Kawasaki Reveals Two More for 2006
Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A. (KMC) plans to hold its annual dealer meeting next week in Orlando. On September 1, the manufacturer revealed two bikes its dealers should expect to receive on showfloors for the coming year, the 2006 ZX-10R and all-new Ninja 650R.
The most recent version of the Ninja ZX-10R was alive for only two years. Kawasaki says the 2006 Ninja ZX-10R received a complete engine, chassis and aerodynamic makeover. A new frame features a revised stiffness balance, new motor mounts, more centralized mass, a relocated swingarm pivot, and a race-spec Öhlins steering damper; output is aided by a new fuel injection system, a heavier flywheel, and improvements to the shift linkage; and aerodynamic performance was altered with a new fairing, seat cowl, and dual under-seat exhaust system.
Most apparent when first looking at Kawasaki’s new Ninja 650R is the bike’s lightweight trellis frame; under-engine exhaust; and laydown, off-set single shock in the rear.
Kawi officials said they carefully studied the interface between human and machine to make the Ninja 650R a worthy bike for a wide array of riders. They said the unit – powered by a liquid-cooled, fuel-injected DOHC 649cc parallel twin – is tuned for medium speed commuting environments.
Other visual highlights on the Ninja 650R include an aggressive looking headlight design, an aerodynamic windscreen and full fairing, a slim tail cowl with a flush-surface tail lamp, front turn signals integrated into the fairing, a two-tone seat and a sculpted fuel tank.
Read the September 26 issue of Powersports Business magazine for prices and more information pertaining to Kawasaki’s plans for 2006.
