2012 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R ABS High Performance

 The rest of the 2012 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R ABS is equally advanced. Not only are we talking about a complete redesign of the Big Ninja’s engine, frame, suspension, bodywork, instrumentation and wheels, but a highly advanced and customizable electronic system that allows riders of all skill levels to harness and experience the new ZX-10R ABS’s amazing blend of power and razor-edge handling. The system called Sport-Kawasaki Traction Control, or S-KTRC represents a whole new dimension in sport motorcycling, and the ZX-10R ABS 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.

2012 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R ABS

2012 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R ABS

 The Ninja ZX-10R ABS 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.

2012 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R ABS

2012 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R ABS

2012 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R ABS

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 new ZX-10R ABS’s ergonomics have been fine tuned for optimum comfort and control, with a slightly lower saddle, adjustable footpegs positioned slightly lower and forward relative to last year, and clip ons with a bit less downward angle. This is a hard-core sportbike you can actually take on a weekend ride and be reasonably comfortable doing so. And because it’s more than 10 pounds lighter than last year’s bike, the new ZX-10R ABS will be much more manageable in whatever environment you choose to ride it in.