Ducati Sporting Club UK > General > Idle Chat > First real run out on the ZX10 today!

[Rattler]

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