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02-06-2008, 07:08 AM
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There I was, just a few miles away from the Persian Gulf, hurtling through space at about 184 mph, and I’m glad that the explosive device I’m astride is in no way improvised.
Indeed, a lot of thought and effort has gone into the new ZX-10R, including a powerful electronic brain that contains more than 500 engine-control maps which govern some sort of anti-wheelspin program that Kawasaki says we shouldn't describe as traction control.
Whatever the Kawasaki Ignition Management System (KIMS) does or doesn't do, we can tell you this new ZX-10 inspires loads of confidence to twist the throttle hard when exiting corners, as we found out while navigating the Losail International MotoGP Circuit in Qatar a couple of days ago.
Although Kawasaki plays down its KIMS technology because of liability reasons (blame the ambulance chasers who sued Ford over its traction-control system in Explorers), we know you are anxious to learn about it.
"It curtails sudden spikes in engine speed," explained Kawasaki's U.S. Product Manager, Karl Edmondson in Qatar. But he made sure to add that "it's not a traction control system."
Basically, the sophisticated ECU retards ignition timing when it senses wheelspin via a myriad of sensors such as engine speed, throttle position, vehicle speed, gear position, , cam position, etc. We were told that the system doesn’t engage when the throttle is twisted hard. Rather, it will engage only when rear-wheel slip is detected at neutral throttle openings. Big K reps note that the KIMS settings are for high-level riders pushing the limits, but we might envision a circumstance in which KIMS might prevent a spill in low-traction surfaces on the street.
More: 2008 Kawasaki ZX-10R Review (http://www.motorcycle.com/manufacturer/kawasaki/2008-kawasaki-zx10r-70426.html) on Motorcycle.com
There I was, just a few miles away from the Persian Gulf, hurtling through space at about 184 mph, and I’m glad that the explosive device I’m astride is in no way improvised.
Indeed, a lot of thought and effort has gone into the new ZX-10R, including a powerful electronic brain that contains more than 500 engine-control maps which govern some sort of anti-wheelspin program that Kawasaki says we shouldn't describe as traction control.
Whatever the Kawasaki Ignition Management System (KIMS) does or doesn't do, we can tell you this new ZX-10 inspires loads of confidence to twist the throttle hard when exiting corners, as we found out while navigating the Losail International MotoGP Circuit in Qatar a couple of days ago.
Although Kawasaki plays down its KIMS technology because of liability reasons (blame the ambulance chasers who sued Ford over its traction-control system in Explorers), we know you are anxious to learn about it.
"It curtails sudden spikes in engine speed," explained Kawasaki's U.S. Product Manager, Karl Edmondson in Qatar. But he made sure to add that "it's not a traction control system."
Basically, the sophisticated ECU retards ignition timing when it senses wheelspin via a myriad of sensors such as engine speed, throttle position, vehicle speed, gear position, , cam position, etc. We were told that the system doesn’t engage when the throttle is twisted hard. Rather, it will engage only when rear-wheel slip is detected at neutral throttle openings. Big K reps note that the KIMS settings are for high-level riders pushing the limits, but we might envision a circumstance in which KIMS might prevent a spill in low-traction surfaces on the street.
More: 2008 Kawasaki ZX-10R Review (http://www.motorcycle.com/manufacturer/kawasaki/2008-kawasaki-zx10r-70426.html) on Motorcycle.com