Motorbike News

KAWASAKI RELEASES NINJA'S VITAL STATISTICS After tempting and teasing us with a couple of photos a few weeks ago, Kawasaki has…

KAWASAKI RELEASES NINJA'S VITAL STATISTICSAfter tempting and teasing us with a couple of photos a few weeks ago, Kawasaki has now provided full details of its redesigned 2008 ZX-10R. This all-new machine has a four-cylinder DOHC re-designed engine and chassis, larger brakes, lighter wheels and new bodywork and compact narrow lightweight design.

With key features such as "a race-ready engine, track-tuned handling, advanced digital ignition with torque management, compact package and massive presence, aggressive aerodynamic styling", according to Kawasaki, this motorcycle is sure to impress the speed junkies.

The fuel injection has new secondary injectors to improve top-end power output and power characteristics. The new exhaust system features a pre-chamber under the engine to reduce exhaust noise, and minimise silencer volume. A palladium catalyser ensures the ZX-10R meets Euro-III exhaust emissions standards.

The suspension has a Diamond Like Carbon (DLC) fork tube coating on the fully adjustable 43mm inverted fork to improve fork action with less friction and smoother action. The lighter frame on this bike enables more aerodynamic bodywork and the smaller fairing sides reduce the influence of side winds. The re-designed mirrors have integrated turn signals, and are mounted in a higher position to provide better rearward visibility and, according to Kawasaki, "to minimise damage if the bike falls over". The new LED tail-light makes the bike more visible to motorists and, crucially, according to Kawasaki, "provides the final styling flourish to the evocative Ninja design".

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SUZUKI'S NEW OFFERINGS

Suzuki unveiled three impressive models at last week's Paris Motorcycle Show, with the introduction of the new 2008 GSX-R600, 750 (right) and the DR125SM.

The new GSX-R600 promises to be Suzuki's finest 600cc machine ever, offering more power, advanced electronics and compact chassis and engine attributes and carries the most powerful, most efficient 600cc four-cylinder, four-stroke-production motorcycle engine ever built by Suzuki.

The GSX-R750 will, claims the company, "offer the true race-replica experience". It features a digital engine management system, based on a 32-bit processor. The DR 125 SM fuel-injected 124cc single cylinder, four-stroke engine is an entry-level 125cc machine. It features extreme supermoto styling and offers great looks with solid performance. Delivering responsive power and good fuel efficiency, this bike is a great learner machine. It has a 16-bit ROM microcomputer, all-round disc brakes and a supermoto feel.

These three models will be making their UK debut at the International Motorcycle and Scooter Show at the NEC in Birmingham from November 23rd to December 2nd, 2007.

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