready to test the new ZX in its native environment - the track.

The new big-cube Ninja is now endowed with composure that was lacking in the previous iteration, making its performance limits easier to access.