2011 Kawasaki Ninja Zx-10r on 2040-motos

Kawasaki Ninja description

2011 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R, Newer. Faster. Lighter. Better.You hear these descriptors all the time in this business.

Problem is, reality rarely lives up to the hype.

But Kawasaki s new-from-the-ground-up 2011 Ninja ZX-10R sportbike has no such credibility gap, going several steps beyond newer, faster, lighter and better by offering the most advanced traction-control system in all of production motorcycling.

Yes, in all of production motorcycling.

Not only are we talking about a complete redesign of the ZX-10R s engine, frame, suspension, bodywork, instrumentation and wheels, but a highly advanced and customizable electronic system that helps riders harness and capitalize on the new ZX-10R s amazing blend of power and responsive handling. The system is called Sport-Kawasaki Traction Control, or S-KTRC. It represents a whole new dimension in motorcycle performance, and the ZX-10R is the only production sport bike that can take you there.

Motorcyclists have forever been challenged by traction-related issues, whether on dirt, street or track. Riders that can keep a rear tire from spinning excessively or sliding unpredictably are both faster and safer, a tough combination to beat on the racetrack. And when talking about the absolute leading edge of open-class sport bike technology, where production street bikes are actually more capable than full-on race bikes from just a couple years ago, more consistent traction and enhanced confidence is a major plus.

The MotoGP-derived S-KTRC system works by crunching numbers from a variety of parameters and sensors wheel speed and slip, engine rpm, throttle position, acceleration, etc. There s more data gathering and analysis going on here than on any other Kawasaki in history, and it s all in the name of helping racers inch closer to the elusive edge of maximum traction than ever before. The S-KTRC system relies on complex software buried in the new ZX-10R s Electronic Control Unit (ECU), the only additional hardware is the lightweight speed sensors located on each wheel.

Unlike the KTRC system on Kawasaki s Concours 14 ABS sport tourer, which primarily minimizes wheel slip on slick or broken surfaces as a safety feature, the S-KTRC system is designed to maximize performance by using complex analysis to predict when traction conditions are about to become unfavorable. By quickly, but subtly reducing power just before the amount of slippage exceeds the optimal traction zone, the system which processes every data point 200 times per second maintains the optimum level of tire grip to maximize forward motion. The result is significantly better lap times and enhanced rider confidence exactly what one needs when piloting a machine of this caliber.

The S-KTRC system offers three different modes of operation, which riders can select according to surface conditions, rider preference and skill level: Level 1 for max-grip tr