Geeez, almost fifteen grand and gutted for the U.S. Market? My enthusiasm is waning fast. On the brighter side, with that kind of a price tag and probably imported in limited numbers, it should do wonders for our older ZX-10s in the resale value department

Yes 15 grand and no quick shifter,no Brembro brakes,no wheelie control, a one year warranty,a lower resale value etc.... Sorry the the loaded BMW is a bargin I like the Kaw but 15k that sucker better make 200 rwhp. Just to put things in to prospective a Ducati 1198 is only 1500 more again the Euro bikes look like a bargain to me

* Last updated by: willidx4 on 10/6/2010 @ 10:43 AM *

And the Duc looks sexy as hell...

Let's wait and see what the dealers are actually asking before we pass judgement. I've never paid even close to sticker for any of my Kawasakis. I can't wait to see the first road tests by U.S. cycle rags, then we'll know something....and of course the shootouts begin in April or May.

Looks wise, how does the new bike compare to the GEN III?

IMHO, and this is not just because I happen to own one but I prefer the look of the Gen III. It has a more sinister look to it, at least in black. You can see the Gen IV is definitely a lot more compact...and it looks like none of the parts are carryovers. I wasn't wild at first about the Gen IIIs look but it's grown on me and now looks "right". What was it Nietsche said, "All great things, must at first wear terrible masks". Maybe the Gen IV will be the same.

* Last updated by: Kruz on 10/6/2010 @ 12:53 PM *

And I was always wondering how high will the tail sections end-up going over time. Good to see we have reached a reversing trend now.

Yes, tail is lower, stubbier, hugger is almost gone, front fender is way shorter, the pipe stops at the axle nut. It is really compacted and squat looking to me.... I'll bet it handles great though.

anyone notice the new bike did not get coated forks and has three spoke wheels, what happen to the hugger?.Looks like the bean counters also had their say. For 15k there better be the good Ohlins damper and I don't mean the "updated" one they put on the last bike. It might haul ass but I’ve seen better looking faces on an Iodine bottle. Thanks KHI I now have the second ugliest bike on the planet

* Last updated by: willidx4 on 10/6/2010 @ 1:45 PM *

Some thing have gone up though ( besides the price ) ......... look at the clutch basket cover

Honestly, I think the new '10 just looks cleaner - especially in the mid-section where the crank case cover and engine opening are.

* Last updated by: loadedmind on 10/6/2010 @ 2:13 PM *

Some thing have gone up though ( besides the price ) ......... look at the clutch basket cover

Yep the clutch is higher, the '11 has a stacked cassette tranny and they raised the entire engine to get a higher roll center for more agility. I really like the oversize hugger on the Gen III model, kinda cool and a signature of that bike and of course, as willi mentioned, the five spoke wheels look way better than the new three spokers. I think a set of Marchesinis would be in order here. I have to get used to the lowered tail and the stubbiness. The Italians did a much better job styling the RSV4 tail, compact but sharp looking. The Gen III has a layered, chiseled look to it that I always found visually appealing, like some sculpture carved it out of a solid block of graphite.

Thanks KHI I now have the second ugliest bike on the planet

Willid it's a toss up between the '11 and the 08-'10 CBR in the looks department. Some bikes mellow with age and look better over time, think Hayabusa here, some don't. I thought the Busa was hideous when it first came out but now it looks shockingly normal, almost a timeless clean design to me, especially compared to the steroidal flanks of the Gen II version. The new CBRs look never did grow on me, I'm hoping Honda will have a clean sheet redesign for us in 2012 and maybe bring in some layed off Italian stylists from Ducati to put a pretty face on it. In the meantime, my old, slow, '07 CBR is one of my favorite bikes to look at. It's a classic design IMHO, that Honda shoulda kept.

I'm anticipating commentary from Rook, the artist, on this subject.

* Last updated by: Kruz on 10/6/2010 @ 2:43 PM *

anyone notice the new bike did not get coated forks

* Last updated by: Kruz on 10/6/2010 @ 2:49 PM *

Regarding the front fork, perhaps Showa is not available with the black DLC coating, what matters though, is that the Big Piston forks are superior to the older cartridge design and we are yet to see more of them. I love the way it works on my '09 ZX6-R

* Last updated by: Steven14 on 10/6/2010 @ 2:58 PM *

Speaking of forks, I never figured out why Mother Kawi went with gold anodized fork uppers on the Gen III. They match absolutely nothing on the bike, I've even though about some gold anodized rear sets from Saito just to balance it out.

Looks wise, how does the new bike compare to the GEN III?

Gen III is better looking. The tail is better and the hugger is awesome. I like the look of the ram air on the '11 but the older model has a fine looking ram air duct too. A minor change but the windshield profile looks preferable on the '11, at least to my eye.

I hope they have some simple way to hook up some cheap electronic device that will derstrict this thing for the US models. If not, Kaw has given up on the US market for sales. Maybe things really are that bad.

I shouldn't,but.....IMO...the black '11 looks excellent.IF I bought a ten,this would be my choice.IMO it seems to "flow" much better with it's lines than the others.It's gonna kick azz...I can tell that just by lookin.She would look even better IF she was lowered some...maybe around 2 inches or so...stock.Sweet bike there.Probably rides and runs smooth as glass.I think the power modes deal is a tad gimmicky.Nice they made it track-day friendly with their "removable" parts.I'd LOVE to ride one...at least once.

They mentioned it could be ridden for a sporting outing on the road.THAT sounds to me like it could be a major factor for street riders.Maybe as comfy as a 14?IDK.If it is....they're gonna open up a whole new market at least for their model.Probably cuts through the wind like butter.And those suspension parts....very nice.If that tranny shifts sweet,and that motor runs smooth like a 14....they're gonna get a lot of buyers I think.It is a very cool machine.Probably way more power than any street guy would use....but it's nice that it's available.

The wheelbase is ONLY an inch shorter than the 14.At 400 and something pounds...it's definitely gonna give some thrills.

She's 4 inches shorter in length...not much difference in size to a 14 either.HHmmmmmmm.

I'm thinkin they're gettin ready to unveil a new 14...up ahead next.I'm thinkin they're gonna get their feedback from this baby...and make some very cool changes to their big bird.Should be fun!

* Last updated by: blue07 on 10/6/2010 @ 4:52 PM *

Head Spinnnnnnning.

Gen III is better looking. The tail is better and the hugger is awesome. I like the look of the ram air on the '11 but the older model has a fine looking ram air duct too. A minor change but the windshield profile looks preferable on the '11, at least to my eye.

My wife agrees with Rook. I 4 One am alarmed to learn that You have a nicer ASS, end, lol. Great job Kruz with the two pics side by side or top bottom, U know.

I read on Bikeland earlier today

http://www.bikeland.org/

http://www.bikeland.org/board/viewthread.php?FID=19&TID=58229&set_time=

WTH!!!! Tell me you're kidding....22 HP down? I'll bet that thing wouldn't pull the head off of a flat beer! If this is true, they didn't just gut it, they castrated it...neutered it!!! 11k redline?? My old 14 redlines at 11,000. Welcome to the good old USSR, United States Socialist Republic where Uncle Barrack is going to look out for your personal safety, next their going tell us it comes only with training wheels.

No thanks Kawasaki, you blew it big this time. At 15 large those things are going to turn into giant dust magnets on the showroom floor.

WTH!!!! Tell me you're kidding....22 HP down? I'll bet that thing wouldn't pull the head off of a flat beer! If this is true, they didn't just gut it, they castrated it...neutered it!!! 11k redline?? My old 14 redlines at 11,000. Welcome to the good old USSR, United States Socialist Republic where Uncle Barrack is going to look out for your personal safety, next their going tell us it comes only with training wheels.

No thanks Kawasaki, you blew it big this time. At 15 large those things are going to turn into giant dust magnets on the showroom floor.

LOL you guys kill me you don't really think it will be down 22hp and a 11k redline lets be realistic. I could see it being down 10hp but who gives a shit if it already makes 197 hp so what 187 is not enough.Even if it is down 22hp if the numbers are as published it will still make more power and be lighter than the old bike. Kruz go get on your zx10 get rolling about 30 mph in first and pin the throttle until you hit the limiter. Then let us know if you really need or want more power .I told you guys if the bike did n't put up huge hp numbers all the squids who can't use the power would call the bike a failure. That bike is full of all kinds of goodies and all people are talking about are HP numbers.If it makes the same power as the old bike but handles as well as the BMW or better its going to be a win for KHI. I hope it sales like crazy that way in April the left over 2009 zx10s will be 8k or better.I read cycle world last week and Kawaski wouldn't give any HP figures but they stated the new bike was going to make a little more power than the olf bike. Hell that could mean 5hp or 30hp who knows but either way its going to be better than the old bike.But at 15 grand I just can't see to many people than know better going after this bike. In a few months you will be able to get a left over 2009/20010 zx10 for 8k why would I pay dam near double that for a bike that I will not be able to ride any faster street or track.Then again I like new stuff and gadgets if I off load my house in IL before winter I'll get one in black.

* Last updated by: willidx4 on 10/7/2010 @ 8:33 AM *

Don't count your chickens before they hatch...

So I read the entire thread on bikeland but did not find anything official from KHI at all. The fact that someone says its official doesn’t make it official. Who knows maybe the guy has some inside track but damn if I would depend on bikeland or any other Internet forum for anything official. Check it out its official directly from BMW the new s1000rr will get a boost in HP for 2011

Ram Air
215

No Ram Air
205

Air intakes blocked with tube socks

230

SIDE ONE

go get on your zx10 get rolling about 30 mph in first and pin the throttle until you hit the limiter. Then let us know if you really need or want more power .I told you guys if the bike did n't put up huge hp numbers all the squids who can't use the power would call the bike a failure.

SIDE TWO

But at 15 grand I just can't see to many people than know better going after this bike. In a few months you will be able to get a left over 2009/20010 zx10 for 8k why would I pay dam near double that for a bike that I will not be able to ride any faster street or track.

There you have both sides of the coin, folks. More power than anyone can use / half the price and still more power than anyone can use. Even so, the squid market is important in terms of sales. There are a lot of first time sportbike buyers who want the best and the most just becuase they can. That was me 3 years ago. I think the guys who go out and scoop up the '09 leftovers will be the experienced riders who have a much better idea of what they want in a bike.

I know I've said it a hundred times in the last year but just go to any bike night and take a gander at he chicken strips all over every tire on every blisteringly fast sport bike. Consumers might pay for all around performance but they don't use it. If they used it, they would know how much and what kind of performance they needed for their riding. Point is, a lot of buyers want to own what they perceive to be the best and that's about as much as that performance gets used for........an ego prop. If you're that kind of rider, that's cool. We have a lot of company. We all like to dream. Ride whatever makes you happiest. If you're really into it, you may find out what suites you best in a couple years.

Air intakes blocked with tube socks
230

You're really looking to start something there, Will.

Let's do the math here, 197 HP without ram at the crank minus 22 equals 175 HP crank which is about 155 to 160 rear wheel tops and with an 11,000 rpm redline and zero over run.... so yeah Willi, if that's the case then I won't buy one and neither will anyone else. If the rumour is a lie than Bikeland, who has been here-to-fore fairly reliable, will have to issue an official retraction and apology letter or their credibility is in the tank.

BTW....... like it or not.... horespower is everything in liter bike sales, do you think it is a mere coincidence that the number one selling sportbike in Great Britian is the new BMW S1000RR and it also juat happens to tower above the competition on the dyno? The Beemer took every shootout here in the states despite posting track times that were mediocre at best.

So yes, as far as pinnning the throttle on my Gen III ZX10R, yes, puhleeze, give me all the power you can, I love it. More power = More fun, simple equation really.

Local dealers are all sold out of '09s and the leftover '08s were history last spring. '10s are not going cheap, they did'nt import that many. Resale values of the '08 and '09 models will start going back up now that the surplus is dried up. Check out the Gen I and II's, they don't give those away last time I checked if they're clean and well maintained.

* Last updated by: Kruz on 10/7/2010 @ 9:38 AM *

Then again I like new stuff and gadgets if I off load my house in IL before winter I'll get one in black.

Scratch that I forgot I want every shiny new sport bike that hits the market.