Slightly more user friendly than the psycho C-model Kawasaki ZX-10R of 2004/05 but the latest Kawasaki ZX-10R is still a pretty extreme, track focused missile. Competitive in the 1000cc sports category, so obscenely fast and fine handling. Kawasaki ZX-10R  headlights not to everyone’s taste visually but it’s a look that gets cars out of the way sharpish.

173bhp (181 with ram air) pushing a compact 175kg is never going to be anything other than f-f-f-f-flippin’ fast. And that’s exactly what the Kawasaki ZX-10R is. It revs extremely rapidly and you appreciate the slick gear change as you whiz through the ratios. Third gear power wheelies on the Kawasaki ZX-10R? Naturally.

The latest Kawasaki ZX-10R is so much better behaved on bumpy roads than its predecessor. Quick and effortless to turn, stable and easy to change line mid-corner, the Kawasaki ZX-10R comes with Ohlins steering damper as standard. You’ll still need to be a dedicated, experienced rider if you want to push hard on the track and a mad man to do it on the road on a Kawasaki ZX-10R

There are sports bikes you can tour on and some that make it hard work. The riding position on the Kawasaki ZX-10R makes it one of the latter. It’s a head-down, neck craning experience. The Kawasaki ZX-10R is reasonably well equipped for a supersport, digital console includes a lap timer.

No regular problems – with proper maintenance the Kawasaki ZX-10R engine should run forever. You can’t thrash a motorcycle like this regularly. If buying a Kawasaki ZX-10R look for crash damage, signs of theft and clues it’s been a race bike or track day machine. Paperwork should provide clues so read it all.

The Kawasaki ZX-10R is a blistering machine for a reasonable price. Better still plenty are sold at a discount. Even thought the GSX-R1000 is a better machine Kawasakis have a cult following which keeps used prices high. Kawasaki ZX-10R servicing and tyres aren’t cheap, insurance ditto but considering the Ferarri crushing performance, the Kawasaki ZX-10R a bargain

2004: Original C-model Kawasaki ZX-10R launched.
2006: D-suffix Kawasaki ZX-10R with projector headlights replaces the Kawasaki ZX-10R ‘C’.
2007: Model discontinued

Top speed  182mph
1/4-mile acceleration  10.7 secs
Power 181bhp
Torque 85ftlb
Weight 175kg
Seat height 825mm
Fuel capacity 17 litres
Average fuel consumption 40mpg
Tank range  145 miles
Insurance group 17
Engine size 998cc
Engine specification 16v inline-four, 6 gears
Frame Backbone/twin tube aluminium
Front suspension adjustment Preload, rebound, compression
Rear suspension adjustment Preload, rebound, compression
Front brakes Twin 300mm discs
Rear brake 220mm disc
Front tyre size 120/70 x 17
Rear tyre size 190/55 x 17