UPFRONT
In addition to Kawasaki’s ZX-10R and the more track focused ZX-10RR, the company is now offering the ZX-10R SE, which is its first supersport motorcycle equipped with Kawasaki Electronic Control Suspension units front and rear. Having won a third consecutive World Superbike title in the hands of Jonathan Rea, it’s fair to say that the ZX-10R range is already a very capable family of motorcycles, but the introduction of electronically adjusted units is likely to move the goalposts even further.
The SE has been equipped with Showa Balance Free Front Forks and a Showa BFRC Lite Shock, which are actually of the same construction as the Kawasaki WSBK spec machines so come laden with the very latest technology. This includes stroke sensors and adjustment solenoids which are built into the suspension units, making the system both discreet and incredibly efficient. By drawing information from these sensors and from the ECU, there is a fast response time with the information update speed being measured in milliseconds and the suspension adjustment coming along almost instantaneously, whether you’re in road or track mode. It’s not just the suspension that sets the SE apart though, as it also comes with specially cast Marchesini sevenspoke forged alloy wheels, a snazzy matt black colour scheme plus a blipper and shifter package.