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2012 Kawasaki Ninja ZX 10R ABS Review

2012 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R ABS Review
Passion and Speed Meet Advanced Technology
The highly advanced 2012 Ninja® ZX™-10R has just met its match: The 2012 Ninja ZX-10R ABS. Built with the same cutting-edge sport bike technology, much of it right off the MotoGP circuit, the ZX-10R ABS has an important advantage: anti-lock braking.
Kawasaki calls its anti-lock system KIBS – or Kawasaki Intelligent anti-lock Brake System. KIBS is a multi-sensing system, one that collects and monitors a wide range of information taken from wheel sensors (the same ones collecting data on the standard ZX-10R for its S-KTRC traction control system) and the bike’s ECU, including wheel speed, caliper pressure, engine rpm, throttle position, clutch actuation and gear position. Aside from this system’s ultra-fast response time, it offers a number of additional sport-riding benefits, including rear-end lift suppression during hard braking, minimal kickback during ABS intervention, and increased rear brake control during downshifts. The high-precision pressure control enables the system to avoid reduced brake performance (sometimes seen on less advanced systems), maintain proper lever feel and help ensure the ABS pulses are minimized.
The rest of the 2012 Ninja ZX-10R ABS is equally advanced. Complete with a powerful engine and lightweight chassis, it also boasts a highly advanced and customizable electronic system that allows riders of all skill levels to harness and experience the ZX-10R ABS’s amazing blend of power and razor-edge handling. The system is called Sport-Kawasaki Traction Control.
The S-KTRC system offers three different modes of operation, which riders can select according to surface conditions, rider preference and skill level: Level 1 for max-grip track use, Level 2 for intermediate use, and Level 3 for slippery conditions. Torque peaks at an rpm range that helps eliminate power peaks and valleys that make it difficult for racers and track-day riders to open the throttle with confidence. Large intake valves complemented by wide, polished intake ports allow for controllable power delivery and engine braking, just the thing to smooth those racetrack corner entries and exits. Camshafts built from chromoly steel further contribute to optimized engine braking and more controllable power delivery. The front end geometry – with rake at 25 degrees and trail at 107mm (4.21 in.) – allows light, quick handling and complements the engine’s controllable power and the frame and swingarm’s flex characteristics.
The result is powerful stops with plenty of rider feedback and the added confidence of the KIBS ABS system.
Convenient turn-signal couplers allow easy mirror removal for track-day use. The ZX-10R’s ergonomics are designed for optimum comfort and control. Ninja ZX-10R models have always pursued the highest circuit performance.