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Bikes Kawasaki Should Build Now.
Posted: Thu Nov 09, 2006 11:10 pm
by I-K
For my money, they should be...
1. A sports-tourer based on the F-model ZX-9R, featuring:
-953cc efi engine from the Z1000 with the ZX9's downdraught head
-reshaped fuel tank to make the bike narrower between the rider's legs, with fuel capacity taken out to ~21L
2. A hard-enduro bike based on the KX450F, fully ADR-compliant and registrable.
3. A serious adventure-tourer in the mould of the KTM Adventure, based around a dry-sump version of the ER-6 engine, possibly taken out to ~750cc.
4. A soft sportsbike powered by a 900-1000cc version of the ER-6 engine. A TRX850/VTR1000F for the new millennium, of sorts.
5. An updated ZX12R, 5kg lighter, slightly smaller in all directions.
6. A ZX-8R which will be a ZX-6R with a long-stroke engine.
Discuss.
Posted: Thu Nov 09, 2006 11:33 pm
by javaman
Why can't they do the 'eyes' like this ?? I mean how hard could it be?

Posted: Thu Nov 09, 2006 11:57 pm
by I-K
javaman wrote:Why can't they do the 'eyes' like this ?? I mean how hard could it be?
Not very. After all, Honda managed it on the 2003 CBR600RR...
Re: Bikes Kawasaki Should Build Now.
Posted: Fri Nov 10, 2006 1:08 am
by Neilp
I-K wrote:For my money, they should be...
1. A sports-tourer based on the F-model ZX-9R, featuring:
-953cc efi engine from the Z1000 with the ZX9's downdraught head
-reshaped fuel tank to make the bike narrower between the rider's legs, with fuel capacity taken out to ~21L
2. A hard-enduro bike based on the KX450F, fully ADR-compliant and registrable.
3. A serious adventure-tourer in the mould of the KTM Adventure, based around a dry-sump version of the ER-6 engine, possibly taken out to ~750cc.
4. A soft sportsbike powered by a 900-1000cc version of the ER-6 engine. A TRX850/VTR1000F for the new millennium, of sorts.
5. An updated ZX12R, 5kg lighter, slightly smaller in all directions.
6. A ZX-8R which will be a ZX-6R with a long-stroke engine.
Discuss.
Why are you going to buy 6 bikes???
Neil
Re: Bikes Kawasaki Should Build Now.
Posted: Fri Nov 10, 2006 2:30 am
by RG
Neilp wrote:I-K wrote:For my money, they should be...
.
.
.
Discuss.
Why are you going to buy 6 bikes???
Neil
rite...now we know who won the $21million last week.
Posted: Fri Nov 10, 2006 6:49 am
by Yankee
I have been dreaming of a "ZX8R" for some time now....
due to testing out lots of bikes (namely GSXR750 and the new-at-the-time 636, 600's, and even a few 1000's) and I am really finding a hard time finding my "next" bike. The thou's are too much for public roads (for me at least) and the 750's just aren't a big enough step up from my "lowly" 6.
Anyhoo-- with the GP going to 800's????!!!!! Be a perfect opportunity for Kwaka to jump the bandwagon???
Posted: Fri Nov 10, 2006 7:07 am
by FrogZ
Where is Kwakas Twin?? I want to know NOW !!!!
Posted: Fri Nov 10, 2006 7:40 am
by Glen
No 2 is on its way. It'll be a Kwaka equivalent to the WR450. Gonna be a tough market though, the Yamaha and the Honda are both really good bikes.
Kwaka's problem I guess is there size. They're the smallest Japanese factory so it's not economical to build more models unless you're going to get the volume. It depends on whether they have aspirations to get bigger or whether they're happy making quite a nice quid out of staying small.
Posted: Fri Nov 10, 2006 7:44 am
by red_dave
I'd sign up for a ZX8R...

Posted: Fri Nov 10, 2006 7:49 am
by Barrabob
I am testriding a spewie 400 motard tonight because kwaka dont do one and a 800 would be a good idea for us 6 riders that dont want to become space schuttle pilots or be forking out for a new tyre every 3 weeks.
Posted: Fri Nov 10, 2006 7:52 am
by Nanna10r
I agree with "Intact K" Definately a ZZR900 or ZZR1000 based on the zx9r F2.
The ER6 should be revamped with an adjustable ride hieght to give a serious transition bike for 250cc upgrade short folk.
A zx7rr based on the the 636.
Also i wouldn't mind seeing a full sports 400 based on the 636 in a smaller package.
my2cs.
Posted: Fri Nov 10, 2006 8:24 am
by greenmeanie
Good post I-K.
There is definitely a market for the bikes you mentioned.
Street regd enduro........just got to look at the sales of WR450 etc.
Also something to compete with the KTM and BMW. A Kawa off road/desert bike would be cool.
Another sports tourer for sure.
I hope they do something with the 10R in 2008.
At the moment kawasaki's range isn't that inspiring to me.
Posted: Fri Nov 10, 2006 8:29 am
by Strika
A ZX10 based naked. With the whole shooting match retained as far as Chassis, Brakes, suspension and naturally full power motor. Nice high bars, slightly taller seat (to give more leg room) and full modern adaptation of the original Z 4 into 4 pipes. Black, Green, or Burgundy like the original Z colours complete with racing stripes.!

160hp at the wheel would be nice in a naked don't ya reckon!!!

Posted: Fri Nov 10, 2006 9:17 am
by HemiDuty
I'm with Strika here. A full blown silly-fast naked would be great.
Posted: Fri Nov 10, 2006 9:44 am
by balanse
Number 2 on your list ...
http://www.kawasaki.com/Products/Detail ... ent=photos
Currently owned Yammie WR450 is ready for replacement (and will certainly be by the time this gets into showrooms) and this thing has me drooling.
My next 2 wheel purchase if it comes out with ADR (for a change).
