- 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.
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