First real run out on the ZX10 today!
 

Had my first semi-spirited run out on the ZX10R today, only covered around 60 miles or so, but was enough to give me some first impressions which I've listed below for anyone interested.

Comparing it to the 996R;
- the seat position is a lot further back
- it accelarates quicker and pulls forever (but feels slower)
- its turns really quickly and easily
- the riding position is quite similar (with rearsets on the 996R)
- you have to work it (rev it / shift gears) a lot more (no 5hit!!) to get the same speed / feel
- its smoother
- its far too quiet (standard can - got the Akro ready!)
- its got a backbrake!!!
- its not as pretty

Other observations;
- it badly needs a larger screen
- the brakes are a bit soft (need braided hoses and a good bleed!!) but pretty powerful.
- its easy to ride quickly, licence loser!
- feels stable/planted when cornering (albeit not very aggresively)
- the Dunlop 218 tyres warm up quickly and feel OK, I'm not sure I trust them though and will put SCs on there ASAP!!
- the throttle feels really sloppy and not connected!!
- the slipper clutch feels crude - not really tested though

Once I've sorted the brakes (pads and lines), exhaust (Akropovic), rearsets, suspension and fitted a steering damper, I'll feel more comfortable about giving it more. By then it'll be wearing track fairings, crash bungs and be on a track I hope!!

Conclusion
Overall the 10R is a missile, very quick and feels stable.
Its not as involving as the 996R, but it doesn't try to be, its and out and out track weapon and does exactly what it says on the tin!!

Would I swap my 996R for a ZX10R? Tough question, fortunately at the moment I've got my 996R for the road and the ZX for the track.

But then throw a Monster in the mix and one of them may have to go - so god knows!!!

Tim:frog:

Sounds like you got your work cut for the next few weeks Tim good luck with it mate.

:roll::roll:

the joys of being rich, im sure you can squeeze a monster in the conservatory too

is the zx10 as much of an animal as the mags make out tim ??

cheers

dave

I'm not rich, you should see me ex-wife!! Now she's rich:D:D:D:D

As for the ZX10R being a bit of an animal, well it seems quite rideable to me at low speeds and sure enough, when roused it is an absolute screamer and loads of fun!!

The magazines are saying that its the most extreme of the new Jap thous, but anyone with a reasonable amount of riding experience would find it easy I reckon.

Its not as soft as the R1 or Blade, but I'm not planning on touring or putting panniers on it either, it is what it is, a track focussed missile - fantastic!!

For me its the best of the new Jap thous', it looks great (not Ducati looks, but still great) and they're relatively cheap - Great!!

Tim:frog:

Tim... it will all make sense when all the bits are fitted :D