2016 Kawasaki ZX10-R Review: Street & Track Test! | ON TWO WHEELS

Up until last year, Kawasaki’s ZX-10R was the best superbike Japan had to offer; then Yamaha dropped the new YZF-R1 and everything changed. For 2016 Kawasaki is fighting back with a heavily updated flagship superbike—the ZX-10R gets all new suspension, brakes, and electronics, along with an updated chassis and revamped engine internals. Will it be enough?

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Ari and Zack wanted to know the same thing, and so took the new ZX10 to the street and to the track to find out how it stacks up compared to last year’s bike, as well as the competition.

Over the past few years, Europe has been punching very hard in the superbike ring. From the frameless Ducati Panigale to Aprilia’s sexy and savvy RSV4 and BMW’s insanely fast S1000RR, Japan has been left in the shadows. Kawasaki’s ZX-10R was the only bike that could really hold a candle to the Euro-elite. That is, until 2015, when Yamaha dropped the stunning new YZF-R1 into the mix and made everything else from Japan practically obsolete.

Within the same calendar year, Kawasaki announced a pile of updates for the ZX-10R. Based on what Team Green learned in its World Superbike success, Kawasaki said the 2016 ZX-10R would incorporate all of the things needed to take its flagship superbike back to the top. That meant all new gas-charged suspension from Showa, 330mm rotors and M50 brake calipers from Brembo, updated aerodynamics and ergonomics, as well as a revamped powerplant with lightened engine internals and a new exhaust.

But is it enough? That's the question that we all want answered, and nobody more so than our own Ari and Zack. They took it upon themselves to find out how much better the ZX-10R is for 2016, and how it stacks up to the old bike and the competition. Ari even went so far as getting on an airplane to get to ride the ZX-10R in it's natural habitat. Click on the video above to see what the On Two Wheels team learned!

[SirBoostAlt]

manufacturers must hate you for being so honest, BUT I thank you for being honest about it, which is rare these days.



keep it up, you've made a fan of me.

[soulfresh]

best reviewers about motorcycles on the internet hands down. covers everything including cons...which others online do not do. love it. keep it up

[Anthony_aus]

Man, I do really quite love this channel, every video is so enjoyable and Ari and Zack are super like-able.

[Otes]

Being a 2014 ZX10-R rider myself, I've been contemplating these past few weeks on whether an upgrade to the 2016 is worth it or not. Every bike DEFINITELY has it flaws but apparently after seeing a number of reviews over YouTube, none talked about the con side of the bike. Kudos to you guys for commenting on it. As my local Kawasaki dealer (Singapore) does not allow people to test ride on it, reviews like these are the next best thing to deciding on upgrading/purchasing this bike.

It is VITAL to talk about both sides of the coin so keep doing what you guys have been doing!! As mentioned in the video, you guys will be compiling and competing against the rest of the superbikes. Anticipating the review soon!

[Spliteyemoto]

Love how you guys always throw in so quick wheelies here and there lol

[VeeFour]

I respect you guys for not kissing a manufactures ass, just because they've invited you to a super exclusive launch. so many other magazines and channels really dial back the valid criticisms just to ensure they get invited back next year.

[JoeGo]

Great edit Guys love the smooth pans and transitions very proffesional :D :D :D Keep up the great work :D

[RAmmar]

I like the Duo format, we get to hear both the guy's take! Bravo!

[lolspain]

ALL of your reviews are heaps better than all the other motorcycle magazines out there. THANK YOU!

[FPietros]

So happy to have found the *"On Two Wheels"* show again!!
It used to be on another youTube channel some years ago but it got moved and I had lost track of it since...

[CubanRider]

Out of all the motorcycle reviewers, I was waiting for you guys. I'm glad to hear an honest opinion without hearing a long list of manufacturer's specs I can read myself.

[NineLivesMusic]

Great, professional video guys! I just got a zx6r, looking forward to this upgrade in some years time..

[veersr]

An actual critical review of a new bike rather than just pandering. That is awesome to see. :)

[Pillokun]

I like that you are not trying to lie like the other reviewers that are stating that this bike is entirely new, instead you are saying like it really is, an improved zx10r. good job :D

[QAnyui]

As a Malaysian, Im so proud that Sepang is one of the most badass track in MotoGP calendar. Really proud that people from other countries come here and enjoyed the track. Although Sepang no longer host SBK and F1, but as long as they still host the MotoGP, Im good.

[ipodman]

The quality of content you guys put out on this channel is next level!

[SrgTim]

So I'm a pretty tall guy about 6'8" I haven't had time to sit on one and check how comfortable it is. How is the comfort level? compared to the other bikes you've guys have been on(2015-2017). I do agree the bar is set pretty high to contend with but with the price tag of 16, 000 i think we get alot of good upgrades for that price, they kept the middle guys price tag in mind. good video

[heathy]

The delivery, set up and just generally the way you make your vids is pretty good and refreshing! So much so I've subscribed to your mag all the way from the UK! Keep it up guys.

[LambChopRides]

Great review can't wait to test one myself!

[kconutkmando]

Very well done video, you guys always have the best content. Seems like if I'm going to be spending that kind of cash on a new sportbike, why not go for the RSV4? The exclusiveness of an Aprilia and that screaming V4 make it so much more appealing to me, not to mention the better electronics styling and finish (imo).