Kawasaki announces 2006 return to AMA Superbike grid with new ZX-10R

story and photos by Bill Andrews

"Rev it Up" is the theme for the 2006 Kawasaki Dealer meeting, and the frontline troops were especially revved up when the company announced plans to field a full factory-backed effort in AMA Superbike competition in 2006 with a redesigned ZX-10R.

As the dealer meeting opened at the MGM Studios in Orlando, Florida, Kawasaki also unveiled three models that are new from the ground up, including the ZX-14 (left), which it claims has the most powerful mass-produced motorcycle engine yet.

Dealers’ enthusiasm ran high when Kawasaki announced that brothers Tommy and Roger Lee Hayden, coming off a successful 1-2 finish in AMA Pro Honda Oils Supersport competition in 2005, would compete in the top Superbike class in 2006 aboard an all-new ZX-10R (below right). Kawasaki’s flagship superbike has undergone a complete engine, chassis and aerodynamic makeover, making the 998cc machine even lighter, faster and better handling than ever.

Among the engine changes, Kawasaki moved the generator to the left end of the crankshaft which the company execs say will free up about five extra ponies by reducing drag. The upper crankcase and cylinder are now a one-piece casting, saving more than two pounds. The new underseat twin mufflers are made with titanium internals and an aluminum canister to further reduce weight.

Feeding fuel to the beast are new “ultra-fine-atomizing” injectors, which spray droplets of 50 microns.

For better handling, an Ohlins steering damper is fitted as standard equipment.

The new instrument layout includes an analog tachometer with an overlaid digital speedometer. Kawasaki claims the display is designed to give the illusion that it is further away so eyes can easily change focus from the road and back again.

These are merely a few of the many changes made to give the bike what Kawasaki hopes is a real advantage on the racetrack and the street. MSRP will be $11,199.

Kawasaki is also adding new models at opposite ends of the Ninja spectrum, with the new Ninja ZX-14, which is aimed at stealing market share away from the competing Suzuki Hayabusa, and a new 650cc twin, the Ninja 650R.

The new top-end Ninja (right, in a burnout display) displaces 1,352cc in four cylinders. The company says it is the most powerful motorcycle engine ever mass produced. MSRP will be $11,499.

At the less hyper end of the spectrum is Kawasaki's new Ninja 650R (left and below). Kawasaki says the liquid-cooled 649cc parallel-twin engine is actually more compact than the Ninja 500 powerplant. Highlights include a unique, bullet-tipped muffler mounted below the engine, a trellis frame, and a laid-down single rear shock.

The package is designed to be very compact, with comfortable upright ergonomics.

"(The) NINJA 650R represents a genre of motorcycling new to Kawasaki—one that finds itself at home with both novices and experienced riders," Kawasaki officials said. MSRP is currently set at $6,299.

The cruiser gang gets a new mid-sized Vulcan, though at 903cc one has to wonder about the upward-creeping definition of "mid-size." The new Vulcan 900 comes in Classic and Classic LT versions.

Features include a left-side belt final drive, a 180mm rear tire and a low 26.4-inch seat height.

The “LT” on the other 900 Classic stands for Light Touring and includes a windshield, saddlebags and a passenger backrest (shown left).

MSRP is $7,299 for the Classic, and $8,499 for the LT.

Also added to the cruiser lineup is a Classic version of the Vulcan 2000 (right), which offers different styling cues that harken back to the Vulcan 1500. A Light Touring (LT) version and “Limited” version are available as well.

MSRP starts at $13,499 for the Standard, $12,999 for the Classic, $14,499 for the LT and $14,999 for the Limited.

Finally, the often-neglected dual-sport sector gets a new entry from Kawasaki for 2006: the KLX250S, a bike the company has been selling in the Japan market. The street-legal dirtbike features a liquid-cooled, four-valve engine, electric starting, six-speed transmission and an inverted fork.

MSRP is $4,699.