2024 Kawasaki ZX-10R KRT Edition First Ride Review & Chase Score

First Ride Impressions of the 2024 Kawasaki ZX-10R KRT Edition

• 🏍️ The reviewer shares their initial thoughts on the 2024 Kawasaki ZX-10R KRT Edition after its first ride, noting its sharp looks and impressive spec sheet.
• 🔊 The stock exhaust is highlighted for its amazing sound, described as "amazing."

Camera and Tech Unboxing

• 📸 The video features an unboxing of the Insta360 Ace Pro 2 Mark Marquez collaboration version, a camera used for moto vlogging.
• 📦 The kit includes the camera, adhesive mounts, two batteries, a helmet mount, and other accessories for recording rides.
• 🌟 The Mark Marquez edition is noted for its distinctive branding, including his number 93 on the microphone guard and shutter button.

Riding Dynamics and Ergonomics

• 🦵 Despite being a supersport, the reviewer found they could touch the ground with bent legs due to the bike's tank and seat contour, making it potentially suitable for shorter riders.
• 🚦 The bike offers Rain, Road, and Sport modes, with the initial ride starting in Rain mode.
• 🧘 The riding position is described as aggressive, with legs tucked up and a mediumly hard seat, and the upper body leaned over more than expected.

Performance and Handling

• 💨 The 2024 Kawasaki ZX-10R is powered by a 998cc inline-4 engine producing 196 horsepower and 83 foot-lbs of torque, with a wet weight of 456 lbs.
• 🏙️ City riding is noted as less ideal due to the aggressive riding position making it hard to see around, and the engine requiring revs for power, making stop-and-go traffic challenging.
• 🛣️ On the highway, the bike offers good wind protection when in a race position and maintains excellent stability, tracking well in a line.
• ⚙️ The bike features cruise control, a welcome addition for a supersport, which can be engaged and disengaged easily.
• 🎢 The suspension, featuring Showa Big Piston front forks, is a standout feature, providing a locked-on, stable, and razor-sharp feel, contributing to confidence in corners.
• ⚠️ The throttle response has some abruptness at initial engagement, with a slight "on and off" area, though it smooths out once engaged.
• ⚙️ The quick shifter is criticized for a noticeable pause in power delivery during shifts, which can disrupt the riding experience.
• 🛑 Front brakes are highly praised, featuring Brembo components with great feel and powerful bite, allowing for fine-tune adjustments and strong stopping power.
• 🚯 Rear brakes are noted as weak and less effective.

Controls, Screen, and Chase Score

• 🧐 The Ohlins steering damper is a positive feature for stability.
• 📱 The controls and buttons are considered functional but not premium for an $18,000 bike, with a desire for nicer materials.
• 🖥️ The instrument screen is described as small and far away, lacking a gas gauge and miles-to-empty indicator, despite showing useful data like lean angles and throttle/brake input.
• ⏳ Menu navigation and mode changes are criticized for being clunky and slow, requiring significant button presses and time.
• 💯 The Chase Score awarded the ZX-10R KRT Edition a total score of 66, with high marks for brakes (9), acceleration (8), and suspension (9), but lower scores for comfort (3) and ease of use (4).
• 💰 The bike is considered a solid deal at $18,000 for its performance, making it a strong contender for track days or spirited riding.