How 'bout that Kawasaki?!

[Turbo329]

I actually sat for the AMA races this weekend and I was impressed that Jamie Hacking made the Podium in Race 1 at VIR. EXCITING battle with Aaron yates. In race two they said he fatigued from Dehydration but before that happened, he was running in 3rd again and set to make the Podium.

Great run by Hacking. I remember reading somewhere that they lowered the center of gravity on the ZX-10R by relocating the gas tank a tad. Not sure how true that is but it seems to have worked. Also, Hacking has been getting coached by Ben Spies.

On another note, it absolutely amazes me that where the weight is distributed on the bike (including the rider) can drastically affect the way the bike handles. Even in millimeters.

[XFBO]

Ok spit it out already what mod are you dreaming up for the Duc?

Can you clarify the Ben's coaching Jamie rumor? just curious

[Turbo329]

Originally Posted by XFBO

Ok spit it out already what mod are you dreaming up for the Duc?

Can you clarify the Ben's coaching Jamie rumor? just curious

No new mods for the Duc. Just working on my riding for a change. lol


Check SOUP for the Ben/Jamie Relationship. I'll try to find it when I have some downtime.

[Suburbanrancher]

Originally Posted by Turbo329

I remember reading somewhere that they lowered the center of gravity on the ZX-10R by relocating the gas tank a tad. Not sure how true that is but it seems to have worked.

They showed the custom fuel tank during the Race 1 television broadcast; basically it extends underneath the seatpad now and allows the fuel to sit lower; the top of the tank is also reshaped slightly and appears to be a little narrower which probably helps with control. It seems Kawasaki has been compiling data from all over in an effort to cure their handling woes - apparently the bikes were having an issue holding their line on certain corner exits. Roadracingworld had an interesting article last month where they showed photos of some of the ZX10 superbikes being raced in Japan and the changes teams made to the swingarm / swingarm pivot in an effort to cure some of the handling issues. Some teams made extensive changes, while others were running stock.

I'm looking real forward to seeing what improvements are coming in next year's production ZX10 - if the factory is focusing on team feedback as rumored, and the right changes are made, it could be a serious contender.

[Turbo329]

Originally Posted by Suburbanrancher

They showed the custom fuel tank during the Race 1 television broadcast; basically it extends underneath the seatpad now and allows the fuel to sit lower; the top of the tank is also reshaped slightly and appears to be a little narrower which probably helps with control. It seems Kawasaki has been compiling data from all over in an effort to cure their handling woes - apparently the bikes were having an issue holding their line on certain corner exits. Roadracingworld had an interesting article last month where they showed photos of some of the ZX10 superbikes being raced in Japan and the changes teams made to the swingarm / swingarm pivot in an effort to cure some of the handling issues. Some teams made extensive changes, while others were running stock.

I'm looking real forward to seeing what improvements are coming in next year's production ZX10 - if the factory is focusing on team feedback as rumored, and the right changes are made, it could be a serious contender.

Thanks for the detailed info. I've been eyeing a ZX-10R since '04. Maybe '08 is my year to buy one.

Those Kawi Engineers are smart. It's really only a matter of time.

[Suburbanrancher]

The above photo is from Superbikeplanet.com; besides the fuel tank, the swingarm looks to have been modified since the beginning of the season as well. Here's a photo I took at Barber earlier this year:



You can tell they were trying different swingarm pivot adjustments as well.

[Superhawk69]

It really shows #1 how far out front Suzuki is with 2/3 riders. It also shows how far Honda and Yamaha are from really dancing with the stars.


Kawasaki is close to having the package as their tires seem to be lasting the whole race. A little more speed and other things and they will be right there. Yamaha specifically is fast enough for two laps, but by the end are hoping for red flags to get new tires.

[Mashuri]

Hacker on the Kwaker might make this series interesting again.