You live by the sword, you die by the sword, an expression that certainly rings true when it comes to the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R. After launching the ferocious 2004/05 C-model Ninja, in 2006 Kawasaki decided to update their flagship sportsbike and the D-model arrived to great expectations. Fans of traditionally bonkers Ninjas were delighted to see it now came with the latest ‘must-have’ fashion accessory of underseat pipes (well, it was the mid-2000s), an Öhlins steering damper (bless the Lord!), more power and even a dash that was legible. Things were looking very good, but then the first ride reviews came in…
In an effort to reduce the original model’s more than a little flighty handling, Kawasaki played with the Ninja’s chassis and centre of gravity to ensure the updated bike was more stable. As well as altering the engine’s position in the frame, the head angle was kicked out half a degree and the wheelbase extended. While Kawasaki intended these modifications to put more weight over the rear to improve drive, most riders felt they muted the Ninja’s traditionally agile handling. This lethargic nature, combined with the twin underseat pipe look, soon gained this generation a rather unflattering nickname – The Wheelbarrow. Sales plummeted, dealers were forced to offer huge discounts and two years later Kawasaki launched an all-new Ninja that no longer had underseat pipes. But were we all being just a bit cruel?