Kawasaki ZX-10R (2004-2005)

Fantastic superbike and great value. Three years ago after having a go on a friends 08 model I had to trade up to one. I went looking for zx10s and plumped for a mint C1 (thought 06/07 was ugly). How glad am I. It feels raw like a race bike, you can really feel the road, the air screams in the box and you're totally involved in the whole riding experience. Newer superbikes will get you round a race track tenths quicker, but you'll have so much more fun. As journos have mentioned it does need respect, but only in the top half of the tacho. It's a great road bike and not restricted to the track. You can also ride it slowly as it's a real pussy cat. I'm 6'2" but still find it comfortable, can potter through town and have toured Europe only having a little discomfort on long motorway stints. The bike has been 100% reliable the finish has surprised me, being really good and par with my Honda before. It does like tyres and my mechanic says it's a pig to work on, but they are the only downsides. Really struggled with what to replace it with but fate interferred and due to a neck injury I've now joined the sit up and beg brigade, getting a sensible Superduke! This is a great bike but I preferred my 10. Go on, get yourself one, you won't regret it.

Love my 05 zx10. Got it because it was closest thing to a GP bike for street. !3,00 miles on it now and only problem is lower case cracking. had it fixed by kawisaki 1.5 urs ago, cost 4,500 buks. Now it looks like it has done it again. They said it has weak spot in case right above the water pump. it cracks right where a bolt hole is and oozes oil. Small amount but any is too much. Kawasaki corp accused me of rough riding and refused to pay at 1st. I ride curves and wheelies, no drag strip or stetched BS. I love this bike and treat it like my kids but I cant see keeping it if i keep having this issue. Taking it to get it looked at sat-6-13-09. maybe they will fix again. if not they can have it and am done with kawasaki. Only bike I have ever owned and think they have engineering issues with the lower motor casing. Any repies would be appreciated.

I love this machine to bits. The seating position is excellent for my 5ft 10" frame. The power deliver is smooth and abundant till around 6000 revs, that's when the demons from hell really get out of their cage. Crack the throttle open too quickly and the front wheel will be heading skyward in most gears. It's nibble and efficient at what it was designed to do on the track. It's also reliable and smooth around town. However you'll need to give it a little respect or you'll be in a lot of trouble really quickly. The only bike you'll ever need!

What a beautiful, amazing bike. Performace is great with enough power to do whatever you want. It's a shame Kawasaki ruined the looks of the bike with the updated version because the 2004 model looks better than the new one. In 18 months I've covered over 12,000 miles, been through several sets of tires and have enjoyed everthing about the bike. Servicing costs a fair bit but there are far less ZX10R's on the road than R1s, Fireblades and GSXR1000's so you feel unique and happy.

Great bike covered 17000 in just over a year spent over 3000 pounds no goodies. Strengths: Engine. Weaknesses: The cluth has broken twice and now will not start now in shop now to find problem.